[Iron Crab]

We just got back from Washington DC. We left a day or two early because our National leaders do not practice what they preach.
The White House, Capital, Washington Monument, National Art Museum, National Portrait Museum, National Archives, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, and even the National Aquarium were all closed. These closings were not all because of 9-11 but it really hit people who would like to tour the city.
We only stayed for four days that were quite filled and enjoyable but I think they better rethink a lot of these closings, as of now I wouldn't recommend a trip to the city. I really hate to say that because all the people who count on the tourist trade were about the best I have dealt with anywhere. These people took the edge off all the closings. We are already planning our return trip when things are opened up a little more.
Bill

[newreefman1]

I grew up in DC. Spend 18 years there. Gotta say for visitors it would suck to have all the monumen ts closed but you can still see them..... no ban on sight

Theres so much to do for FREE in DC a few closings shouldnt stop anyone. Museums alone could keep you occupied for months.


J

[MarkS]

Originally posted by newreefman1

Theres so much to do for FREE in DC a few closings shouldnt stop anyone. Museums alone could keep you occupied for months.

I agree. I lived there for a year from when I was eight to nine. These are some of the best memories I have. I have been to all of the monuments and almost all of the museums. That city is amazing!

Mark

[Iron Crab]

Yep, I agree the city and its people are great but the eight things that I listed were on our "must see list". What gets me is that Bush and company has been saying since 9-11 was:
Carry on, Travel, Spend money, But not here.
Almost everything is free but I will only spend time on what I find interesting and enjoyable. Can anyone explain why the National Aquarium was closed during a holiday week. Couldn't have been for the lack of tourist cause there was a lot people there. There is also a big difference from looking at the White House thru a gate from a block away and going inside.
Also, everything may be free but it does cost big bucks to spend time there. Candy bar- 1.35, Ham and cheese sandwich- 6.50, Bowl of soup- 5.00. The first night my family of five ate meatloaf and potatoes- $98.00 and that didn't include a salad and roll. It took a couple of days to figure out where to go. We ended up spending about 400 a day with hotel. All in all, it was still a great trip and we will do it again.

[Reinhold]

I just got back from DC last week. I testified before Joe Lieberman's Government Affairs committee. Scarey experience. The Russell and Dirkson buildings closed the following day because of anthrax (cough, cough!)

Paid $11 for a single serving pizza, saw cops on every step and corner. It looks like a city at war. It's a good time to go there, however, as there are essentially no tourists at all. Hotel was cheap.

I was searched twice getting on a plane at Reagan National, even had to take my shoes off. Two sky marshals on every plane in and out, and no one can leave their seat on the plane for the first or last 1/2 hour of the flight, or face arrest.