I walk, you walk, we walk...

...the jaywalk!

It might be good to know that it is illegal to cross the road if the traffic light is not telling you to do it. Then, all the Swedes must know that over here, we don't talk about small red or green men telling us wether to walk or stand still. We do have one man, a white one, who signals that we can cross the road, but whenever the redish/orange hand comes up, you better stop!

Crossing the road while the big red hand shines at you is referred to as jaywalking and actually a violation of the law. The other day, I read that the police imposes a fine for jaywalking on at least one person per day. For such a thing as crossing the road, I think that is quite a lot.

What fascinates me even more, is the long article on Wikipedia, treating this subject. For more information: KEEP ON READING HERE!

To you, Thursday!

Good morning America and good morning Thursday. It's just another day in the US, but still a day that should be embraced as a really, really special one. Why? Because we never, ever know about tomorrow.

Last night, before I fell asleep, it struck me how lucky I am, how happy I am. I really enjoy life and my time here. I want to grab every second of it. That's why an ordinary Thursday also should become special. Today's to do looks like the following:

- Power walk before breakfast - check!

- Nice and long breakfast - check!

- Washington Post marathon - check!

- Metro to DC, find a cute café and study

- Write a profile

- Read about PR

- Read about business communication

- Go to the gym (the favorite part of the day)

- Business and Professional Communication class

- Maybe Fashion's Night Out in Georgetown

Not too bad for an ordinary Thursday, huh?! Have a good one, dear reader!

All in.

"Wherever you go, go with all your heart."

Road signs

A language does not necessarily have to consist in phonemes put together to words put together to phrases becoming sentences. A language can be simply be the one of, for instance, road signs. These signs do not need words to communicate their messages. Except, here, they do. Apparently.

I have noticed it since day one, that the American road signs are very explicit. Here, have a look:

French speaking people in the DC area?

Je cherche quelqu'un avec qui je peux parle français (e anche italiano) ici a Washington!

Back in Gothenburg, I used to go to a language café, where people met up for coffee just to speak French together. It was absolutely brilliant and I'm looking for something similar here. Anyone knows anything?

Just get to it!

"Don't spit on your hands - start chopping!"

Professor Jerome Cramer.

Inside one of the most symbolically important buildings in the world.

As mentioned earlier today,  I went to check out the Capitol. You have all seen it before. On postcards, on TV, and if not so (how could that even be possible?!), at least on this blog. I am amazed by this massive building with a huge, absolutely beautiful dome. I wonder how many pictures one can take of it, before it gets boring. When I've been in DC I've been taking pictures of it from every possible angle.

Today, I got it from yet another angle - the inside! I would really like to share this experience with you in front of the screen, but I am sorry to say that it's impossible. I believe it's on of those things you have to see for yourself. I can give you a sneak peek though. Look at this. This picture is taken from the Rotunda. Unbelievably beautiful.

Really, if you ever plan a trip to DC, don't forget to plan a trip to The Capitol. The enormous building where all the important people work all day long. Where the House of Representatives and The Senate have coffee and take important decisions. And you know what else, they have their own shops and hairdressers - to fit hectic schedules (!) - and even a whole subway system!

Labor Day.

We start off this week with a federal holiday. It's the first Monday of September, Labor Day, and all the states are celebrating in honor of all the workers across the country. This day has been celebrated since 1882 and today, also marks the end of the summer.

For some reason, all TV commercials are about cheap mattresses. I have not really figured out why yet, but maybe it has something to do with relaxing from work and taking it easy. I don't know. I'm just guessing.

My Labor Day plans include having a closer look at the Capitol. There is no time to rest while in a city as fun as this!

Work on, working people!

Me and my library card.

Yesterday we had somewhat of a tourist day. Stop number one was Library of Congress where we got library cards. That library card is now the absolutely best card in my wallet. You all understand how awesome that is, right?! Library of Congress. At Milon's service. I like it. I like it a lot. How much time I will actually spend in the reading rooms is another question, but now at least I've got the card and the possibility to do it.

Beautiful building too, where you can get a nice little passport to knowledge and learn about the different paintings and exhibitions offered.

"What spectacle can be more edifying or more seasonable than that of liberty & learning. 

Each leaning on the other for their mutual & surest support?"

- James Madison

Friday treat and life is to be loved.

I love life! Let's just take it from there.

6:20 a.m.: "Are you coming with us for the power walk?" and of course I was. Jumped out of bed and was probably still asleep during half of that walk.
7:35 a.m.: Had a great breakfast. You gotta love an egg in the morning. Among other good stuff, of course.
8:15 a.m.: Was greeted by the Pentagon Police: "Good morning. You're okay." A greeting that made me a bit curious. Will there be a day when I'm not okay to enter the Pentagon area? Or did he, in fact, ask me if I was okay? Don't know. Had no time to ask.
9:00 a.m.: A really good class starts - PR with Jerome Cramer.
11:40 a.m.: Note in my notebook "I want to work with PR!"
12:00 p.m.: Tuna wrap!
12:20 p.m.: Gym session starts and it's as fun as always.
3:05 p.m.: Leaves the gym a lot stronger (soon) with a "I love life!"
3:40 p.m.: A good day calls for a good treat; frozen yoghurt at Pentagon City Mall.

Life is excellent and should be loved. Tonight we will do D.C.