Washington DC Adventures: Oval Office, Snipers, Ethiopian dinner, and Lincoln's Tophat !
Oct 13th, 2007, 04:41 PM
#22
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for the feedback, 5alive! The Washington DC forum isn't as active as the other travel forums that I use, so I have been wondering if I am the only one reading my trip report. :-? But I like to share my story, since I get to re-live my trip. Plus I owe everyone who has helped me plan my trips.
I try to include some personal reactions, because you can get objective facts in the guidebooks.
I'll post some more soon.
TRIP REPORT TO BE CONTINUED:
I try to include some personal reactions, because you can get objective facts in the guidebooks.
I'll post some more soon.
TRIP REPORT TO BE CONTINUED:
Oct 13th, 2007, 05:02 PM
#23
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 895
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you Melissa5 for this wonderful trip report.
It makes me want to relive the awe I felt upon my first visit to Washington- way too long ago with my two young children,and in another time.
It's time for a return, as an adult,and to view it from another perspective.
It makes me want to relive the awe I felt upon my first visit to Washington- way too long ago with my two young children,and in another time.
It's time for a return, as an adult,and to view it from another perspective.
Oct 13th, 2007, 11:37 PM
#25
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS AND CAPITOL TOURS:
We requested a tour of the Library of Congress and the Capitol by e-mailing our representative...Senator Dianne Feinstein. We received a prompt reply with our reserved tour info.
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS TOUR:
The Library of Congress building is a beautiful old building, quite elegant and artsy. I highly recommend you book the free tour, which only takes 90 minutes.
In our case, when we arrived for our reserved tour, we found all tours had been unexpectedly cancelled due to an event happening in the library. This was disappointing at first but it gave us some free time to get some research done.
We applied for our library cards and found the books we needed. We sat in the beautiful Main Reading room of the Library of Congress, trying very hard not to be distracted from our work by the gorgeous room! You can also see this room from a different angle on the Library of Congress tour...on the tour you see the room by peering down from a higher floor.
Fortunately, the Library of Congress did open for the public in the last hour of the day, and we were able to do a self-tour. One of our party slipped on the very slick marble stairs and twisted an ankle...be careful and hold the railing all the way down! She was okay to walk but had a sore ankle for a few days. She slipped on the BOTTOM step!
CAPITOL TOUR:
We met our guides for the Capitol tour, and they turned out to be 2 enthusiastic young interns who had only been in DC for a few weeks. Their excitement was contagious.
However I have to say that the White House West Wing tour overshadows the Capitol tour.
We were also given Senate Gallery passes and House gallery passes. However neither the Senate nor the House of Representatives were in session during our tour time, therefore we could only gaze at an empty room.
HANDY LUNCH:
Our Capitol tour and Library of Congress tour were scheduled for the same day, with just enough time in between for lunch.
A handy spot for lunch near the Capitol building is across the street in the basement cafeteria, called the US House Longworth Cafeteria,where you can buy a quick, inexpensive, and tasty casual lunch. I chose an excellent wrap (sandwich) for $5.25 with my choice of fillings. Don't go out of your way to eat here, but it's handy if you're in the area.
We requested a tour of the Library of Congress and the Capitol by e-mailing our representative...Senator Dianne Feinstein. We received a prompt reply with our reserved tour info.
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS TOUR:
The Library of Congress building is a beautiful old building, quite elegant and artsy. I highly recommend you book the free tour, which only takes 90 minutes.
In our case, when we arrived for our reserved tour, we found all tours had been unexpectedly cancelled due to an event happening in the library. This was disappointing at first but it gave us some free time to get some research done.
We applied for our library cards and found the books we needed. We sat in the beautiful Main Reading room of the Library of Congress, trying very hard not to be distracted from our work by the gorgeous room! You can also see this room from a different angle on the Library of Congress tour...on the tour you see the room by peering down from a higher floor.
