This article was published in Detour Magazine, May 2013
I have always thought that putting your ideas into words is
one of the trickiest jobs one can come across. At that time, I didn’t know that
I will be sitting here putting down a pen on a paper to document one of the
most eye-opening experiences I have ever been through.
The first question that popped up in mind was; where do I
start telling my journey in Washington? Do I tell you about the hectic flight
and the airport hassle? Do I tell you how hard it was to say goodbye to my
loved ones for three months?
Forget about that, it was worth the pain, “They take pictures
of mountain climbers at the top of the mountain when they're smiling and
triumphant. They don't take pictures along the way, because who wants to
remember the relentless climb: the pain and anguish?” -Grey’s anatomy.
And that's why I will start from the moment I set foot in the
U.S. It was a warm September morning in Washington; I was sitting in cab,
staring at the rear window, trying to contemplate on the next three months of
my life. I was a young reporter who is about to experience life at the other
end of the world.
Let me tell you a little more about Washington, the capital
of world politics. It’s where they make high profile, pragmatic decisions that
would go so far to how to stop a meteorite from hitting Earth. Here where the
president of the U.S. lives and the Congress holds its sessions.
First thing on the agenda was a quick orientation session on the
city, my internship and the cliché responsibilities and duties speech. After
this, I thought that with a map and a subway card, everything would go as
smooth as it could go, but I was dead wrong. Speaking of subways, if you are by
any chance passing by Washington, the golden rule is, when the door opens, to
give yourself two minutes to get on and off the train. No more, no less. Forget
about the good old days when you are literally being carried away by the crowd
at the Egyptian subway.
When in Washington, you would rarely see someone wearing
jeans. The official apparel is strictly formal. You would go out in the morning
to find people in suits, ties, skirts, heels and blazers. And if you are a
causal –oriented kind of person like I am, then you would definitely feel
miserable about your wardrobe.
I have always thought that 8 liters of water is what a human
body needs to survive, until I got there. In the U.S., Starbucks coffee is
definitely all you need to stay awake and alive throughout a stressful day of
work.
Also, if you think that the Muslim Brotherhood owns the big
businesses in Egypt and that “Al-Tawheed w Al-Noor” is everywhere, think again.
Around every corner you would find the same set of shops and cafes: Starbucks,
Macdonald’s, Corner Bakery and Cosi. Those people are taking franchise pretty
seriously.
My first place to visit in Washington was the Congress where
I got my press pass. Well, let me tell you about what wonders a press pass
could do. It is a one of many magical cards that can get you pretty much
everywhere because you are in the business of reporting news.
Regarding the
Congress, It had an overwhelming effect
on me with its high ceilings and ornamented walls along with the statues
of some of the leading figures in the
U.S. that seem to be guiding you through the place.
A month later, I was assigned to cover a White House ceremony
where president Obama will be giving a speech. Quite frankly I hesitated before
taking the job, but I would have really regretted it if I had turned it down.
So I marched to the White House, with my magical press pass
and I showed it at the gates. My editor said my name would be on the list, but of
course my luck wouldn’t let things flow that easily. For some reason my name
wasn’t there. I thought that it was the Universe's way of telling me that the
name Monica isn't the most loveable name here, since the Monica Lewinski scandal
that shook the entire nation fifteen years ago. Luckily the problem was fixed,
and I made it in there.
I would have never imagined that Hurricane Sandy would be my
very first extreme weather experience. It was one of the worst hurricanes to
hit the U.S. in decades. As it is well known, it barely rains three times a
year in Cairo, I seemed like a total newbie wearing an umbrella and rain boots
for the first time ever.
During the hurricane, I have seen nature’s wrath at its
utmost. Pouring rain kept flooding the streets for three continuous days and
the howling wind seemed to be breaking in the doors and the windows. The streets
were completely deserted; the trees were salsa dancing until they would eventually
fall off over a car or a building.
After three months of wearing high heels 24/7, endless press
conferences, numerous interviews and struggling to meet deadlines, here's an
important tip about life at the U.S. if you ever think of working there; it is
extremely important to show up on time at any cost.
If you had a wardrobe malfunction, you show up on time. If
you were caught up in a fight with a stranger, you have to show up on time.
Even if you were hit by a bike (which actually happened to another intern) you
must show up on time. “If you walk in on time you are already late”.
That doesn't mean that Americans are all about work and
stuff, because in the weekends, they can party as wild as partying can get.
Bottom line is, travel is not all about discovering new
places or new cultures. You can do that over Google Earth, but what Google
can’t offer you, is a new perspective of life, a journey of self discovery and
self -betterment.
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My published article in Detour magazine, May 2013.
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