my impressions of Washington DC from a 1st time visitor

[greenbriar]

4/1 Kerry to Bush bumper stickers

Cindy the lady in front of the White House is awesome

Being in the place where soooooooo much history has taken place is priceless


knowing how much bush is fucking it all up and making a mockery of it is heartbreaking


Vietnam/Korea/WWII memorials left me speechless. Awesome visions from the designers

Lincoln memorial just way too cool

Arlington no words can express. Daughter got to lay a wreath at the tomb of the unknown


a very cool experience!

[WildEyedLiberal]

1. It is an awesome city

I love just standing there in the Lincoln Memorial and looking out at the Washington Monument and the reflecting pool and just thinking. It gives you chills, really.

Did you get a chance to go to the Holocaust Memorial Museum? That is an unforgettable experience.

[greenbriar]

2. oh gosh yes

I bawled like a baby when I stepped into the railway car and touched the actual bunk beds

[Gloria]

41. Designed by the French, non?? What would George say to that??

[babylonsister]

3. I remember my first time: the statue of Iwo Jima had a definite

impact on me, I was in my early teens with my grandma and sisters, and never forgot it. I'm now 50. :hug:

[greenbriar]

4. we only got to drive by it

no place for the bus to park since they were restoring it or something around it.

[CrazyOrangeCat]

5. Quite a place to visit . . .

. . . for sensitive folks that is.

Evidently, the nincompoops that are running the show right now, are not too impressed with magnificent history, are they?

Glad you got to go!

[ShortnFiery]

6. Yes, it is ...

but be careful not to come too far south of Fairfax, VA. We got a whole different world here - filled with right wing picky up trucks with gun racks and the sighting of at least one Bush Sticker daily. I've only counted Ten (10) Kerry stickers TOTAL in this area since the election, and one of them is my own.

I'm glad you enjoy D.C. I drive hubby to work there (the heart of the beast) when he must "get there quick" on the average of once per week. I love the FDR statue of him and his little dog Fala. I know, it's the little things. ;)

[greenbriar]

8. I loved FDR and his wheelchair and the soup kitchen line

our students lined up inbetween the statues and posed as if they were a part.


I have over 300 pictures to develop

[ShortnFiery]

11. I believe it!

I'm so happy that we had good weather for you to enjoy.

Best Wishes! :hi:

[Name removed]

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[Digit]

18. Stay on your side of the river, would ya?

Thanks! :)

[spooky3]

27. yeah, no DUers are from VA, so don't worry about

groundless stereotyping here.

:sarcasm:

Arlington, FX County, Alexandria, are among the bluest of the blue counties anywhere, filled with highly educated people, and well-managed. Even Loudoun County went for Kaine last year. And who elected the Rethug governor of MD?

If Maryland did not have a second large metro area in Baltimore, I think you'd find its populace would match Virginia's (re: politics, education levels, etc.).

[Dr. Jones]

29. That is SO WRONG.

I grew up in MD and lived across the river in Falls Church, VA for a number of years. Virginia is NOT redneck. Actually more of Northern Virginia is adjacent to DC, thus it is more suburban.

[Dr. Jones]

28. Fairfax isn't THAT bad...it's still fairly dem

Now maybe if you're talking south of Manassas, you may have something there.

[wtmusic]

7. The most conservatively-dressed city in the nation

man, I thought I was in Salt Lake City

[Name removed]

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[global1]

9. Unfortunately D.C. Has Become A City Under Siege.......

prior to 9/11 Washington D.C. was wonderful. One could roam through the Capitol Building and take the subway trams beneath it to the Senate and Congressional buildings. One was able to get to go up on the Washington Monument and take a tour of the White House without having to get tickets in advance or know somebody that could get one in. One could get into the Smithsonian museums without having to go through a security station.

Now it is hunkered down - bunkered - city under siege. Police all over. Barriers all over. Everything and everyone is suspect.

I've been going to D.C. every year for a few days since 1999. A lot has changed.

Last year it was even hard to get close to the White House.

Sometimes I think that it is just Bush paranoia that is causing this and not really 9/11 that caused this.

I long for the old days.

[Historic NY]

12. I agree with you on that, we were taken all over the place before.

[greenbriar]

19. yes, we were through so many security check points

I probably glow in the dark,

but the history of all of it was AWESOME

[smtpgirl]

16. Fuck the WH, why don't you go to Layfayette Park and view

the WH from afar?

Layfayette Park has the eclectic crowd, but harmless, it is so cool, plus you might make some friends there

Or better yet, visit the beaches

Ocean City, MD
Lewes, DE
Bethany Beach, DE
Fenwick Island, DE
Rehoboth Beach, DE

[NJ Democrats]

38. Yeah

I went in 96, I think and it was great! We got a tour of the WH, and everything. I went back last year, and everything is guarded, I had to get tickets to the Capital building from my Congressman several months before. It was still fun but It was better before.

[Historic NY]

10. I will be there on Tues.......did you checkout the spy museum....

its fairly new. I am amazed by the FDR memorial and of course Arlington, I have spent quite a bit of time there. I am heading down for National Law Enforcement Memorial events.

[Faygo Kid]

21. Have a great time. Been to Ford's Theater?

I get goose bumps going in there, and I guess it has been revamped since I was last there four years ago. Time to go back!

