Washington, D.C.

One of the courses that I'm taking this semester is called the 'Cities and Environments' (GGRA03H3S). It's an introductory human geography course that looks at the characteristics of modern cities and environmental issues, and their interconnections. Some of the major topics include: urban forms and systems, population change, climate change, water scarcity, planning for sustainable cities.

Interestingly, one of the sections of this week's assigned reading was about the history of the development of the political capital Washington DC, the city that was designed to reflect the national identity, which I've been twice.

My first encounter with the city was on the year of 2004, when my family travelled through the East coast of the North America. At the time, I was in around grade 5 or 6 and this city full of political infrastructures and memorials didn't really interested me so much. It was probably because my lack of understanding or knowledge on the American history, but it was also because of my strange obsession (or idolization) of the cool- good ol' New York City, just like anyone who would be visiting the States for their first time. 

Luckily, I had an opportunity to visit the District of Columbia again during the last Christmas break, thanks to my roommate who is from Virginia and have offered me accommodations. It was very refreshing to explore around the political capital of a nation. The bureaucratic atmosphere somewhat reminded me of the Wellington Street of Ottawa, but it was in whole 'nother different level. 

The following paragraphs are taken from the book 'Cities and Nature' (2008) by Lisa Benton-Short & John Rennie Short. I want to leave these paragraphs on this post because they do reflect of what I've seen  in the city and provide good narration for the unique characteristics of it..

"The development of political capital, Washington DC, underscores the attempt to embody political ideals with a developing sensitivity to the natural world. The 1791 design of the new federal capital reflected the struggle to create a space representative of American ideals and aspirations. The city was from the beginning rich in the physical and symbolic expressions of democratic ideals and a reflection of the formulation of national identity." 

"The neoclassical spatial order of the capital city was partly inspired by monumental planning trends in France. Common in France was the use of radial patterns imposed upon orthogonal streets, which offered an urban typology for expedient circulation, enchanting entry vistas and possibilities (space) for defining neighbourhoods. Within these monumental plans were symbolic spaces. Designing celebratory public spaces in squares and semicircles was supposed to give the city an air of grandeur, delight and edification. All of these planning elements were well known to L'Enfant and eventually incorporated into his design." 

"Central to the plan were two hills- one called Jenkins Hill, which would be the site of Congress and the other to the west would be the President's Palace (later called the White House). L'Enfant intended the two critical government buildings to be separated by space, a metaphor for the need to separate the branches of government. "

"L'Enfant's broad vision of a capital of buildings, public squares and promenades reflected the new country's optimistic outlook. It was a design intent on celebrating a ceremonial city, the center of national government and culture. The plan was on an immense scale, far beyond the size or even expectation of the government at the time."

Luftpost.

I received a post card from my good friend who is currently studying 

at the Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster.

Best of wishes from Canada, Moritz!

Professor Nick Eyles.

I'm taking an Environmental Science course called 'Introduction to Planet Earth' with Professor Nick Eyles, who have filmed a mini-series documentary on CBC, as part of the David Suzuki's 'the nature of things'. Although I've only been to his lecture once so far, I could already sense that this course is going to stimulate both my interest and knowledge in Geoscience.

My professor uses his own book as a course textbook and recommend his students to watch his documentary series on CBC website. He is also a self-claimed motorcycle enthusiast. How boss is that!

Megabus.

Early reserved ticket for New York to Toronto: 12$

Writing this post on Free Wi-Fi courtesy : Priceless

National Gallery of Art.

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

The last time I've been to this museum was when I was in grade 5 or 6, still living in Korea. On that summer, my family rent a car and traveled the Northeast region of the United States and Canada for the spirit of vacation. Of corse at the time, I was not able to speak English nor felt the need. Although I was not able to read much descriptions nor understand the science , the scale of the museum and the variety of the exhibits totally blew my mind.

It's only been 6 years from that point, but so many things have changed in the meantime. 

Although the exhibits of the museum still fascinated me, I couldn't stop thinking about my past self.

Sunset in the Capital.

This shot was taken when I was walking on the Arlington Memorial Bridge of the Potomac River.

At the moment, there were absolutely no thoughts or concerns on my head, but only of what I could see through eyes.

The only sound I could hear was the 'Comfortably Numb' by the Pink Floyd, being played on my earbuds.

