I didn't realize it until I moved out here, but nearly everything that you could ever want to do in this nation's capital is free. As in doesn't cost you a single cent. Want to explore one of the many Smithsonian museums, such Air and Space or National History? Free. Want to see the big cuddly pandas and the National Zoo? Gratis. Have a burning desire to see a photography exhibit at the National Geographic Society museum? Absolutely nothing. The Department of the Interior even has a small Native American exhibit and some impressive Depression Era murals that are open to the public. It's amazing, really. I even went to a happy hour last night where from 5pm - 6pm you can have as many free drinks and appetizers that you can manage to obtain from the one overworked bartender. An open bar happy hour? Where am I?
All this free-ness is perfect, since I am still waiting to start work and probably wont see a pay check until the end of August, but the good news is that I passed my security clearance and am good to start on the 3rd. I still need to find a place to live, but there are a couple of promising situations out there, and I can only keep my fingers crossed that something will work out.
Service Centered: Thoughts on public service while exploring D.C. and the world.
