Spirit of Volunteerism at GWU

Reflecting:

Volunteering is an important part of citizenship in the United States and its part of the lifeblood of my school, George Washington University.


Understanding

Last year, First Lady, Michelle Obama challenged GWU to 100,000 hours of community service.

"Something" NYC

Refreshing Central Park

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There's nothing like running in Central Park.  A place where you run unfettered and free from life's worries.  A place where running no longer seems a chore but a story -- full of dreams and relished childhood memories given a new lease of life and ready to roam free like the wild ones do.

EU Embassy Run

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

All You Need is Love

With Anita and team from Finland

Embassy of Nepal

 

Reflecting

May is my favorite time of the year to be in DC.  There is so much to do here that you will never get bored.  That is unless you're studying for finals, like me.

Understanding

Nepal and Bhutan have very similiarities. Both countries are located in the subcontinent of Asia sandwiched in between two major countries: India and China -- they are neighbors, but they are neither.

Negotiation

I did not want to be deprived of the cultural events in DC, exams or not.  Surely, my finals would allow me to spend several hours away from the computer to get a taste of the sights and sounds of Passport DC.  So I took off and decided to ride my bike from the US Capitol.  The steep hills on Connecticut and then the jig jag turn down Wisconsin.

Innovating

But the trip would also serve as a scouting trip for the ride EU Embassy Run the following Saturday.

Navigating

Next, I want to visit Thailand.  I heard that they were really throwing a party, and since I have a bike, I should be able to make it to Georgetown in no time.

Thai Embassy, Passport DC

Reflecting

I have been to Thailand once in the Navy in 1986.  It is a beautiful country, a land of gorgeous beaches, friendly people, breathtaking views and oh yeah, delicious food.

In 1997, the Thai baht collapsed, and the country had effectively went bankrupt after acquiring a burden of foreign debt.  The crisis spread, effecting virtually all of Southeast Asia and Japan resulting in slumping currencies and stock market.

Understanding

That is why, I'm troubled to hear about the dissent and revolts by the Red Shirts in Bangkok.  It's ongoing for a couple of months now and the threat of civil war exists.

Negotiating

Let's hope that the Red Shirts and the Thai government continue to dialogue to end this bitter feud that has taken over 20 lives and has seriously impacted the local economy and tourism.

Innovating

I actually want to return to Thailand to see its natural beauty and to enjoy its rich culture.  It's been nearly 25 years now.  Since flying there is not an option, the next best thing is to spend an entire afternoon at the Royal Thai Embassy in Georgetown as part of Passport DC.  And there's nothing better for the palate than Thai food, I'm absolutely convinced.

Navigating

I spent more than an afternoon. Once I arrived there, I didn't leave until the evening.  I immersed myself in delicious chicken and rice, noodles, ice candy, and sweet Thai tea.  Listened to the acoustic guitarists and enjoyed the Thai dancers.  Wanted to go back and can't wait until the festivities of the King's Birthday in December.