Post by graybeard on Dec 14, 2009 5:04:28 GMT -6
Wife and I have spent the last ten days in DC, visiting the Smithsonians, etc. - and visiting our taxes.
The first thing that surprised is the local advertising. The Metro subway cars on the lines near the Pentagon are plastered with ads floor and ceiling for KBR and some logistics outfit I never heard of. LockMart has its share, too.
There are ads everywhere about the national debt, and "Don't mess with my Medicare." TV ads are full of anti-healthcare, too, but may be no worse than at home, as there I FF through ads with the DVR.
The Metro is poorly run, and the subject of Senate inquiries. I've ridden the Metro in Mexico City and Madrid, and each station is identified with a name and a symbol - for foreigners and illiterates. It's also easier to spot and remember a symbol. DC Metro stations have poor signage, inside and out. Unless you know exactly where to look, you have a devil of a time finding it. Actual riding experience wasn't bad.
Most of the Smithsonian museums are wide open spaces, with not that much showing. I think you'll find more Americana in a good antique mall than in the Museum of American History. Its main offerings are the first flag, and some First Ladies' dresses, although its space is restricted now with renovation.
On K Street, the street of lobbyists, I saw a taco wagon featuring burritos and yuppie coffee - a first.
Close in hotels are $200 a night and up, with half price weekends, so we stayed in west Arlington for half that, a half hour Metro ride/walk.
Home tonight.
GB
The first thing that surprised is the local advertising. The Metro subway cars on the lines near the Pentagon are plastered with ads floor and ceiling for KBR and some logistics outfit I never heard of. LockMart has its share, too.
There are ads everywhere about the national debt, and "Don't mess with my Medicare." TV ads are full of anti-healthcare, too, but may be no worse than at home, as there I FF through ads with the DVR.
The Metro is poorly run, and the subject of Senate inquiries. I've ridden the Metro in Mexico City and Madrid, and each station is identified with a name and a symbol - for foreigners and illiterates. It's also easier to spot and remember a symbol. DC Metro stations have poor signage, inside and out. Unless you know exactly where to look, you have a devil of a time finding it. Actual riding experience wasn't bad.
Most of the Smithsonian museums are wide open spaces, with not that much showing. I think you'll find more Americana in a good antique mall than in the Museum of American History. Its main offerings are the first flag, and some First Ladies' dresses, although its space is restricted now with renovation.
On K Street, the street of lobbyists, I saw a taco wagon featuring burritos and yuppie coffee - a first.
Close in hotels are $200 a night and up, with half price weekends, so we stayed in west Arlington for half that, a half hour Metro ride/walk.
Home tonight.
GB