Hello. I'm back from a little two day stint in this nation's capitol to attend the NSEP convocation and orientation program. Walking around the seat of power for the world's only remaining super power was quite an experience. Every building represented power through architecture and the titles above their doors. I strolled around for the afternoon and made it back to the hotel for the reception where I was quickly absorbed into the "Egypt" group of scholars. We went out to this pub and talked for hours about everything we held in common, the reasons why we're going to the Middle East, our experience so far with the NSEP, past experiences abroad, and more. I was so impressed with the caliber of people I met (think Ivy League, freaking brilliant, etc.). Someday these kids will hold positions of power, I'm sure. The next day was absorbed by lectures and informational sessions. I took off and made it to Dulles with time to spare before my flight. Oh, and one more thing: power. (Just wanted to use that word one more time in this post.)
