Merry Christmas George Mason

December brought the Christmas Spirit to Mason, helped by the snow arriving in Fairfax. It was nowhere near as heavy as Montreal but it was nice to see some snow around Christmas time, especially for the students from Brazil who had never seen it before! We decorated our floor, listened to seasonal songs and watched some Xmas films, including to my shame only just seeing Home Alone 2 for the first time (I know). It's been difficult to get too Christmassy though, as December also meant time for Finals. The last 2 weeks have been finishing assignments and completing exams, which were a mixed bag, but the never ending classes are over. Lasting from late August to mid-December its been the longest unbroken learning time I've ever done, and I'm glad to finally get a break.

There's been time for other things, including a trip to the U.S Capitol building. For those who don't know it is the home of Congress, the other part of Government who share a balance of power with the President. We toured the building which was incredibly interesting, its another one of those iconic places where I've learned so much about the history that has taken place there, you can't help but enjoy seeing it all for the first time. Although sitting down in a Senate session to see an almost empty chamber, and a guy apologizing for the Senators being absent because of traffic reminds you that members of the American government, like Britain to be honest, aren't always the most effective workers!

The inside of the dome, a painting called "The Apotheosis of George Washington". I get that they love their American heroes but having him as an angel-like figure looking down on you is a bit odd.

December was also a busy month for birthdays, so we always found time in between the work to celebrate- congrats to Yusuke, Rosalie, Marwan, Terry and anyone else I forgot. I might have had enough cake and champagne to last me through Christmas, but its been worth it. Especially since its the end of a fantastic semester at George Mason, where I have met some brilliant people from all over the world. I chose to be part of the Global Crossings LLC (Living Learning Community) on a whim, not really thinking about what it would be like. The 4th floor of Hampton Roads has turned out to be a great place to live filled with fantastic experiences and stories from across the globe, and other international students from elsewhere have helped make it great. I look forward to seeing most of you again in January for another Semester and will miss greatly those who are heading back home, or to a new experience. So thank you Rosalie and your impromptu dancing, Samir and your philosophy in flip flops, Ted and your classy fashion sense, Jeremy and your slightly extreme love of Lion King, Les Mis and Five Guys, and Marwan and your strange but brilliant humour. We will miss you all and look forward to seeing you again someday- good luck for everything in your future!

To all of you Happy Holidays, have a good break- and to those who celebrate it, have a Merry Christmas!

A

Montreal- Get Involved

Thanksgiving is a pretty important holiday in the U.S, although all I knew about it came from watching episodes of Friends. So when it came round at the end of November and we had a few days break, we decided to celebrate this traditional American celebration by going to Canada. Obviously.

We went to Montreal, Quebec, where a few of the French people we know had lived before, and where Thanksgiving is celebrated a few weeks earlier. So we came for the cold and snow (minus temperatures all week), the food (poutine is pretty nice, chips and gravy and cheeses basically), seeing the Queen on the money again... and the drinking age being back to 18! But it was a long journey. Our Megabus left D.C about 1:30, and our 4-ish hours journey to New York quickly turned into +7 hours. Traffic was terrible and we missed our first bus to Montreal, so had to wait til midnight to get the next one. Our race through New York City with baggage in the rain was a bit wasted in the end! The next bus ride wasn't much better, stopping too many times really. Border control is one thing, but sitting in Albany bus station at 3am was a pretty low moment for everyone involved.

We finally arrived around half 8 the next morning, settled into the apartment (which had a great view) and explored a bit of Montreal. Its a very different city to any of the ones I'd seen in America, older and more European for obvious reasons. In the snow its a really beautiful place, and felt very Christmassy with the decorations up. I don't know if I'll ever see a White Christmas at home, but it was nice to get a White Thanksgiving here.

We visited a few places in Montreal like the Port and the Fine Arts Museum- because we're cultured students, of course- but the best was Notre Dame, which was absolutely stunning. It completely put the National Cathedral in the shade. Inside was amazing, and the nicest touch was the dark blue ceiling with gold stars to appear like the night sky. We also took a look at McGill university, one of the top Universities, and another small church where Joe was very enthusiastic to "get involved".

If we're honest, the best part of Montreal was being able to go out and have a drink... so we did! Not much to say other than it was good times all round.

Red Cup time

Love a bit of Karaoke

Sam, Jeremy and Marwan showing off how "so cool" they are

Emily and Yusuke Hattori!