Fortunately, the Library of Congress did open for the public in the last hour of the day, and we were able to do a self-tour. One of our party slipped on the very slick marble stairs and twisted an ankle...be careful and hold the railing all the way down! She was okay to walk but had a sore ankle for a few days. She slipped on the BOTTOM step!
CAPITOL TOUR:
We met our guides for the Capitol tour, and they turned out to be 2 enthusiastic young interns who had only been in DC for a few weeks. Their excitement was contagious.
However I have to say that the White House West Wing tour overshadows the Capitol tour.
We were also given Senate Gallery passes and House gallery passes. However neither the Senate nor the House of Representatives were in session during our tour time, therefore we could only gaze at an empty room.
HANDY LUNCH:
Our Capitol tour and Library of Congress tour were scheduled for the same day, with just enough time in between for lunch.
A handy spot for lunch near the Capitol building is across the street in the basement cafeteria, called the US House Longworth Cafeteria,where you can buy a quick, inexpensive, and tasty casual lunch. I chose an excellent wrap (sandwich) for $5.25 with my choice of fillings. Don't go out of your way to eat here, but it's handy if you're in the area.
Oct 13th, 2007, 11:45 PM
#26
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
National Archives
We walked right into the National Archives one day after lunch with no lines. (This was September and schools were in session.) We noticed that in the late afternoon, about the time school gets out for the day, there was a line for the main room, but we had already seen it by then.
National Archives was disappointing to me, because I had anticipated this would be one of the highlights of my DC visit. Instead it was rather...boring.
I kept telling myself how important these old faded almost unreadable original documents were. I think the problem is in the presentation. We had no guide to enlighten us, there is no star spangled banner playing...no ghosts of the original signers of the declaration of independence. You KNOW the declaration of independence is here, but you just can't feel it somehow. That was my reaction. (You also can't read it as it's so faded. You have to read a legible copy.)
There are other things to see in the National Archives. It's interesting, but underwhelming.
If you can get in without a long wait, I think every American should see this museum at least once. But if there's a long line, skip it or return later.
We walked right into the National Archives one day after lunch with no lines. (This was September and schools were in session.) We noticed that in the late afternoon, about the time school gets out for the day, there was a line for the main room, but we had already seen it by then.
National Archives was disappointing to me, because I had anticipated this would be one of the highlights of my DC visit. Instead it was rather...boring.
I kept telling myself how important these old faded almost unreadable original documents were. I think the problem is in the presentation. We had no guide to enlighten us, there is no star spangled banner playing...no ghosts of the original signers of the declaration of independence. You KNOW the declaration of independence is here, but you just can't feel it somehow. That was my reaction. (You also can't read it as it's so faded. You have to read a legible copy.)
There are other things to see in the National Archives. It's interesting, but underwhelming.
If you can get in without a long wait, I think every American should see this museum at least once. But if there's a long line, skip it or return later.
Oct 13th, 2007, 11:52 PM
#27
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
International Spy Museum
This is a private museum and therefore there is an entrance free. (Note that the Smithsonian museums and the National Archives are free!)
We paid our entrance fee for the museum...we skipped the fancy new game, which costs more...
Although it was fun, I felt like I was wasting time and energy that I would rather have spent elsewhere. (There is so much walking in DC you can't afford to waste energy!)
Yes, it's fun and interesting and has a lot of spy gadgets, but it cannot compete with the Smithsonian museums, in my opinion.
If you have children who are old enough to know what a spy is, this might be a fun choice to include in your family's DC visit. It does have some interactive aspects. Children who can't read would probably be bored, but older children might enjoy this museum.
This is a private museum and therefore there is an entrance free. (Note that the Smithsonian museums and the National Archives are free!)
We paid our entrance fee for the museum...we skipped the fancy new game, which costs more...
Although it was fun, I felt like I was wasting time and energy that I would rather have spent elsewhere. (There is so much walking in DC you can't afford to waste energy!)
Yes, it's fun and interesting and has a lot of spy gadgets, but it cannot compete with the Smithsonian museums, in my opinion.
