We have finally arrived and what an eventful week it has been! Firstly I'd like to address my stay in Suburban Hospital. Yeah, it was pretty traumatic and for future souls embarking on this journey definitley take heed of the advice to "ALWAYS wear comfortable shoes," or else you too could find yourself spending your first weekend in this buzzing city in a hospital bed! With numerous "Oh my Gawds!" as doctors and nurses stared at my foot there was a brief moment when I worried amputation could occur but no, I have survived! Now moving swiftly on to discuss more pleasant things! The places we have vistied this week are among the most visited or sought to be visited sights in the world and certainly lived up to my expectations. Despite the delirium, with unimaginable temperatures for us feeble Irish folks, I still marvelled as we visited Arlington Cemetry, the Lincoln and Roosevelt Memorials, the Newseum, the Library of Congress, the Capitol. Undoubtedly, with numerous photographs these places will always be remembered but I think what I have been touched by most this week are the people. Those who I have met or become reaquainted with for little over a week who have shown such kindness! I mean, if there are any positives to be gleaned from being unwell, it is discovering the willingness of people to help in whatever way they can, from my host family (especially Kathie who endured the long wait with me in the ER, not as exciting as it sounds!), dedicated management team and Jonathan, and last but not least my fellow WIPPERs cheering me up with their words and gifts! The children in J.O Wilson Elementary School also provided us with an opportunity to experience not just the grand surroundings but also to see real life in D.C. I hope the children had as much fun as us with an array of literature (ahem!), singing and dancing and I hope their receptive little ears will remember, if not the things we taught them then at least our visit, because we all certainly will.
