I didn’t think I’d be writing another entry until Paris, but yesterday in Washington DC was just tremendous.

So what does Shakespeare have to do with this trip…?

To do or not to do?

Gijs de Waal, an architect from the Netherlands visiting the US as a European Marshall Memorial Fellow, says he believes that is the question Shakespeare would have asked were he from the US.

The prevailing European opinion seems to be that the US is a nation of action. We do things. That was expressed again in a couple of other briefings and is also captured by the Nike slogan, Just Do It.

What else have I been "do"-ing?

All of the Marshall Fellows met for the first time yesterday and we’re having briefings today. It is an awesome group and I’m blessed to be in such good company. Check out the picture…

Last night we went to a reception at the Dirksen Senate Office Building. Both Senator Dole and Senator Burr have offices in this building, but I didn’t see either. I did see Senator Bob Corker (R-TN) though.

Senator Corker gave the welcome address. He hosted several European Fellows when he was mayor of Chattanooga, so he spoke warmly and sincerely about the importance of building these relationships based on his first-hand experience.

We also heard from several ambassadors, members of the European media, and even a member of the Dutch Parliament. I’ve included pictures of the French Ambassador Jean David Levitte, who introduced Le Monde journalist Patrick Jarreau (also pictured).

While all of this has been great, I have also learned that trouble lies ahead. Specifically I’m speaking of basketball. The ACC tournament is underway and the NCAA tournament will soon be here.

We gathered for a drink last night to watch the second half of the NC State and Duke game. Go Pack!   Heather Flodstrom, another Fellow and a Duke Alum wasn’t so happy though… Jeff Merritt and I had a good bit of fun at her expense.

I’m not sure how March Madness will play out in Europe, but I’ll be checking WRAL.com as often as possible.

Next stop Paris…