Sunday, March 6, 2011

Kennedy Center and Library of Congress

Another free thing I get to do in DC is to watch performances for free sometimes. This time Rebecca, asked me to go watch an ex-American idol,who is well known being a visual impaired finalist. However, beyond the performance, the structure of the building is beautiful as well... JFK in memory... 




Walk way in building

Transiting to the next stop is the Library of Congress.... the most beautiful library I seen in my life:


This is the only picture that I have for the library... it is Majestic... I tried to study... but ended up exploring...

Seminar and conferences

One of the things here in DC is that I get to go for many conferences and seminars all for free... I took a number of times off work to go for them. They were all eye openers...

Cato Institute
The Cato Institute is a renowned think tank.... The seminar I went for is regarding a book where the author advocates for minimal government intervention in the US economy... Conservative classical economist.... It is my first experience... Unfortunately I was a 1/2 hour late due to work and miss much of the talk.

Brookings


Brookings, another renowned think tank... this time it is about eradicating poverty in africa... the talk was interesting and i got more knowledge of how developed countries are in some way harming developing countries in giving aid... particularly, by fluctuating in their grants... this makes it hard for african leaders to plan their economy. One of the speakers suggest that a little certain amount with a a buffer variation will be helpful in planning. Above all the interesting talk, what is important is that they all have free food!!!:p


Capitol Hill - Congress

The Washington Center organized a Capitol Hill tour. Rebecca, Leong, Reaney and me attended the tour together. Actually Reaney didn't sign up for it, but he was fortunate that there were extra tickets. Before I got in, they want me and my friends to throw away our water bottles. I thought I was safe as I didn't have a water bottle. What I didn't know is that I had a pencil case with a scissors and I got to throw it away... hahaha!!!


I have to say it was all worth it though... Just look at some of the pics.... The pic above is where the senators and the house of representatives come together and discuss in the past. Following it, are the pictures of the ceilings... They are indeed stunning... I saw many statues and pictures telling histories of US. Such as Robert Lee and George Washington... It is one of the nicest site visits I ever had...