We’ve Packed All, Except the Memories

We could have a similar trip, but it would never compare.

Time. That’s all we really need. How does it all pass by so quickly?

Currently we are in the airport in London, England. After almost seven hours of relaxation on the airplane, I have finally created a whole image of the past days.

It all started from a delayed flight that lead to an extreme rush to our second flight. Along with that, it also caused the late arrival of our baggage (two days).

Skipping over our Walmart experience would just leave a gap in the entire story: buying cheap clothes and food because we basically had nothing and the following day was our first day at the convention.

So as you can see, all began well…all was chill.

The next day was my first workshop, which took me to the National Zoo, where I discovered how friendly Americans are and how fresh and welcoming the atmosphere is. But nothing amazed and made me smile more than finding out we get free refills. Really, nothing.

Some random people I met
               that seemed cool

Later that day we joined 4,000 students to go see Bob Woodward. Although for some, this may be considered a once in a lifetime opportunity, not all, for instance, me, knew what speaker they were going to soon see on stage. Sure, I knew his name and had previously learned a few details about him, but my interest was not strong, which is precisely why jet lag took over so easily and got me sleeping throughout almost his entire speech. Funny thing is, I was not the only one; I was not the only one fighting a battle with sleep. In fact, I don’t remember seeing more than a couple of us not leaning over to rest.

Believe it or not, this was probably the hardest part for me: getting over jet lag. So as soon as applause came around to cheer and close up Bob Woodward’s presentation, we went to our rooms, forced ourselves to bed. Yes, I had to force myself.

One of the dozen of pictures Kabul and I took at CNN

Nevertheless, our baggage came just in time as I woke up fresh the next morning, ready for CNN. This media tour, I have to say, was my favorite part of the convention. Kabul and I got to actually enter the CNN building, get inside, interview a professional broadcaster, and take dozens of pictures in their private rooms. We also passed through Union Station and then joined Mrs. Lawrence for lunch at a sushi restaurant (my favorite).

The third day at the convention was a day of serious tough work. I went to session after session from the beginning to the end of that day’s program. Unfortunately, not all sessions were worth it, which is why I spent so much time wandering through the building in search of new ones. On the other hand, half of the sessions were pretty awesome. Not only were they extremely educational and useful, but they were so entertaining I was recording the whole time laughing along with the rest. One in particular, entitled “5 Steps of Revision”, I will never forget. Although I arrived a few minutes late and the gigantic room was full, I found space and instantly put my phone to record everything. The lady teaching us was hilarious and so charismatic.

It was the first time I laughed naturally that day.

That night, we threw a mini party with Katie and Harsha, who used to go to AIS. We ordered way too much pizza, played games, and made just a tad bit of noise (sarcasm).

After a tiring closing-of-the-convention ceremony, we left Marriott and headed straight towards Pentagon Mall where we spent time either shopping, eating, or simply spending time, for approximately four to five hours. After that, we headed towards a new hotel, much different than Marriott.

(By this time we were over our jet lag).

Dayana and I in front of Georgetown University

The next morning I had a hard time eating breakfast, so I sleepily ate two loaves of bread and then hopped on the bus that drove us to the Arlington Cemetery. I, here, have to ask, is it wrong to think a cemetery is not a visiting center? Anyway, after we had a very pleasing lunch at a Vietnamese restaurant, recommended by our guide, she took us to Georgetown University, and then to memorials (Korean War, Vietnam War, and Lincoln). What was special about these was that we got to see them during sunset and afterwards at night. And of course, we had another short shopping session at the biggest mall in Washington.

We came back late to the hotel exhausted, just to wake up early again the next day to ride to the US Capitol, The White House, The Kazakhstan Embassy, The American University, The Thomas Jefferson Memorial, The Martin Luther Memorial, The Franklin Donald Roosevelt Memorial, and finally, The US Marine Corps War Memorial. That day we had another healthy lunch at Panera Bread and dinner at famous Chinese restaurant Meiwah.

At the White House

Kabul and Yash capturing the outstanding sunset nearby the Franklin Donald Roosevelt Memorial

Perfect sunset.
               With these nuances, anything was beautiful.

One part of the city you can see
                from the Washington Monument

Our last day in Washington is when our saddened faces began the countdown. I was personally missing my family and Almaty, but at the same time I knew that as soon as I would arrive home, I would miss America so much. Luckily, we did not have to wake up as early, but after we did, we directly went to visit the National Museum of American History, the Holocaust Museum, the Washington Monument, and then the Newseum. That day, we had another healthy lunch at Cosi cafe. As if our flight knew we desired not to leave, it was delayed six hours. We had dinner at Union Station where some of us did a little more shopping, and then we went back to our hotel (surprisingly we were aloud) and simply waited. 

When the time came, we drove to the airport. To my surprise, at least, the place was completely empty and all shops were closed. We spent about three hours either sleeping, playing cards, working, listening to music, or just wandering around. At a moment, I recall, everyone but Ildar and I looked dead, sleeping on the floor or in weird positions on chairs. When boarding time arrived, we got onto our plane and...well, I didn't really get to say goodbye to Washington. Everything happened so fast. Moreover, I was so tired I fell asleep the moment I got a blanket wrapped around me (before the plane even took off). 

And this is where we all are now: next to Starbucks in the London, England airport. Saying that words can't describe our experience in America would be a lie; there are enough words to paint what we went through. I'm glad it was us who decided to group up and head to America. I'm even glad we went through all these troubles (flight delays, late baggage arrivals, wearing Walmart clothes at the Journalism Convention, small conflicts with new people, other flight delays, and so on). I am so glad. I am glad we came to Washington. Because now, although I have packed everything as we're going home, I still have the memories with me. 

And they will stay with me.  With all of us.