Note: I look like a dog. I was beyond excited Saturday morning.
I have to admit that when it was all set and done, and I was in the museum in front of EVERYONE, I was somewhat nervous (oh, and also unbeknownst to me until the very last second, we were supposed to turn in our overviews, and recite everything from memory!). But, everything soon progressed and in the end, my tour took about 2 hours and 15 minutes, all without major hitches.
Here is an interesting incident I'd like to share:
While I was just starting the 4th floor of the Permanent Exhibition and explaining the significance of the Reichtag fire, I lapsed on which group Hitler blamed the fire on (Jews? Political opponents/ Soviets?). A grandfatherly man in his 70s whispered quietly right afterward that it was the communists (Thanks, dude!). After that, I noticed he was following my tour group with special interest, popping up between those in front to hear exactly what I was saying. Something in my gut told me that this man was of some significant magnitude, and so, after my tour of the 4th floor, I made it my duty to ask his name (Marty) and to shake his hand.
After I finished my tour, and visited the three different rooms full of munchies, all the ambassadors returned to the auditorium for graduation. It was only then had I realized what was so special about Marty. My coordinator asked all the Holocaust survivors along for the tour to raise their hand...Marty was one of them.
Beforehand, I had expressed to my colleagues how truly devastating it must had felt to be in a concentration camp, and how if I ever met a Holocaust survivor, it would be very likely waterworks would appear, however, I surprised myself that day. After the ceremony, I approached Marty with all smiles,and cohesively (without any feeling of tears coming on) thanked him for partaking in the tour. He, in return, graciously complemented me on my knowledge of the history and that he, himself, was sent to Auschwitz-Birkenau during the war. It is surprising how you know more about yourself when placed in certain situations, and how you learn more about others through what they have been through.
There were no expressions of sorrow or tears, instead, we looked on at a happier future, with the hope and promise that it cannot, it will not happen in the future. I'm relying on my lucky stars that during the summer, I will learn the breadth of the Holocaust through the eyes and memories of survivors.
Post-graduation, we went to a little ristoranto in Georgetown, then did some shopping.
Post-graduation, we went to a little ristoranto in Georgetown, then did some shopping.
I had the spinach and strawberry salad.
Well, I'm off to Williamsburg in the morning (I have a little college interview...). Wish me luck!
