Saturday

Today was our first “free” day in D.C., but it was still very full and educational.  Our first stop was to a Starbucksto get out of the cold before finding our way to the Newseum.  I was a little apprehensive as we have been getting a ton of exposure to the history and involvement of the media in society, but I was pleasantly surprised at how enjoyable the museum was. 

The 4-D movie was pretty cool, if a little short.  I liked that they mentioned a woman that had helped pioneer investigative journalism and very subtly included the prejudice she faced.  The most moving display dealt with 9/11 and the coverage of the events that took place that day.  While it obviously conjured up painful memories and feelings, it is a wonderful display that really honors and remembers the victims of the tragedy.  I would really encourage others to see this section of the museum, especially those of younger generations who may not remember or have been around during that crucial time in our nation’s recent history. 

After having lunch together as a group, several of us went to see the Holocaust Museum.  After taking a wrong turn and walking a good extra 15-20 minutes in the blistering cold we finally found it…with a line out the door to get in.  Despite the very sobering experience that is the Holocaust Museum, it was worth the effort to get in.  Part of the museum is dedicated to recent or current genocides around the world, and I think that is a great way to raise awareness.  There is so much to see there, we really could have devoted the entire day to it but we only had a few hours before closing time. 

After the interesting but somewhat depressing day it was time for Katie and I to settle in for the night by ordering some pizza and watching a couple movies.  Tomorrow will be a long day out in the cold, hopefully seeing a great concert that should be a marathon of awesome music.  Not to mention seeing my sister and some close friends that live near D.C.