[greenbriar]

22. It was something unreal to actually sit and take pictures

of the actual place where the last good republican was taken out

[Faygo Kid]

24. Yes, moving. There have been Repukes with redeeming values, though.

Certainly the so-called "Radicals" at Reconstruction; Grant would not give up the freed slaves to the tender mercies of the Southrons, and for that he deserves credit. Teddy R. certainly did some great things; was (gasp) an environmentalist. Ike warned us strongly against the military-industrial complex; if you have not seen "Why We Fight," you absolutely must. Bush and his insane crew are Bushbots, not Republicans, in the traditional sense, which you could argue with and yet retain respect. This is war.

[smtpgirl]

13. The Vietnam wall makes me cry everytime I go there

How about the Spy Museum and Eastern Market, or how about the wharf on Maine Ave, SW, the Tidal Basin Willard Hotel, Layfayette Park

and the Beltway

[Dr. Jones]

31. Eastern Market: Best Crabcake Sandwiches on the East Coast!

n/t

[Touchdown]

17. I just went there for the first time in March.

I was there with CWA for our legislative conference. I couldn't help but get caught up in the history and the beauty of the city. We stayed at the Hyatt, which is like 3 block from the Capital. Amazing to step out of the lobby and have a view like that. Reminds me of when I was 21, and was on a Army Reserve drill. We stayed in these old WWII barracks on The Presidio that were right on the beach. We walked out of those and stared straight up at the Golden Gate Bridge, which was practically right above us.

I know what you mean about "The People's City" being in lockdown. I took this and named it "Homeland Security"...

[Faygo Kid]

20. It's a great city. I am trying to move there. Don't forget Maryland, VA

So much to see and do, not just in DC, but in the surrounding area - a history buff's dream. I am trying to get a job in DC (looks good) and move to Silver Spring, MD (personal reasons). I like where I am, but I really like all that area has to offer (except Republicans, of course). One great thing about DC? No buildings can be taller than the Washington Monument or the Capitol, so downtown actually has light coming into it.

[greenbriar]

23. we went to the pier at Baltimore. AWESOME

and Mt. Vernon

really cool


it is a really neat part of the world and so much history.

[Faygo Kid]

25. Both are favorites. Baltimore is a great, great city.

Super restaurants in ethnic neighborhoods; excellent museums (my favorite is, perhaps surprisingly, not the Walters Museum but the Baltimore Museum of Art, and the Cone Collection. Google it.) Then you have the Inner Harbor, and more and more. I love Baltimore, and look forward to visiting the new visitor center at Mt. Vernon soon; it is going to be spectacular.

[greenbriar]

26. I got some really great preserves and jellies

from Mt. Vernon.


saw the construction and plans for the new visitor's center
Pretty cool

[spooky3]

37. I took some relatives to Mt. Vernon last fall and we were all

struck by the beauty and the great stories of the history of the place. Really enjoyed it.

[Dr. Jones]

33. Cost of living in DC is ATROCIOUS!

Be sure to have a job that pays well over $55K just to afford an efficiency apt. (or a 1-bedroom if you are lucky). However, yes, DC is unique in that sense that skyscrapers are prohibited for the very reason you mentioned.

Lots to see and do though, for sure! Silver Spring, MD is a fairly good choice, however crime rates are a bit higher in that town...try Bethesda (ritzy and fun) or Kensington on the MD side, or on the Virginia side - Fairfax, Arlington, Falls Church, or further out, Reston or Herndon. If you have lots of $$$, live in Alexandria, VA along the Potomac River. Talk about pretty.

[Faygo Kid]

34. Many thanks! Wish Wheaton wasn't such a hole.

Wheaton is a junkyard that needs leadership to take advantage of incredible ethnic diversity. So far, no way. I am going there because of personal reasons; she is turning 55, and so am I. But, we have a history, so we agree that we live separately for now. Whatever. At this age, I roll the dice.

[Dr. Jones]

35. Depends on where you live in Wheaton, but generally, yes.

A few years ago, we had some friends who lived off Drumm Ave. just south of Wheaton Plaza (at least it was called Wheaton Plaza at that time, now it's called something "ritzier" from what I understand). Anyway, that neighborhood wasn't that bad really - middle class I'd say, and you were in walking distance to the Wheaton Metro. It was south of the intersection of Georgia Ave. & University Blvd. I hear there's some townhomes in that area that were sold out before they were built - and they sold at around $450k.

[spooky3]

36. hope things work out for you--more housing advice

if you are considering buying. No one really knows what the housing market will do, but the noisiest rumors are that the condo market was pushed up too highly by the speculators and that prices have dropped and may drop farther (single family and townhouses allegedly are at least stable or increasing more slowly than recently but still increasing). Last year the prices rose more rapidly in lower cost areas (mostly farther away from the city) than in the more expensive close-in suburbs. However, with the continuing transportation problems and skyrocketing gasoline costs, this trend may be stopping. So, if you are thinking of buying, you might find a good deal on a close in condo.

[Faygo Kid]

39. Thank you. Actually renting, and hoping for more.

A long - very long - story. I so very much appreciate your taking the time to give me sound and heartfelt advice. Hopefully, I can grill for you soon, if you would like. In Maryland. I am the best, 54 and a nice person who hopes you like my three dogs. I do not ask any personal info, just keep an eye on faygokid and let me know contact info in, say, the next two months.

[spooky3]

30. come back soon!

[many a good man]

32. Also check out Great Falls

Only 14 miles upriver.

[greenbriar]

40. that is beautiful

wish we had had time to see that