The moment Georgia realizes she's lost her voice

On our last day we were tired, cold, and not looking forward to returning to work at GMU, so logically we went for a trek up Mont Royal, which overlooks the city and was next to our apartment. Somehow we made it to the top and back without falling over too much, apart from Yusuke who quickly regretted his forward snow angel. It was a great view from the top and a lovely way to end the week. Unless your name is Joe, who returned to find he'd lost his passport which would leave him stuck in Canada for a while. We were very sympathetic friends, until we got hungry and left to eat poutine. They found it in the end, so I don't have to end this blog with updates on how Joe is surviving alone across the border in minus-10 temperatures. 

Montreal was fantastic from start to finish, although I wouldn't recommend almost a full day of travelling by coach both ways! But I can safely say that our Canadian break was the best moment so far of my year abroad in America... sorry U.S.A!

A

The First Hundred Days

As long as I haven't gone crazy and can still count, today marks one hundred days since I departed England for America. Aside from the FDR reference, its made me realize that this time abroad hasn't gone quickly like I thought it would, because the terms at Leicester would be finished before you know it. Its a long time since me, Georgia and Joe turned up on campus on a muggy hot day, having no clue where to go and shouting 'Walmart' at people walking past. 

Although the midterms are supposedly when the work piles up here, its still been constant throughout November. We've managed to do a few things, like going to the International Spy Museum in D.C. Its a pretty good place to visit as it shows you how spies did their work over history, while having some fun interactive stuff kids. Although we were all a bit too keen to crawl through the ventilation shaft! But really, the main reason I wanted to go was to see the James Bond exhibition. As well as all the costumes, props like Jaws' teeth, and of course the cars, there was an activity to see how long you could hang from a metal bar like 007. The kids lasted longer than me, but Ted and Sahrish did alright!

We also had a look at the American Art and National Portrait Gallery Smithsonian which was just across the road. Although we didn't see all of it there was some great artwork and photography and I'll return to see the rest. For me, one of the best things about being close to D.C is the number of art galleries.

About a week later we visited Great Falls National Park, which had some stunning views, and it was nice to go for a walk through the forest which looks great this time of year even without leaves. Although my fellow trekkers pull some interesting faces when posing for these pictures....

So much has it happened since 100 days ago and its been great, but just for a few days we'll be leaving the country. Thanksgiving break is here so we're heading up to Montreal, Canada for the rest of the week. Not sure if I'm really prepared for the minus temperatures and probable snow that awaits, but considering the last few British winters I should be alright. See you soon Canada,

A

7:5 to D.C.

Being in another continent its always strange to see things from home around, so it was very surreal to meet up with my friend Sophie in D.C. this weekend, who has been on exchange down in Baton Rouge. We've known each other for 9 years since being in the same form together at school (7:5 and Mr Folley, 2004!) so it was weird to meet up 3 and a half thousand miles from home! It was great to meet up and also to meet fellow Brits on exchange from Sussex. Hopefully I'll make the return trip down to Louisiana and New Orleans next semester.

It was a chance to see some of the Smithsonians I hadn't done yet, starting with the Natural History Museum. They have a good collection of animal exhibits and sealife displays, but let's be honest, the only reason anyone ever goes to a Natural History Museum?

Dinosaurs. And yes, they were great (cue Jurassic Park music).

The National Archives don't allow photography in order to preserve its contents; the Declaration of Independence, The Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights. It was really interesting to see something I've learned about so much right in front of me, 237 years old. It doesn't have quite the same impact as the memorials but are equally worth seeing.

At the American History museum we saw the Americans at War exhibit, which proudly told the story of the United States role in the Revolution, the Civil War and World War 2. It was a really good part of the museum, with artifacts, somewhere to practice your 'Rosie the Riveter' factory work, and a piece of the Berlin Wall, and it does acknowledge the controversy of conflicts like Vietnam, even if it understandably focuses more on the others. It was sad to see a tiny box of text being the only mention of Japanese-Internment, where during WW2 120,000 American citizens were imprisoned against their will, separated from families, many losing their homes and businesses and receiving no legal protection. There's no mention of it being a bad thing, just the minimum facts. I learned about this at school and further at university and I was stunned to see it glossed over so easily.
The Presidency exhibit was an interesting look around, with many of the First Ladies dresses on display and a podium to practice your Presidential speeches. I went for a classic bit of JFK, although talking to 'my fellow Americans' doesn't really work in a British accent though the people watching had a laugh. Sophie was a bit more convincing in her FDR tribute!

Visiting Arlington National Cemetery was really something special, especially on Veterans' Weekend. It is just across the Potomac and is a place for military personnel and casualties, honouring what they did for their country. It's a very peaceful place and is huge, with graves stretching as far as you can see. You can visit the graves of notable figures who served in the military and are buried here including President Kennedy and his wife, alongside his brothers as well. At the Tomb of the Unknown soldier there was a laying of the wreath ceremony taking place which was remarkable to see the respect and dedication in carrying it out. I found the Cemetery extraordinary, and I love the respect and value in which these brave men and women are given. And yet it is obviously a very sombre place, and sad to know that the graves do stretch on so far.



I'm not sure anyone can be prepared to engage with stories of the Holocaust. I've learned about it in the past, visited the Imperial War Museum exhibit and even met a survivor and heard him speak about his experiences. We knew we had to visit the Holocaust Memorial Museum in D.C. even though it was not an easy place to visit. I don't want to talk in too much detail about it because I believe it should be experienced in person, and I don't have the words to really describe what it is like. Needless to say, it is an incredibly moving museum to see, and is undoubtedly the best one in D.C.

We spent the evening seeing the memorials at sunset and at night, including the long walk round the Tidal Basin to see Martin Luther King and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt memorials. Both were very impressive and fitting tributes to two important figures in American history. MLK towers over you while you are surrounded by his quotes, a truly monumental sight, while FDR's legacy is spread out through stone and water fountains with the President right next to you. They're very different but both fantastic, much more personal than the grand tributes to Jefferson and Lincoln. The FDR memorial is also great for dedicating a section to his wife Eleanor Roosevelt, who could have had a memorial in her own right for her work for human rights.

Thank you for visiting Sophie, see you in 2014! Go and read her much more fun blog about life in Louisiana here http://sophiestudiesthings.blogspot.com/

A

Autumn or Fall?

In England, there's not really a full Autumn season like Winter, which lasts forever. It's basically the few weeks between the end of summer, which was never that hot to begin with, and the freezing cold that lasts until about March. Of all the things I miss about home, the climate isn't one of them- although I do appreciate it when it rains every now and then instead of virtually every other day! In America however the season seems much longer and everyone calls it Fall, as in the falling of the leaves. It's an accurate description, as the colour the leaves change into are so much more vivid and warm then at home, so it's fair enough to name the season after the leaves falling. I use it, although I'm beginning to slip into using the wrong words in conversation with Americans, saying "sidewalk" and "elevator". It's a bit worrying to be honest!

The midterms are out of the way. but there's no break in the workload. Fortunately choosing your own

classes means you can study a variety of topics so it never gets to familiar. At the moment I'm working on Roy Lichtenstein's series of Landscapes in the Chinese Style, Muhammad Ali's early career (when he was known as Cassius Clay) and his bouts with Sonny Liston, and the effects of mass media like television and radio through the perspectives of political science and philosophy. It's all really interesting, which makes it unbelievably boring when you turn up to class on U.S Presidents and listen to a man talk for 2 and a half hours about trivia and anecdotes he knows about them. Memorizing 100 years of these facts for each test is tougher still. Thankfully there was at least one day we changed it up a bit, by visiting the Woodrow Wilson house in D.C where he lived the last few years of his life. I found it really interesting, as Wilson had been such an important figure in learning history since year 9, as he was the President during the Progressive era, World War One, and the failed attempt to create and join a strong League of Nations. Learning about such massive events came seem a bit abstract until you find yourself in the rooms where he lived, and where he died. The room pictured here was where we had our opening talk, and it was surreal almost 90 years ago his funeral was in the same spot. to think Although I don't know how useful the experience will be in an exam, it's one I enjoyed and I'm glad I got from this class.

America gets pretty excited about their seasonal holidays, and Fall means only one thing- Halloween! And they take it a lot more seriously over here. People wore their costumes to class, there were Christmas-scale decorations outside the houses and pumpkin patches on lawns on the side of the road. It seems to be much more important than at home, where children will go trick or treating and students use it as an excuse for a night out. It did give us some laughs though, especially surrounding Marwan and the mystery of the missing pumpkin. "Billy" was stolen from the common room, prompting panic, wanted posters, announcements in class, ransom notes from cut-out letters from magazines, and payment of toblerone before his eventual safe return. All I can say is, well played to the thieves! (Sorry Marwan). We also dressed up, although most of us figured it out the night before so we're not on the American-level of Halloween dedication yet. But it was a pretty fun night, although it's a sad walk home at half-4 in the morning and there are no food places open on campus or in Fairfax... then I was really missing Leicester and it's Dominos that delivers until 5!

Although we had a week where the temperature suddenly dropped, it's been quite nice since so I've done a bit more sightseeing in D.C. I loved the hustle and bustle of New York but it can't really compete with D.C in the beauty side, especially at this time of the year. It's nice to start discovering new places that I didn't see the first few times I went in as well. So a quick run-through...

