by Zach McRae '12

I think any day that starts with a breakfast hash is likely to be a good one. I even discussed with my host for that previous night the possibility of adding onions to his recipe for a little something special. I could tell from there it was going to be a good day for America, or at least me.
It turned out it was Kris Watson's birthday, which I learned as we all met at the church later that morning before our departure. He turned some age between 25 and 40, I always loose track. And the great part was that he got, beyond just the general hokey song sung to him, a spirit dance from the spirit committee.

So followed our short journey to the world tourist mecca, Washington D.C. I had looked at a few maps of the Capitol on the bus, and realized there were a bajillion things I wanted to see. However, I found a group headed to the National Holocaust Museum and followed along. I could go on and on about what an experience it was. In short, it was a life-changing experience which I recommend to every human being and I wish I had had more than a couple of hours to explore. Oh, and after the museum, I tried my first knish. Twas yummy.

After a bit too long of a wait in the windy cold, the buses arrived and we were off again. Our venue: Rock Spring Congregational UnitedChurch of Christ, where Catawba Alum Mollie Landers is the Pastoral Intern. She was very sweet, and pretty cute, I actually dated her once. Okay, not really.

Nothing pats you on the back for a good sound check than a few steaming pans of lasagna, which was served with salad, bread, soda, cookies, no complaints. Well, okay, I did have one complaint: I didn't have a pillow and ablanket after dinner. Cuz I was READY for some sleep. So instead I just took it easy, meditated a little, tried to stay hydrated, and I felt better by the performance — which went well, despite the naysayers who pick everything apart.

Rob and I had a nice (if icy) little drive to our host's house. Our host himself couldn't pick us up, as he was hosting a dinner party with some old friends, so we were chauffeured by a friend of his. The house had an old charm with some modern additions.

Highlights:

• A quasi-Chinese blue dragon-fish pedestal sink;
  
• Our host's own vegetarian lasagna made with polenta instead of noodles — brilliant!;
  
• And a sonorous music room with the most beautiful piano I've ever seen or played — a 92-key Bösendorfer;
  

After some duet-ing on some favorite classic showtunes with Rob, I was ready for beddy.

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