If you have children who are old enough to know what a spy is, this might be a fun choice to include in your family's DC visit. It does have some interactive aspects. Children who can't read would probably be bored, but older children might enjoy this museum.
Oct 13th, 2007, 11:52 PM
#28
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 17,106
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Melissa5: Thanks for posting such an interesting trip report!
Don't be discouraged if not many people write in! Lots of people read trip reports but don't write in.
I especially enjoyed your descriptions of the Museum of Natural History (my favorite!) - yes the food in those museums are really forgettable. And yes, I too cried at the Vietnam Memorial.
BTW: the Ethiopian bread that you ate is called "injera" - kind of a soft, spongy pancake that's at the bottom of the tray, then the food is piled on it and so the injera absorbs all the wonderful juices of the food above it. Yummy! People don't realize that Ethiopian food uses some of the oldest-known spices and is very favorful. I also like their honey wine called "tej". We have been told by the Ethiopian hosts at the restaurants we visit that the way to eat Ethiopian food is with the hand - scooping up the meat and veggies with the injera. Oh, you're making me hungry for Ethiopian food!
Please continue with your wonderful report! And thanks again!
Don't be discouraged if not many people write in! Lots of people read trip reports but don't write in.
I especially enjoyed your descriptions of the Museum of Natural History (my favorite!) - yes the food in those museums are really forgettable. And yes, I too cried at the Vietnam Memorial.
BTW: the Ethiopian bread that you ate is called "injera" - kind of a soft, spongy pancake that's at the bottom of the tray, then the food is piled on it and so the injera absorbs all the wonderful juices of the food above it. Yummy! People don't realize that Ethiopian food uses some of the oldest-known spices and is very favorful. I also like their honey wine called "tej". We have been told by the Ethiopian hosts at the restaurants we visit that the way to eat Ethiopian food is with the hand - scooping up the meat and veggies with the injera. Oh, you're making me hungry for Ethiopian food!
Please continue with your wonderful report! And thanks again!
Oct 14th, 2007, 05:07 PM
#30
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
easytraveler, it's my pleasure to write this trip report. I have been able to plan great trips because of all the other travelers who have shared their trip reports on fodors and tripadvisor!
It's interesting that the Natural History museum is your favorite. I think we were fortunate because we only saw 2 of the 14 Smithsonian museums, and I think the natural history museum is probably among the best! Did you see the experts through the glass window working on dinosaur bones and fossils? Fascinating!
I really think it is true that the Vietnam Memorial absorbs everyone's tears and grief, and you can just feel it when you visit. I am actually getting worried about how I will handle all of the grief at Auschwitz when we visit Poland next September 2008. (That is why we skipped the Holocaust museum in DC...we're going to Auschwitz in Poland in September 2008, and I don't think I can face that too many times.
We just re-watched Schindler's List to help prepare for our visit to Poland. It's hard to get your head and your heart around so much hatred and misery. That is why it makes me so mad to hear ANY kind of prejudice being voiced against people. Look where it can lead...
I know this is a bit off topic, but I was so proud of my daughters yesterday. They went out to celebrate a birthday with a group of friends. While having some drinks, to their horror they found they were talking to a group of young men who were so prejudiced that it was shocking to my daughters. They were brave enough to speak out against the inappropriate comments. That isn't easy to do. (The young men were from out of town and had come with a friend who didn't know them that well...they were "uninvited guests".)
My daughters tried to speak out and then leave that group behind, but the young men followed them (my daughters are attractive.) Fortunately no trouble developed as my daughters were with their older brother and a group of level-headed friends who knew how to handle themselves.
My older daughter told the story to their grandma and said "We were raised right and we don't talk like that. I guess I was naive because I didn't know people could be like that." When I heard that I felt, well, I guess I did one thing right in my parenting style.
I encourage people to travel with their son and daughters. It really helps to broaden one's perspective. Recently in college my older daughter was called on by the professor and asked to define ethnocentrism. She knew exactly what it meant!
