Extra Post #2 “Hey, what’s up? We will be in town next week on our way to NYC. Could you take us on a tour?”

Do you know this feeling: friends are up for a visit, haven’t seen Washington, DC yet – and you are the tour guide…? It happens to me once in a while. So I created a great-first-day-get-a-feeling-for-Washington-tour. Your visitors will love it, promised!

9.30 am

Start at Lafayette Square, north of the White House. The park is named after famous Frenchmen who fought in the American Revolutionary war. There are five statues: located at the center of the park and in each of the four corners, all dedicated to honorable foreign men who helped the Americans in their Revolutionary War. As a German I showed my visitors the statue in the northwest corner of the park, which shows Baron von Steuben of Prussia. He served as inspector general to General George Washington. Pass by the Department of the Treasury, turn right on 15^th street and keep walking till you hit Pennsylvania Avenue, also known as “America’s Main Street.” Here, you should have a quick side trip to the south side of the White House. This is the view which is well-known world-wide. That’s also where Marine One, the President’s helicopter lands. Now walk back and stroll along Pennsylvania Avenue. You cross Freedom Plaza, from which you have a wonderful view down Pennsylvania Avenue towards the Capitol. By the way, take a few minutes to look around. You will notice an old-style building, the Willard. Did you know that Dr. Martin Luther King worked on his famous “I Have a Dream speech” in this Hotel?

10.30 am

Alright, next is a highlight most Washingtonians are not even aware of: The Old Post Office. Well, doesn’t sound interesting to you?! Your guests will love the view from its 315 ft (96m) high Clock Tower. And the ride up there is for free. Next is the FBI Headquarters (formerly known as the J. Edgar Hoover Building), located at Pennsylvania and 9^th Street. Now leave the original route towards Capitol and pass by Ford’s Theatre. Explain that President Lincoln was assassinated here, and he was then carried across the street into the Petersen House, just opposite of the theatre. All I remember he was shot around 10pm and died at 7.22am in the morning. Ok, also tell them some facts about Lincoln’s importance to the people of the United States (preserved the Union, ending slavery). Only a stone throw away, is the National Portrait Gallery. It’s worth a quick visit: Have a look at the photo exhibit “One Life: The Mask of Lincoln.” Ok, also important to pay some attention to is the President’s Portrait Gallery on the second floor. Besides the one in the White House, this is the only exciting portrait collection of all 43 President’s of the US.

12.30 pm

Hopefully, this is a good preparation for your guests to visit the National Archives, where they can look at the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Ok, ok, almost done. Now walk onto the Mall, make a left and walk towards the Capitol; a good occasion to explain the whole setup of Congress to your visitors, if they are still taking it (Senate and Hose chamber, e pluribus umnium, the fire in 1812, etc.).

2.30pm

Walk up the hill, circle the Capitol and enter the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. But be aware – the security is strict. No drinks allowed. And don’t be upset, but some security officers might be very unfriendly. You might be treated as an animal, it’s ridiculous and stressful. After they shouted at you – clam down in the lobby and enjoy the widths of the visitor center and all this marble. You can show your folks what you want: there is a permanent exhibition, movies, guided tours, and tours to the Senate and House chambers (visitor Gallery). Be there by 3.30 pm at latest, they close at 4.30pm.

4.30 pm

Then, walk over to Union Station, take the Red Line, exit at DuPont Circle and let them pay you a nice supper at Bistro Du Coin (1738 Connecticut Ave).

That’s only the first day. I might post day “two” or “three”. If not, leave a comment – I’ll come back to you. Or just book me as your personal tour guide…