Arlington National Cemetery.

A walk between the veterans and casualties from each of the nation's war.

Thinking that all the bodies that lie in front of each stone once breathed and lived, gave me a slight chill.

'All Gave Some, Some Gave All'

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural Science.

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

United States Capitol.

E pluribus unum : Out of many, One

Washington Metro.

Designed by the Chicago architect Harry Weese- these metro stations remains as a good example of Brutalist architecture which was spawned from the modernist architectural movement between 1950s to the mid 1970s.

(Heavy usage of concrete and repetitive design motifs)

This is known as the second-busiest metro system in the United States after the New York City Subway, and I was able to take advantage of this well planned and organized system for the past four days.

Park and Ride.

Old State House

For the British Colonial Government - Established in 1713

Boston, Massachusetts

New England Architecture.

Boston, Massachusetts

Acorn Street.

Boston, Massachusetts

New York Public Library.

Departure.

White is the New Red.

December 12, 2011

- This is just a rant, but it's definitely something to be dealt with in the future.

I'm slightly concerned about the prospect of transferring to the St.George campus, because I'm not getting the GPA that I desired. Also, it's a bit depressing to see where I stand, in terms of mark, amongst the big groups of people. I don't know why I took much more time to adjust myself into university studying compare to the others.

The first year is already half way through but what's going to happen for the second year is still unclear. I'm still not sure of my academic interests and there seems to be a conflict of interest between my parents and I regarding this issue. Although it's a very sensitive topic, I will be discussing more about it with them in future. 

Well, a grocery shopping is definitely a significant part of my week and honestly it's interesting (no sarcasm), I need to find something more fun or better to do other than going a grocery shopping. It's a bit sad to think back of my time in Ottawa, where I often went to see the orchestra of NAC, visited museums and galleries for free, biking and walking along the canal, taking photos around the city, etc. The place where I'm living is too dry; suburban isn't the right place for me. 

December 11, 2011

o.0

December 9, 2011

I think the greatest feeling amongst all, is having a genuine interest on something.

December 7, 2011

"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" - She & Him

Listen to Zooey Deschannel's nostalgic voice (:

Waltz with Bashir.

I've recently watched some great international films, but this Israeli animated documentary film really stood out amongst all. Many elements of the movie, including its animated cinematography, historical backdrop of the 1982 Lebanon war, and presentation and orchestration of sound, were one of a kind and totally blow up my mind. Different animation techniques have also added more favour to the movie's dream-like atmospheres. Overall, the movie is both visually-striking and emotionally-provoking.

November 30, 2011

First snow of the winter. 

-

Last Saturday, I was walking back home with grocery bags and saw a car being parked at a driveway of a nice home. When I saw the driver getting out of the car, I thought myself 'he looks rather familier'. When the man looked at me and I was definitely able to tell by his look that he knew me from somewhere too. There was a few seconds of uneasiness in the atmosphere and both of us were making an eye contact constantly on and off, then I finally shouted "Professor Bunce? You are professor right?". At first, it was hard to recognize my professor outside of the lecture hall and at such an unexpected place, but it was professor Bunce who lectures the 'Geography and Global Processes' course. He after told me that he didn't know my name but recognized my face and the fact that I'm in his first year class. When I heard this, I was quiet amazed that he remembered me from the lecture hall with more than 300 students and recognized me on a street. This totally made my day.

Just today, I went to see professor Meriano during her office hour to ask her about karst formation around Guelph region, to gain some background knowledge before travelling there this weekend. Very surprisingly, the moment I walked into her office, she recognized me and greeted me by name. It also seemed like she was very happy to see me. At first I was a bit confused, but then, I remembered an occasion that happened a month ago in the 'Environmental Hazards' lecture when she asked my name after when I helped her to gather up some survey sheets from the students. The fact that she remembered my name really touched me. During the office hour, She has shown great amount of interest on my trip to Guelph this weekend and I was able to discuss about it in detail for an hour and gained some valuable informations. The professor also asked me to report back to her after the trip, with some photos of karst topography, so that she can consider it as a potential field excursion site for her next semester- second year geomorphology class. + she also asked whether I would like to be part of that field trip and I immediately said yesss.

These little, what might looks like events without any significance, have been really brighten up my days (: