When People Start Getting Real...

My last post, and much of my own personal contemplations about this summer have revolved around the “real world,” and what it means to transition into it. But as I’ve been getting this experience in a pretty genuine way this summer, in another part of the city, there are eight strangers…picked to live in a house…and have their lives taped.

Yes, I’m talking about the cast of “The Real World D.C.,” a special brand of ignorant a-holes so desperate to get on television that they will allow their most private moments to be filmed and aired for millions, potentially ruining any legitimate career options they may have had in the future. Except maybe future Real World Reunion hosting gigs…

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m actually pretty excited to see the real world come to D.C. In fact, my friends and I have wondered what took it so long. We’ve wanted to see a show here since at least Real World: Back to New York…yikes. See what I did there? I accidentally revealed that I’ve watched the Real World before…quite the social faux pas. But it can be really entertaining at times. And more-so, confidence building. Because for an hour a week, I find myself thinking “Wow, I’m glad I’m not as stupid as they are.” I can go to bed feelin' good about myself.

But I digress…. I’ve wanted to see the show come here for a while, and I’m glad that it did, especially during the summer, when I would be here to experience it. And it has been quite the experience. D.C. has already gotten its taste of celebrity fever since the Obamas moved to town. But running into Barack isn’t all too easy, unless separated my inch-thick bulletproof glass. The Real Worlders, however, like to party and make fools of themselves, and don’t have trained assassins guarding them at all times. So until they leave, I will put my regular routine of Obama stalking on hold.

I actually got lucky though. My TWC class was held near Dupont Circle, and one night after class, after learning that someone had discovered where the house was, and that the cast might be moving in soon, I thought I would drop by and check out their digs. Expecting to see a half finished new-age building, instead I found a fully renovated Victorian mansion. (They’re actually not that rare in this city, but to see one so nice on the inside obviously is) I was jealous because I had always wanted a house like that, so I approached it and began inspecting the outside. There was a group of folks standing outside the gate, so I figured they were trying to get a peek at the house too. I stopped to ask one of them a question.

Me:“This is intense…do you know when the cast moves in?”

Bald Black Guy: “Umm, we’re already here.”

Me: “…oh.”

I then walked away awkwardly, but two seconds later, encountered two people walking around the corner with cameras following them. That was pretty weird. I managed to meet 3/8 of the Real World D.C. cast the day the moved in, which is pretty sweet I think. Since then, it’s been funny to hear all of random stories from TWC folk about running into them in different places. Like in the club, or at a Quiznos, or in a club, or on the Metro, or in a club. (They really like clubbing.)

While pretty insignificant, it’s been another interesting part of this already interesting summer.

Until next time…