Day 2

Rise and shine, up at the crack of dawn. I felt I’d slept for a couple of days. I feel rejuvenated. Back-packed and ready for an action packed day.

Once again my host mom showed me the way to The Hogan and Lovell law firm where most of our Friday discussions would be held. Excited to see the team, everyone looks professionally dressed and the location is extremely influential on our corporate outlook.

We have a quick debrief on our arrival and the few hours we spent in DC thus far and the culture shocks we’ve experienced. At this point it was early days for me and I had experienced none thus far.

The SAWIP DC program seems rather structured, fast-paced and action packed. Claire wastes no time getting us up to date with the program for the following 5 weeks. The feeling while she takes us through this program is so over whelming and all I want to do scream out of excitement. Some of the items on calendar seem so unreal and the places and people we are going to see and meet is more than just exciting.

After a traditional pot-belly lunch and baked Lays (chips I’m so fascinated by as we only have fried ones in South Africa) we head down for a tour at U street.

A few SAWIPers hang out at Bethesda and explore the area. We meet at a central point where we are collected and taken to our first experience of a BBQ at the Cantrel residence. I met the lively board member named Holly who is a very interesting character. Later she introduces me to my boss (Ambassador Robert Perry) at the internship I shall begin on Monday June 18 at the Corporate Council on Africa. I am told what is expected of me during my internship and slowing I’m starting to take interest in it. Engaging with board members and friends outdoors at the Cantrels’ was a great welcome to DC. I enjoyed engaging with the Wheelers too and their advice on reading certain entrepreneurial books got me thinking and excited. After our first full eventful day we were dropped off at the metro station and were expected to head home. I got home safe and sound and began thinking traveling via metro may be very different to what I am use to, it is tiring but it’s a lot easier than it looks.

I am happy to have most of my Saturday off and then head off to the South African Ambassador’s residence, Ebrahim Rasool where we shall meet professionals of the city and celebrate youth- day as well.