Hey there dear readers!
The last week has been full of excitement, emotions and new experiences. I will share the highlights and the most crucial parts of it with you here.
After celebrating 4th of July with the BFTF family, we stayed up way too late and woke up much too early to set on our new adventure in Philadelphia and Washington DC. Although everyone was tired, the bus ride was full of laughter and energy. You could feel the excitement building up as we got closer to our destination.
Once we arrived to Philadelphia we checked in to our fantastic hotel (with a swimming pool and a jacuzzi which we had plenty of fun with) and settled in, having a calm first evening. The next days consisted of visiting the Independence hall, Franklin Court, the Constitution Center and the Chemical Heritage Foundation.
The most interesting thing to me in Philadelphia was probably the Constitution Center. It was full of stories, knowledge of all sorts and history of the nation and the people leading up to this very day. We saw an impressive video in the beginning of the tour which combined the sense of greatness America possesses as well as respect and acknowledgement of the losses and struggles the people had gone trough to achieve their freedom, peace and happiness. Of course there is always more to do and things to repair, but the feeling which filled me wasn't judgement or doubt, instead it was admiration. I admired the way a nation built from a dream, with all it's problems and mistakes, has still managed to support the idea of pursuit of happiness which is guaranteed to it's people and continues to evolve. The history is a proof of the future as well. You have to know where you came from in order to know where you are going, or where you most definitely do not want to go.
The other places were no less impressive than the Constitution Center. We got to see The Franklin Court, which was unbelievably interesting and full of historic items and places. The guide showed us the old pressing process which was a very unique thing to see. I even bought a few papers printed there.. Couldn't resist.
The last day we went to The Chemical Heritage Foundation, which I had a a certain stereotype of. I was glad to be proven wrong. Chemistry is cool. The history of it, the wide range of it's experimenting. The way it is in our everyday life and how we've managed to evolve as a human race by studying it. There was a spacesuit exhibit as well, which was by far my favorite part there. I love space and seeing some suits, even though they were only copies of the originals, was exciting for me. I was all giddy and spent most of the time there. Whenever I start thinking about space and the universe I get sidetracked and feel very strange, it's like I realize how small I am in the midst of everything that's going on, and that will keep going on long after I'm gone. It's a feeling which cannot be correctly described, ever.
Exploring in Philadelphia.
The next stop, Washington DC.
On our very first day there we had the most official meeting in the entire program. We visited the Department of State, which is the main organizer of the BFTF- institute. We were all dolled up and I dare say very nervous about the meeting. We had a chance to hear more about diplomacy, foreign relations and social medias part in today's politics. The security was really tight, in case of needing to go to the restroom, you needed to be escorted. Yup, to the restroom. And yup, surprisingly no one needed to go, I wonder why that is?
After that our experience in DC was more relaxed and unofficial. The most life changing experience we had during our time there was at the Holocaust museum. We had a chance to hear a holocaust survivor talk about his experience and his family. It was beyond touching. I felt actual pain hearing him talk and seeing a living proof of the cruel things the human race is capable of. I can't ever comprehend it, that kind of bloodshed feels unrealistic in every sense of the word. After that we toured around the museum and I found myself wandering off on my own, I felt that other people seeing me in that emotional state would have been too much to handle. Seeing my fellows and hearing them speak about how they felt, I knew that in some way they had changed for good. No one could see, touch and smell the death and sorrow in the museum without being profoundly affected. It's an experience I will never forget.
Getting back on brighter subjects, we heard three terrific speakers at the Washington Center. Their words were inspiring. We also met some BFTF alumni from different countries and years. It was great to get to talk to them and hear about how their life's had been shaped by one amazing summer in the program and how still, after several years they were in touch and good friends with their Fellows. There was even some long lasting romance blossoming.. Admirable.
Some sightseeing in Washington
On Friday we left Washington DC and headed back to Winston-Salem where our host families were waiting for us. It was hard to say goodbye to everyone, even if it was just for a few days. These are the people I wake up with, spend the entire day with and eventually fall asleep with. It's frightening how much love I have for them.. I guess some time apart could do us good? No. But the families are great! That make's the hard separation worth the while.
Today we went to a Farmers Market with our host mom. It was great! There was a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, of course there were some delicious samples as well. We also visited a used books store which was amazing. I couldn't resist it, I committed a joyful sin and bought three more books to stuff in my suitcase. What can I say, that's just the way it's always going to be, any resistance is futile. Bookworms bite. After that we went to an Irish pub and ate some decent, absolutely delicious food. As I'm writing this I still feel full. I don't think I'll be eating anything for a year from now. (Just wait, in the morning I'll be recovered and stuffing food in my mouth yet again)
At the market.
In the evening there was the live music and people dancing salsa on the street, my dear fellows arrived one by one and I felt like the sun had come up from hiding once again. I was dragged and forced to dance but eventually I found myself enjoying it and getting more relaxed by the minute. And also, the positive side, I burned plenty of calories. We ended up playing African drums as well, it was so much fun! No matter where we are, with the Buftuf people, we always end up having the greatest time of our lives. A few Fellows were missing from our evening, but they were with us in the spirit of messed up salsa and uncontrollable laughter.
The experiences we've had so far have shaped us, in many ways we've matured (while keeping in touch with our goofy childishness) and evolved. Learned of our own potential and the importance of having a social network, a group of support and love which will provide us not only with important contacts for the future, but even more so lifelong strong friendships that will never fade away.
Kindly yours, A
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