washington dc

It was incredible that we were still energetic and wide awake when we landed in Washington Dulles airport early of the morning. The immigration was swift with no hassle, photo and fingerprints taken. Perhaps there were no crowds due to the early morning and way passed holiday seasons. We waited for a while for our luggage to come out and the went through the custom with not much difficulties. 

Addis from IREX was already there awaiting us. We waited for other group of ILEPERS to arrive but it seemed that they missed their connecting flight. Addis told us to put our coat on. And out of airport we went with our luggage in toll and that was when the first gust of cold freezing wind shocked us. It was dead cold even with coats on. We quickly jumped into the bus to seek some warmth.

The sun was shinning and the sky is blue. It looked warm enough to fool us if not for the dead trees with no leaves dotting along the way to our hotel. 

Our cameras couldn't stop clicking. It was something refreshing, the landscape, buildings, streets and people.

Lucyriver could picture the Beatles walking across the zebra crossing.

It took more than 30 minutes to arrive at our hotel which we were staying for three days before going to our host university.

Finally we met Emily, Claire and other IREXers face to face. We filled in some forms, took some documents, have our photos taken by Claire and then off to our room to rest for the rest of the day. Lucyriver shared a room with Monia from Bangladesh.

Not wanting to waste the time and chance, we sneaked out after settling things in our rooms. We had our lunch in a cosy cozy cafe across the street. 

This hot chocolate was a real bless in such a cold day. There was this sandwich chicken too, didn't manage to get a picture, where the portion was huge. 

After filling our stomach, we walked to our intended and utmost destination, the White House.

The White House

Dinner was served at the hotel. First course, grass salad, then chicken. It was such a hassle to have so many pieces of cutlery. For Lucyriver, a pair of fork and spoon would have served the purpose from beginning till end.

This is what our breakfast looked like for the next three mornings. Scrambled eggs, jam pastries and fruits.

Somewhere in the wee morning, woke up to this, from the window of Lucyriver room. SNOW.

Everyone ran out to greet the snow. All around was white. The snow was falling gently like talcum being sprinkled from above.