Back to the Trip Report:
It's interesting that the Natural History museum is your favorite. I think we were fortunate because we only saw 2 of the 14 Smithsonian museums, and I think the natural history museum is probably among the best! Did you see the experts through the glass window working on dinosaur bones and fossils? Fascinating!
I really think it is true that the Vietnam Memorial absorbs everyone's tears and grief, and you can just feel it when you visit. I am actually getting worried about how I will handle all of the grief at Auschwitz when we visit Poland next September 2008. (That is why we skipped the Holocaust museum in DC...we're going to Auschwitz in Poland in September 2008, and I don't think I can face that too many times.
We just re-watched Schindler's List to help prepare for our visit to Poland. It's hard to get your head and your heart around so much hatred and misery. That is why it makes me so mad to hear ANY kind of prejudice being voiced against people. Look where it can lead...
I know this is a bit off topic, but I was so proud of my daughters yesterday. They went out to celebrate a birthday with a group of friends. While having some drinks, to their horror they found they were talking to a group of young men who were so prejudiced that it was shocking to my daughters. They were brave enough to speak out against the inappropriate comments. That isn't easy to do. (The young men were from out of town and had come with a friend who didn't know them that well...they were "uninvited guests".)
My daughters tried to speak out and then leave that group behind, but the young men followed them (my daughters are attractive.) Fortunately no trouble developed as my daughters were with their older brother and a group of level-headed friends who knew how to handle themselves.
My older daughter told the story to their grandma and said "We were raised right and we don't talk like that. I guess I was naive because I didn't know people could be like that." When I heard that I felt, well, I guess I did one thing right in my parenting style.
I encourage people to travel with their son and daughters. It really helps to broaden one's perspective. Recently in college my older daughter was called on by the professor and asked to define ethnocentrism. She knew exactly what it meant!
Back to the Trip Report:
Oct 14th, 2007, 05:22 PM
#31
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
TRAVEL TIPS FOR DC:
My 2 college-age daughters and I offer up the following travel tips for anyone planning a first trip to DC:
--Try some Ethiopian food or unusual foods that you haven't tried before. Don't just eat the same old thing you are used to.
--Tip from "Kay", my 20-year-old daughter: "Do you care about history or politics? If not, you might be bored in the Archives or Monuments. I love history, so I liked it. The city feels very political."
--White House West Wing tour is a highlight, if you can get it, highly recommended You need to have a DC connection.
--My older daughter, who typically dresses in style for southern California, felt very under-dressed for DC. She says to warn you all to dress more conservatively for DC. (Don't wear your spaghetti strap top with your tatoo showing over the top of it, in September in DC.)
--Bring COMFORTABLE walking shoes!!!
--Avoid "Smithsonian Museum Burnout" by spending a half-day in one of the Smithsonian museums, and then doing something outside in the afternoon.
--Check carefully for the security rules for each building. You cannot bring back-packs or large purses into many of the buildings, for example.
--Know where you are going and stay in well-lit areas at night, as you should in any big city.
--Where should you sleep? Choose a neighborhood which is a convenient walk from a Metro stop, and which has some restaurants open nearby. Try not to sleep in an area where the restaurants close down when the office workers go home!
--If your hotel is on a long major street (see the map) it will be a very noisy area, with sirens screeching and horns honking. If you like convenience and quiet, choose a safe side street that is near a Metro stop but is NOT the main street.
My 2 college-age daughters and I offer up the following travel tips for anyone planning a first trip to DC:
--Try some Ethiopian food or unusual foods that you haven't tried before. Don't just eat the same old thing you are used to.
--Tip from "Kay", my 20-year-old daughter: "Do you care about history or politics? If not, you might be bored in the Archives or Monuments. I love history, so I liked it. The city feels very political."
--White House West Wing tour is a highlight, if you can get it, highly recommended You need to have a DC connection.
--My older daughter, who typically dresses in style for southern California, felt very under-dressed for DC. She says to warn you all to dress more conservatively for DC. (Don't wear your spaghetti strap top with your tatoo showing over the top of it, in September in DC.)
--Bring COMFORTABLE walking shoes!!!
--Avoid "Smithsonian Museum Burnout" by spending a half-day in one of the Smithsonian museums, and then doing something outside in the afternoon.
--Check carefully for the security rules for each building. You cannot bring back-packs or large purses into many of the buildings, for example.
--Know where you are going and stay in well-lit areas at night, as you should in any big city.
--Where should you sleep? Choose a neighborhood which is a convenient walk from a Metro stop, and which has some restaurants open nearby. Try not to sleep in an area where the restaurants close down when the office workers go home!
--If your hotel is on a long major street (see the map) it will be a very noisy area, with sirens screeching and horns honking. If you like convenience and quiet, choose a safe side street that is near a Metro stop but is NOT the main street.
Oct 14th, 2007, 05:44 PM
#32
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
BEST LUNCHES AND DINNERS:
We ate a total of 6 lunches in DC and 5 dinners. We chose places with inexpensive to moderate prices, good food, and enjoyable atmosphere. We also enjoy trying exotic foods. Out of these 11 meals, these are the very best:
Etete Ethiopian Cuisine
1942 9th St. NW (9th & U St.)
We spent $77 for 6 people for dinner (before tip.) Our #1 favorite DC restaurant!
Tasty foods are served on large trays and are shared by your family or traveling companions. Beef, chicken, and veggies all come with delicious spices. Most of our food was well-flavored but not too spicy.
You use your hands to eat, and there aren't any utensils. You can use the pancake-like bread, called injera, to scoop up some food.
A lot of locals seem to eat here, judging from the fact that there were many regular customers who knew the waitresses.
Two old men in the back were conversing in a wonderful musical language, and I wondered who they were and I wanted to meet them but I was too shy. What a fun place! Highly recommended. The cook should get an award.
There are a lot of write-ups about this casual restaurant hanging on their wall. There were always guests at the door waiting for a table to be available. It is definitely worth the wait! It gets our vote for #1 in DC.
Zaytinya
701 9th St. NW
We had 5 people for this meal and spent $142 (before tip.) We ordered the “little plates”, and I forget if they are called tapas or mezze. You order 2 or 3 small plates per person and then everyone shares them all. With 5 people we needed about 13 “little plates” in all.
It was wonderful Mediterranean style food. Don't ask the waiter what to order, because we liked everything except for what our waiter recommended! Just read the descriptions of the food. Try some familiar items like hummus, and also some new things you have never tasted. This place is moderately priced for DC, but is more expensive than Etete. It has a fun atmosphere.
Mitsitam Cafe
National Museum of the American Indian (Smithsonian)
We went to this museum just to eat at the Mitsitam Cafe, and it has a huge assortment of wonderful Indian foods (American Indian). Expensive for a cafeteria, but the quality is excellent. Luckily I have no idea how much we spent since my husband and I paid separately at different registers for our family. I hear this food is authentic. Try the soup, try some of the unique salads or veggies and breads and other tasty items. This is the tastiest place to eat on the Mall.
You will pay just as much to eat at the other Smithsonian museums on the Mall, but if you want the best quality, eat at Mitsitam.
Teaism
400 8th St. NW
and
Teaism Dupont Circle
2009 R St. NW
We were delighted to find Teaism because it has reasonable prices for DC, is quick, you order at the counter, and the food is healthy and tasty. There are Bento boxes, or veggie and cheese sandwiches, or soups, and other tasty items, plus good teas.
DC has a lot of overpriced food so Teaism is a reliable find if you want a place that is consistent, tasty, reasonably priced, and quick. The choices of food seem to vary a bit from one Teaism to another. (There are at least 4 locations in DC.) We paid more for food at other places that wasn't as good as what they offer at Teaism.