• Washington National Cathedral- I had to visit here, if only to see where that scene from the 'Two Cathedrals' episode of The West Wing. It's an impressive place, huge and grand, with some incredible stained-glass windows. But to be honest it feels a bit too new. It was built in 1900 and doesn't feel like it has the history of Westminster Abbey or St Paul's for obvious reasons. It was worth a visit though and is a stunning building.
• Embassy Row- A long stretch from the Cathedral to Dupont Circle, where most of the international embassies in the U.S are located. You can tell the difference between the status of each nation and their relationship with the U.S quite well from how grand or small each one is.I enjoyed spotting a red telephone box outside the British Embassy, and there were plenty of statues along the route for famous figures like Churchill, Mandela and Gandhi.
  
   

• Jefferson Memorial- Missed this first time round as it is a bit out of the way from the Mall, on the other side of the tidal basin. It's an impressive structure dedicated to the writer of the Declaration of Independence and third President, and there's an area underneath with a mini-exhibit and gift shop. I was surprised that he was eulogized quite so much- in the overall scheme of American History Thomas Jefferson probably deserves a memorial, but the complete lack of any significant mention of being a slave owner was disappointing. I understand its not what you'd like to remember but you have to teach all aspects of the history, and it's a missed opportunity. Still, it is well worth seeing.

In fact, it's worth visiting just to get this view along the way!

A

Thank You, Laughing Water Farm

Bit of a late update this one. Last weekend was a long one, with no class on Monday thanks to Columbus Day, so we took advantage of it. A few of us were very kindly invited by Monisola to come along to visit a farm in Marion, South West Virginia, a six hour drive away(!) that was well worth it. We arrived late on Friday night to some very friendly people and some very tasty food. That was one of the trends of the weekend, incredible food, much of it straight from the farm itself. Roasted beef, goat, pork, pumpkin, grits, great green beans, real bread, fresh salad, we even tried a bit of squirrel... which tastes like rabbit, if anyone's wondering. After 7 weeks of campus food, it was amazing enough to sample all this fantastic cooking.

We went along to a farmer's market in Marion the next day, and got a bit of a feel for the town. To call it different is an understatement, it really felt like the kind of small town I'd seen on TV shows but never been to. Everyone seemed to know everyone and were incredibly friendly, chatting to us and making us welcome. A few people had a little singing session including Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, which I had to applaud, and there was even a little dance class at the market. Which I have to say, my roommate Yusuke was a natural at!

After a trip to a shop for the most amazing mint choc chip sundae you'll ever taste, and some surprisingly intense card games (Yusuke screaming "Asshole!" will stay with me forever) we did a few things in the evening. There was a trip to the Damascus Brewery, a nice little place to get a drink and chat (or sit and watch the over-21s drink. Thanks America), then a car trip in the pitch black seemingly up a mountain to visit some of our hosts' friends having a bonfire. It had been a long time since I'd been in the middle of nowhere around a campfire, which I used to love at Scouts, and it helped that we had a bit of moonshine to try. It's a famous American drink dating back to prohibition, when bootleggers brewed it illegally in places like bathtubs to avoid the government ban. It's still around today, although what we had was the legal regulated stuff and bought in a shop thankfully- apple pie flavored and surprisingly nice!

While there we learnt about Laughing Water farm and the Sprouting Hope garden as well, which was very interesting. It's great to see such a different way of life, and all the different types of things grown and animals raised. The things the Sprouting Hope garden does for the community are great, offering opportunities to both young children and others to join in and contribute. And it was fun to see all the animals as well, although none of them could match up to Goatley, the cutest baby goat you'll ever see. We did consider kidnapping her and taking Goatley back to GMU with us! There was also a corn maze adventure that, if we're honest, was a bit poor, and a taste of Dip Dogs (corn dogs) that I'm not sure I'd want to ever have again!

On our last day there we spent an epic 6 or 7 hours straight just cooking, as we returned the favour to our hosts. Me and Emily brought the British cuisine with Shepherd's Pie, Yusuke gave us Okonomiyaki (cabbage pancakes) from Japan and Monisola made some Nigerian meat pies which were great too. And we were treated to a proper strawberry and rhubarb pie- amazing food all round. Which matched the whole time- it was the best weekend I'd had in the U.S yet, and I'm very grateful to all the friendly people who made it a great one. So thank you Monisola, Hannah, Jason, Seth, and all the people down at Laughing Water farm. It'd be great to see y'all again sometime (had to put in a bit of the southern accent somewhere).

A

http://www.laughingwaterfarm.com/
http://www.sproutinghope.org/p/about-sprouting-hope.html