crazy COOL
IN WASHINGTON D.C.
It took about four hours to get from New York to Washington DC. We were completely broken from the night before and of course trying to navigate our way through the sixteen-lane highway did not help our situation at all. But, we made it. We checked in straight away to our hotel with a roof terrace. In order to help us land we headed straight to the rooftop bar for a Mimosa and a beer. And, well as they say. What goes up, must come down. It was pretty clear that the barmaid was not having a good day. Our passports were still downstairs and our internationally recognized, yet very Dutch drivers licenses were not – for this dragon of a woman – sufficient. Okay then. Were we letting these drinks slide. I don’t think so! A bit annoyed, we thought that a few polite, yet fair words were in order. However for this madam GHETTO our attempts to discuss the situation did not go down so well and she gave us a complete earful of expletives and bleep-ables. Outcome: the manager arrived, dragon dismissed and we are there to enjoy a free cheese platter with our Mimosa and beer. Not bad huh! Liberty prevails in Washington! Thank you!
So first impressions were perhaps a little questionable, but with that rooftop and with Barack Obama in the White House as a neighbor, let’s say we could turn a blind eye to such a welcoming. It may come as no surprise that I’m quite the fan of Mr Obama. The chance to be looking from this rooftop and from our very own hotel room directly towards his mansion was rather cool, to say the least. And as for the rest of our time in Washington. Brilliant. This city is a must. However, do be prepared for hordes of tourists all armed with 85 cameras, a guide book and an umbrella. But it’s still a great city and really should not be missed. Thus, here’s my report on what you need to do and see in the city from the most powerful man in the world.
THIS IS WHERE TO SLEEP
We slept in the W Hotel. I find that this is always a good choice. And most certainly when in Washington. The rooftop is, as I’ve mentioned above, with its view overlooking the White House, ultra cool. The attention to detail is outstanding. It has good beds, an impressively decorated lobby, restaurants to feast in and all for a great price. If you still want something more luxurious, go to Capella Washington. That is also the perfect place for an outdoors brunch in an idyllic spot in Georgetown. It’s really lovely to sit there on the water with the best club sandwich ever-ever-ever made.
This is the student area. But do not expect the rowdy, American Pie students. No, this is all about mega beautiful mansions with very luxury rides at the front door. Oh, and the main shopping street is perfect for an unfilled afternoon. Everything can be found here; Zara to Marc Jacobs. I just enjoyed wandering aimlessly waiting for something in the windows to catch my eye. The cottages here are also to die for. Think Great Gatsby: pastels, glossy double doors and sweetly detailed gables.
On the Zagat rating of Washington state this restaurant is at first place. And that is completely justified. Everything here is a pure delight and totally Italian. We had ordered the Wagyu and a divine truffle pasta. A tad extravagant, quite naturally, but we had something to celebrate. And this is the best place for it. Nothing to celebrate? Then just go there to have an outstanding, decadent, culinary experience. Gourmet to the max!
RENT A BIKE
Of course you can get in a tour bus or go with a fast talking tour guide. Yes, yes this is an option. But in my opinion, it’s far better not to. I say rent a bike. You have a lot of city bikes that you can rent for $17 for three days. Ideal for a city like Washington. It is just too easy to cycle from attraction to attraction. Bike parking is found on nearly every corner, so when you are ready to go see something up close you can safely put your bike away. Best of all, on a bike you can avoid the overly beaten tourist trails. There is a super fun bike ride from Washington to Arlington Cemetery via the two bridges. The military cemetery is very impressive and from there you can go through to the war memorial and before you know it back to downtown D.C. A great little route of about 18 kilometers and there is no better way to see the city from the other side of the water.
WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN
Most impressive thing about Washington, are the buildings. There is the spectacular White House and memorials such as the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Martin Luther King Memorial, the Washington Monument and of course the mega wow-wow-wow Lincoln statue. Furthermore, there are all the other government buildings at ‘The Mall’ that are also exemplary. It can be said that these building are so grand that it doesn’t matter when you go to see them. But there is something to be said for the way these buildings impressively resonate in the pink evening light of a summer night. Seriously! When it comes to Washington, at sunset she is at her very finest.
MUSEUMS
There are multitudes of museums in Washington. And almost all of them are free. But please do not miss the National Air and Space Museum. This is where the space suits are hanging from man’s first trip to the moon. These building tell the whole history of the Wright brothers first flight to the space missions of today. Very impressive. Especially for the men!
Yes! We danced on the rooftop. However it was not only the one night a week that it is possible to party on the roof of the W. Every night there is something happening where you can groove your thing. Unfortunately, we were a little shaken from our beds every night that we were there. Not so fine for us restrained party people, but fine for anyone looking for the famous and infamous parties in Washington. Do check out the agenda before hand though as some events require a ticket.
