Jan 13
16
A Day at the Newseum
Written by: Luize Bolzan & Nil Everton
The day began with a typical American breakfast in the cafeteria of 4-H: scrambled eggs, pancakes, sausage, fruit, donuts, cereal and a good diversity of juices, milk and hot chocolate, coffees and sodas. The morning was warmer than the other days, unfortunately. We think that snow in Washington, DC may be unlikely to happen…
Later, we participated in the second dialogue session, in which we talked about stereotypes between Brazil and the U.S. and among the regions of Brazil. It was a very interesting way to understand a little more about American culture and even more about Brazilians’.
At the end of dialogue, we put our stuff in the rooms and went to the most expected and apprehensive moment of the day – taking the subway. There was a lot of orientation before we left and then we were divided into host-city groups. Each one of us got a “Smart Trip” card to use on the bus, and in the subway.
Everything went fine, even when six of the nine Bozeman YAs ended up taking the subway alone because the door closed before the other three YAs and the staff could make it on the train. Despite the adrenaline and the fear of getting off at the wrong station, it ended well!
Then we went to the Newseum, the name itself explains its purpose – displaying various forms of media and historical information. We attended a workshop where we learned how to better analyze the news posted in the media and recognize its truth. We had lunch there and then we had three hours of free time to explore the Newseum.
The place is amazing!!! Including files of the first newspapers made to a 4-D film, the museum has everything. We could see relics from various moments of U.S. history, remains from the attack of September 11, portions of the Berlin Wall, objects from big FBI cases, etc.
Our next and last activity of the day was visiting Chinatown, a very different neighborhood in Washington, DC. Full of options for shopping and dining, we had one hour and a half for dinner and to walk around. Of course, each group now has great stories of this adventure…
This was another wonderful day of the 2013 Youth Ambassadors and the staff of World Learning… Too bad the time is going fast!
Luize Bolzan & Nil Everton
