"Chili" Days in Washington D.C.

Hello Everyone!

After a simple breakfast of Fruit Loops and Cap'n Crunch we journeyed through the rain to meet a lady named Susan, our seminar coordinator, at The United Methodist Building. The United Methodist Building is cool because it is the only privately owned building on Capital Hill and is across the street from the Capitol Building and next door to the Supreme Court. After a few rousing games of hangman we started the Seminar with Susan.

The seminar was about poverty and equality and how the government was involved in these areas. Our favorite activity this morning was a group game where we tried to pass a Hula Hoop around the circle while we held hands. It was tough but taught us about team work, how to work together and how to socialize in a community. Then a man named John talked to us about the government budget. He used to lobbyist for a very important organization but quit to work for the United Methodist Church and to speak for those whose voices were not being heard. He taught us about the Federal budget and where our tax monies go, like medicare, medicaid and the military.

We then had a yummy lunch of assorted sandwiches from a catering company who helped train those who are jobless in the culinary arts.

After lunch we strolled through the wet sidewalks to visit U Street. We met Rev. Jim at the Whitelaw Hotel. He taught us about the history of U Street. U Street began as a segregated community in Washington, D.C. which used to be refered to as the Black Broadway. We also learned that because of riots in reaction to Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination that almost the whole community was destroyed. In last 10 years it has gone under gentrification which pushed people who couldn't afford the increased housing prices out of their own community. After all of this we decided to tour U Street and saw the first african american YMCA. We also saw the African American Civil War Memorial but the wind picked up and rain pounded and so we headed to dinner early.

We ate dinner at Ben's Chili Bowl. Many very famous people, including Barack Obama and Bill Cosby, have eaten at this restaurant. It is important because it is central to the communtiy of D.C. and has been around for over 50 years. It was delicious, the chili and half smokes were awesome. The bathrooms were also awesome.

We then entered the rainy city yet again and took the Metro to Union Station! We have almost mastered the Metro however Diane is still having anxious times keeping up with Amanda. At Union Station we shopped and people showed their appreciation for Washington D.C. and Barack Obama by buying t-shirst and hats.

After a long day of rain and chili we finally got to have our down time at the hostel. It a was awesomely fantabulous day.

- Your Super Cool Youth Group