Welcome to DC

Hello Cyberspace. It's been a long while since I've posted anything. My friend mentioned that she checked it yesterday and was disappointed there wasn't a new post and I promised I'd post something today. Let me start off by saying my ass is most definitely not in Costa Rica. Three days before I was supposed to fly out, some unforeseen circumstances left me in a shit hole. One of the concequences was that I was unable to study abroad. I truly believe that everything happens for a reason- in divine order. If there was any doubt to this- within 48hrs of finding out that I would not be able to go abroad, I had employment, a place to live and was registered for classes at my university's campus. My dad also had 3 days off (he works 2 jobs and so this had to be divine intervention)and was able to drive me and all my stuff down here. The representative from the university I spoke with was so surprised at how well I handled the situation but what is the use crying over spilled milk? When life gets chaotic- assess the situation and ask what can I do to rectify this? Trust me there was no way I was staying in Harlem or taking a semester off.

Now like any true New Yorker, I think New York is the best place on earth (or maybe within the US anyway). I always liked DC but somehow I've come to realize I really love this city and school. Being in school is way more fun than sitting in an office from 9am-6pm and having scheduled bathroom breaks. I'm a nerd so I don't even mind the school work that much; when you choose your own classes what your being taught is relevant and interesting. Since school has started, I've settled into another year here with ease. My dorm is on the money and even though books, stuff for my dorm, and what-not are expensive, my pockets are still full lol. As usual I'm really busy because I don't know how to just sit still- I'm planning events, stepping and strolling (yeah, I'm greek) and most importantly earning a 4.0 for the semester. Yo, I even got hit by a 18 wheeler that made an illegal turn. I had the whole side passenger wind shield and the front wind shield fall on me, frame broken in y todo. My life did not flash before my eyes, which was disappointing. All I could think was STOP!!!! that damn trunk just kept coming closer and closer to my face. I had a few shards of glass in my knee and scratches on my legs from all the glass that fell on me but was otherwise alright. Let me just say, God loves me. I don't know why but he stays looking out lmao.

Yep, Naz is back in the DMV (which is short for the DC, MD, & VA area not department of motor vehicles). I'm going to end this post with a crash course on DC from a NYC perspective.

- Metro: It's not 24 hrs a day- crazy I know. You also have to use your fair card to get in and out the metro. And the fair goes according to how far you go. By far however, the craziest thing about the metro is that it is extremely clean!! If you've ever riden the subway in New York then you understand why it's so novel to me.
-Taxi: They have a fee for everything! They charge for each additional person, for your luggage- everything! During my freshman year they switched to a meter system which I appreciate. But, homies almost never get a tip. I feel as though it's included in those ridiculous surchargers.
- Hair: There is no such thing as a $15 wash and set from a Dominican Hair Salon
- Nails: $30 for a pedicure- $30!! I can get a mani-pedi for $20 on 116 street.
- Pupusas: The majority of Latinos in NY are Puerto Rican like myself or Dominican. In DC instead there are mostly El Salvadorians and they make these things called Pupusas. They are sooo good.
- Nightlife: I kinda prefer the low- key campus dorm parties at the moment or Greek parties but LOVE is the premier night club if that's what you're looking for.
- Music: DC has this genre of music called GoGo if you watch ABDC then you know what I'm talking about. I hated it when I first came to DC and with the exception of 3 songs, I still do. Beating your feet ain't got nothing on Harlem/NY when we gets lite.
- History: This city has so much history it's amazing. I stood outside the white house chanting on the night Obama was elected and got to go to his Inauguration. I jog past the Lincoln or the Washington monument when I go running. It's so diverse and amazing.

Yeah, (*con cariño*) DC is my second home.....

Deuces,
Naz