From West to East

When I was concluding my study-abroad experience in Spain, I remember feeling I had visited more places in Europe than in the United States. It felt shameful that I had been to Rome, Paris, Madrid, Berlin, Athens, and even Istanbul before visiting New York City. I know, I sound like I am complaining but this motivated my post-graduation move to D.C. This past summer I was able to study, or rather intern, abroad in my own country, as the East Coast proves to be quite different than the West. I didn't get to the East Coast shore, so I can't comment on the difference of swells between the Atlantic and Pacific. I refer to the East Coast attitude. More specifically, I saw the D.C. work force to be the strongest workaholics I have seen, all to get ahead. In comparison to los Madrileños on siesta or the Berkeleyans at a coffee shop, these D.C. people prefer the happy hour, after too many hours of work. With the amount of young professionals around looking for their next move, for their next great opportunity, D.C. has a culture of networking, seeping into the happy hour conversation.

I may come off cynical, but I mean to sound in awe. It is an attitude I haven't experienced before. I didn't think about it much until I left D.C. I should have known though. After finding all the regional differences within Spain, just larger than California, of course D.C. would be very different. After four years of Bay Area education, concluding Northern California and Southern California are essentially different states, of course D.C. would be different. And yet, I am amazed over and over again by the sharp influence my surroundings had on me. How much they permeate my actions and cause a mind shift without even realizing it. Who needs a lunch break anyway?

Plane taking off from Reagan airport over Potomoc River

My time in D.C. was not only a movement West to East, but North to South as well. At my part-time hostessing gig, I found a community to learn some new Spanish dialects including Honduran, Salvadorian, Mexican, and Peruvian. Within my country, I learned more about Honduras than ever before. In fact, a co-worker and friend, Ever Aguirre Bonilla, taught me all there is to know about Honduras, with an emphasis on fútbol and politics. Needless to say, D.C. was an all-en(compass)ing experience.

One thing to consider before visiting the Capital, you will get to do a lot of free things. This makes a recent college graduate extremely happy. Especially the plethora of options for outdoor movies on any given summer night. I guess what I am getting at is, D.C., although I was exhausted after the summer, I kind of miss you in retrospect.