US House Longworth Cafeteria
C and South Capital St. NW
This is a cafeteria in the basement of a large building that says “Longworth” on the building. It was a convenient lunch stop between our Capital tour and our Library of Congress Tour.
It is a cafeteria-style with a lot of choices, and reasonable prices. These were the best prices we found in DC. For example, we paid $5.25 for a good-sized wrap (sandwich with your choice of fillings.)
The food was good. There are lines of office workers. Our cashier was efficient and friendly. Don't go out of your way to find this cafeteria, but if you are touring the Capital and you need a good and quick lunch, this is the place.
We ate a total of 6 lunches in DC and 5 dinners. We chose places with inexpensive to moderate prices, good food, and enjoyable atmosphere. We also enjoy trying exotic foods. Out of these 11 meals, these are the very best:
Etete Ethiopian Cuisine
1942 9th St. NW (9th & U St.)
We spent $77 for 6 people for dinner (before tip.) Our #1 favorite DC restaurant!
Tasty foods are served on large trays and are shared by your family or traveling companions. Beef, chicken, and veggies all come with delicious spices. Most of our food was well-flavored but not too spicy.
You use your hands to eat, and there aren't any utensils. You can use the pancake-like bread, called injera, to scoop up some food.
A lot of locals seem to eat here, judging from the fact that there were many regular customers who knew the waitresses.
Two old men in the back were conversing in a wonderful musical language, and I wondered who they were and I wanted to meet them but I was too shy. What a fun place! Highly recommended. The cook should get an award.
There are a lot of write-ups about this casual restaurant hanging on their wall. There were always guests at the door waiting for a table to be available. It is definitely worth the wait! It gets our vote for #1 in DC.
Zaytinya
701 9th St. NW
We had 5 people for this meal and spent $142 (before tip.) We ordered the “little plates”, and I forget if they are called tapas or mezze. You order 2 or 3 small plates per person and then everyone shares them all. With 5 people we needed about 13 “little plates” in all.
It was wonderful Mediterranean style food. Don't ask the waiter what to order, because we liked everything except for what our waiter recommended! Just read the descriptions of the food. Try some familiar items like hummus, and also some new things you have never tasted. This place is moderately priced for DC, but is more expensive than Etete. It has a fun atmosphere.
Mitsitam Cafe
National Museum of the American Indian (Smithsonian)
We went to this museum just to eat at the Mitsitam Cafe, and it has a huge assortment of wonderful Indian foods (American Indian). Expensive for a cafeteria, but the quality is excellent. Luckily I have no idea how much we spent since my husband and I paid separately at different registers for our family. I hear this food is authentic. Try the soup, try some of the unique salads or veggies and breads and other tasty items. This is the tastiest place to eat on the Mall.
You will pay just as much to eat at the other Smithsonian museums on the Mall, but if you want the best quality, eat at Mitsitam.
Teaism
400 8th St. NW
and
Teaism Dupont Circle
2009 R St. NW
We were delighted to find Teaism because it has reasonable prices for DC, is quick, you order at the counter, and the food is healthy and tasty. There are Bento boxes, or veggie and cheese sandwiches, or soups, and other tasty items, plus good teas.
DC has a lot of overpriced food so Teaism is a reliable find if you want a place that is consistent, tasty, reasonably priced, and quick. The choices of food seem to vary a bit from one Teaism to another. (There are at least 4 locations in DC.) We paid more for food at other places that wasn't as good as what they offer at Teaism.
US House Longworth Cafeteria
C and South Capital St. NW
This is a cafeteria in the basement of a large building that says “Longworth” on the building. It was a convenient lunch stop between our Capital tour and our Library of Congress Tour.
It is a cafeteria-style with a lot of choices, and reasonable prices. These were the best prices we found in DC. For example, we paid $5.25 for a good-sized wrap (sandwich with your choice of fillings.)
The food was good. There are lines of office workers. Our cashier was efficient and friendly. Don't go out of your way to find this cafeteria, but if you are touring the Capital and you need a good and quick lunch, this is the place.
