D.C. Highlights

The highlights of my trip were the days I spent on the mall in D.C. visiting the Lincoln and Washington monuments as well as the Capitol and the House office buildings. The west side of the mall was a great highlight with the Korean and Vietnam Memorial and well as the Women's memorial. Union Station and the Supreme Court were great fun as well. However, nothing beats the White House!

Quick Tips:

Best Way To Get Around:

The subway is excellent and especially easy to navigate. The National Mall though is still best seen on foot! Taxis are a good way to get around as well because the fares are dictated by zones. However, the fares do increase dramatically for every extra rider. You always know just what to expect though as the fares are published!

Union Station was once the largest train station in the world when it opened in 1907. After its massive renovation in the mid 1980's, Union Station was a vibrant entity. On the lower level there is a vast Food Court offering every type of dish ranging from low to medium cost. Burgers, stuffed baked potatoes, seafood, enchiladas, chili, homemade ice cream, barbeque, pizzas, and sandwiches are just a sampling. Everything is cafeteria style but it is NOT like your local mall. This one fits very well with the high quality of the entire facility. Marble floors, subtle lighting, use of oak and pine, as well as unusual lighting make this a unique and affordable dining experience. When you are finished eating catch a movie at the nine screen cinema or enjoy one of the over 100 shops in the beautiful three story complex.

It's a shame that White House tours have been suspended indefinitely. Still the most recognized home in America, the White House embodies the power and statemanship of the executive office, the most powerful office in the world. Every President, except George Washington, has conducted the government here over the past 200 years. As you might imagine, flags are everywhere in Washington and makes for a wonderful atmosphere surrounding the White House. The four pillars in the front directly behind the fountain are what strikes you as you view the White House for the first time. Since Pennsylvania Avenue is closed, you can linger in front or in the park directly across the street taking photos for as long as you like. Make sure to look out for protestors (they always make things interseting!) At the very least you will find the nuclear war White House vigil that boasts that it has been going on "24 hours a day since 1981." On the West side of the White House say "hi" to your favorite network reporter as they await for the latest breaking news in the area affectionately referred to as "Pebble Beach." From the front of the White House, you can get a dramatic view of the Washington Monument. Make sure to walk around the back of the White House for the rear view. This may be the best of the two views! Before you go, contact your local Congressmen or Senator, just to make sure you can get whatever VIP treatment is available.

WOW! How easy could it be to navigate a major US city? Simply pick up a Metro Pocket Guide at the first stop and follow the legend. The five lines are all color-coded and there is a key for all "Points of Interest" and the lines that serve them. With over 75 stations, the city is well-served. The stations are cool and attractive with terra-cotta floors and huge vaulted ceilings. They are surely an attraction in their own right! Make a special trip to Dupont Circle! Unbelievable! I've never seen escalators that long! The cars are air-conditioned, large, and comfortable. The routes are also well-marked in each station and you don't have to walk a mile to transfer routes. QUICK TIPS: 1. Look for a five dollar day pass, however it can't be used until after 9:30am during the week. If staying longer a 7-day pass is available. 2. Fares are determined by distance traveled and discounts are given for riding during non-rush hour times. 3. Be advised that the orange and blue lines are identical throughout the heart of the city. No use waiting for the orange if the blue will take you there as well. 4. During rush hours trains come about every six minutes. Non-rush hour trains are every 15 minutes.

If you are arriving at Dulles International and you need transportation into the city try the Washington Coach Flyer for bus transportation to West Falls Church Metro stop. The Washington Flyer leaves every thirty minutes from Dulles and can be found outside door 4 on the lower level of the main terminal. Tickets can be purchased there and the coach picks up right outside the door. Tickets for one way service are $8 while a roundtrip pass may be more economical for you at $14. The tickets are good for the next ninety (90) days. The only hitch I had with the service is in the case of an early morning flight out of Dulles. The earliest bus going back to Dulles doesn't leave until West Falls Church until 8:00am.