Dylan Miller ’16 – Well it has been another long and fun-filled day in our nation’s capitol. After a long day of traveling, we got to have a leisurely morning with a departure time of 10:30am. From our hotel, the group made its way to the nearest Metro station where we made a quick stop at Krispy Kreme for our free Happy Daylight Savings Time doughnut before piling into the metro train. A few train switches later (oh the joys of public transportation!), we were at the American History Museum. We had about an hour and a half to explore the Americana-filled museum. Not nearly enough time, but we had a busy schedule, and it was off to the Museum of the American Indian. As we approached the museum, Dr. Drury pointed out the stark contrasts between the American History Museum and the Museum of the American Indian. The stone walls and undulating architectural style of the Museum of the American Indian compared to the clean-cut industrial style of the American History Museum showed illuminated how the creators wanted these two museums to be interpreted. With a rhetoric professor by your side, you’re never free from (rhetorical) criticism and interpretation.
After making our way through the two museums, the group split up to further explore the city on our own. My classmate, Josh Bleisch, and I made our way to the National Gallery of Art to check out some Van Gough and Monet paintings like any good liberal arts student would do (I love those water lilies). Next was some much needed R&R in the hotel room after hours of walking around the city and museums.
With empty stomachs, Josh and I headed out on the town for some authentic D.C. cuisine. Naturally, we ended up at the famous Ben’s Chili Bowl, a local favorite of Bill Cosby, Jesse Jackson, and a fairly well known D.C. local by the name of Barack Obama. The long, looping line the length of the restaurant was a correct indicator of the amazing chilidogs and fries. From Ben’s Chili Bowl, Josh and I made one final stop to a large eggshell colored house (or maybe it was white, I’m not good with colors). After getting some cheesy touristy pictures and getting yelled at by the Secret Service (apparently we were supposed to stay on the sidewalk?), we headed back to the hotel.
Now it’s time to be domestic and iron my suit for tomorrow’s business-professional excursions!