Oct 15th, 2007, 07:42 PM
#34
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,896
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Melissa5,
Still reading and still enjoying the report!
I also view writing a longer trip report as my thank you to all those who helped me. I think people are probably reading along with you, but not posting. It would be nice if Fodor's showed how many people viewers there were.
Still reading and still enjoying the report!
I also view writing a longer trip report as my thank you to all those who helped me. I think people are probably reading along with you, but not posting. It would be nice if Fodor's showed how many people viewers there were.
Oct 16th, 2007, 04:33 AM
#36
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,468
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Dad was in the first Peace Corps group sent out to Ethiopia, and living in the DC area as a kid, we would periodically go to Ethiopian restaurants in the Adams-Morgan area of DC. Eating with the injere bread is a special experience, and I love so much of the food, especially anything "wat" with its berbere sauce, find it so flavourful. Glad you've discovered Ethiopian food; DC has an especially large population pool of Ethiopians, in part due to the Peace Corps connection.
Thanks for sharing and posting a trip report!
Thanks for sharing and posting a trip report!
Oct 18th, 2007, 07:13 PM
#37
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
5alive and bardo1, I'm glad you're still reading! Thanks for the encouragement.
Daniel_Williams, I didn't realize that there was a Peace Corp connection with DC. That's interesting. Sounds like you know a lot about the ingredients of the delicious Ethiopian food. I didn't know how to describe the sauces and spices.
TRIP REPORT CONTINUED:
Daniel_Williams, I didn't realize that there was a Peace Corp connection with DC. That's interesting. Sounds like you know a lot about the ingredients of the delicious Ethiopian food. I didn't know how to describe the sauces and spices.
TRIP REPORT CONTINUED:
Oct 18th, 2007, 07:41 PM
#38
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
WHERE TO SLEEP:
EMBASSY CIRCLE GUEST HOUSE
2224 R ST. NW
Washington DC 20008
www.embassycircle.com
Raymond and Laura Saba, owners and hosts
Located in Dupont circle area on Embassy Row
10 guest rooms from $200 - $280 per night plus tax, including a continental-plus breakfast.
The Embassy Circle Guest House is a beautiful newly restored home. I give them 10/10 for everything...fantastic! This guest house is a wonderful quiet haven of friendliness and welcome, in a busy bustling city. About an easy 7-minute walk to the Dupont circle Metro.
We thank Raymond and Laura Saba for wonderful, gracious hospitality. Raymond had just returned from being out of town for the sad event of a family funeral, and yet he was the most thoughtful host you could ask for. Laura was helpful and friendly.
Laura & Raymond were preparing for a big open house in the embassy area the day we were leaving, yet it was handled so well, we always felt that they gave us every attention we needed as their guests. Raymond even waited with us while we awaited the arrival of our Super Shuttle to the airport.
Laura goes beyond the call of duty. We arrived by rental car, and needed to get rid of the car as we didn't need it in DC. Laura volunteered to drive to the car rental place so my husband wouldn't get lost, and she drove him back to the guest house in her car. Wow! She invited us to share in breakfast upon arrival on our first day at 9:00 am.
Breakfast was home-made quality whole grain breads for toasting; fresh fruit salad, yogurt, cereals, good coffee, tea, boiled eggs, and some baked goods. The community breakfast table is interesting and fun every morning, and Laura invites everyone to participate in the conversation if they wish.
She upgraded our room to their biggest room upstairs (#124) at no extra charge upon arrival, in front on the street, but it's a quiet street and a well-insulated house, so noise never bothered us.
Our room was very well-appointed with a beautiful rug that is a work of art. Plenty of fine furniture in the room. Very comfortable bed with a good quality firm mattress. Central A/C and a ceiling fan.
Wonderful shower with good water pressure and plenty of hot water. (Takes a few minutes to warm up when you first turn the shower on.)
My son and 2 daughters shared the room downstairs with 2 Queen beds. They were very comfortable.
