Worth the Pain

Going to east coast is something that I always wanted to go because I am always curious about their place, food, living life, colleges, etc. basically everything. I am super excited that I am able to go to the east coast and explore places in Washington DC, New York City, and Boston. So, day one, May 27, 2016, flight day, everyone met at San Francisco Airport at 4 a.m. We all looked tired, but at the same time we are excited for this trip. At first I thought everything is going smoothly, well that did not happen. We
find out there is something wrong with our plan ticket, so we ended up staying at the counter for approximately an hour and half to fix our airplane tickets. The agency gives our whole group a heads up that we might have a change to take the next plane, but lucky the Southwest airline had help us fix our plane tickets and able to fly on time. Before we go through the security check, I notice that I am only allow to bring one quart Ziploc bag with all the liquid thing, which I ending up taking it out and asking my group-mate to help me carry some stuff. I had learned my lesson. However, after we all pass the security check, we all ran to the gate and try to get on the plane before they take off. Unfortunately, I was the unlucky one because I was the only one who don't have the gate  number, so I ask the front desk for my gate number. I hand my plane ticket to the front desk and they keep on asking me for the green pass, which I don't have it, and they told me I have to go back outside and get the green pass, they also tell me I might have to take a next plane. The moment I heard I have to take the next flight I was totally in shock and blank out because more than half of the group when on the plane. However, another lucky thing had happened again, they call the agency again and to find out what was going on, and at last I was able to get on the plane once again. Although, we had an un-
smoothly start, yet we still arrived at Washington DC safely.
Once I step out the plane into Washington DC airport, my mind was like “wow, really fancy.” Their shops in the airport are all self-check-out, and it’s really clean. But once I step out the airport door, that when the heat wave had got me, is hot and humid, the weather feels like I am in China. We all took to metro and walk to our hotel. A long the way to the hotel, the buildings are really pretty and everywhere are really clean. Something odd we notice are their cross walk light is kind of strange. We notice the longer cross walk have the shorter time to cross, and the shorter cross walk will have longer time to cross. I am guessing the cross walk time shows how long do those cars get to go across the traffic light. However, once we arrived to the hotel, it’s like walking into heaven because the air conditioner was on. After we got ourselves ready, we went to a Thai restaurant call “Mai Thai” that is near our hotel for our dinner. There wasn't a lot of people in that restaurant, however, their food was good. After dinner we all walk to CVS with our full belly to get some water and sunscreen, then head back to the hotel, and prepare ourselves for tomorrow.
I learn that it took quite a long time to finish build the national monument, also the design for the memorial World War II. The tour and the tour guide was absolutely interesting and fun, but at the same time my feet was hurting so bad from all the walking. I have the hardest time walking back to the hotel because is just so painful, and is only day one. Although, we were out from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. (mostly walking), yet able to go to so many places in one day, I think is worth for the pain.
-Elsa Iao