Laura and Raymond Saba have a wonderful staff helping out. Nelly was a very attentive member of the staff. She offered us wine after we returned from dinner every night. We apparently missed the wine and conversation time in the evening at the guest house as we were always out for an early dinner. Nelly was kind and helpful!
Raymond and Laura are wonderful hosts who take an interest in you. The Embassy Circle Guest House is a great find. I look forward to staying here next time! My whole family was pleased.
EMBASSY CIRCLE GUEST HOUSE
2224 R ST. NW
Washington DC 20008
www.embassycircle.com
Raymond and Laura Saba, owners and hosts
Located in Dupont circle area on Embassy Row
10 guest rooms from $200 - $280 per night plus tax, including a continental-plus breakfast.
The Embassy Circle Guest House is a beautiful newly restored home. I give them 10/10 for everything...fantastic! This guest house is a wonderful quiet haven of friendliness and welcome, in a busy bustling city. About an easy 7-minute walk to the Dupont circle Metro.
We thank Raymond and Laura Saba for wonderful, gracious hospitality. Raymond had just returned from being out of town for the sad event of a family funeral, and yet he was the most thoughtful host you could ask for. Laura was helpful and friendly.
Laura & Raymond were preparing for a big open house in the embassy area the day we were leaving, yet it was handled so well, we always felt that they gave us every attention we needed as their guests. Raymond even waited with us while we awaited the arrival of our Super Shuttle to the airport.
Laura goes beyond the call of duty. We arrived by rental car, and needed to get rid of the car as we didn't need it in DC. Laura volunteered to drive to the car rental place so my husband wouldn't get lost, and she drove him back to the guest house in her car. Wow! She invited us to share in breakfast upon arrival on our first day at 9:00 am.
Breakfast was home-made quality whole grain breads for toasting; fresh fruit salad, yogurt, cereals, good coffee, tea, boiled eggs, and some baked goods. The community breakfast table is interesting and fun every morning, and Laura invites everyone to participate in the conversation if they wish.
She upgraded our room to their biggest room upstairs (#124) at no extra charge upon arrival, in front on the street, but it's a quiet street and a well-insulated house, so noise never bothered us.
Our room was very well-appointed with a beautiful rug that is a work of art. Plenty of fine furniture in the room. Very comfortable bed with a good quality firm mattress. Central A/C and a ceiling fan.
Wonderful shower with good water pressure and plenty of hot water. (Takes a few minutes to warm up when you first turn the shower on.)
My son and 2 daughters shared the room downstairs with 2 Queen beds. They were very comfortable.
Laura and Raymond Saba have a wonderful staff helping out. Nelly was a very attentive member of the staff. She offered us wine after we returned from dinner every night. We apparently missed the wine and conversation time in the evening at the guest house as we were always out for an early dinner. Nelly was kind and helpful!
Raymond and Laura are wonderful hosts who take an interest in you. The Embassy Circle Guest House is a great find. I look forward to staying here next time! My whole family was pleased.
Oct 18th, 2007, 07:55 PM
#39
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
HYATT PLACE DULLES AIRPORT - SOUTH
4994 Westone Plaza
Chantilly, Virginia 20151
We booked a 3-star hotel on Hotwire for $88 and were delighted to get the Hyatt Place Dulles Airport - South. It's brand-new and was very convenient for the 1 night that we needed near the Dulles airport!
Room 601 with King bed
We paid $88 plus tax on hotwire.
This room is worth more.
Good ribs at fun restaurant within walking distance.
Great place, nice. Newly remodelled. Nice 42” flat screen HDTV. (But no TV guide.) Very new, clean carpets. Watch TV from a sofa or from the bed as the TV swivels. It looks like the sofa could be used as a bed but we didn't check on that.
Empty mini-frig. Sink in sitting room and bathroom; shower room with toilet room; the 2 sinks are not in the room with the toilet and shower, which is well planned.
A/C is close to bed, which means at night you might get too cold and have to get up several times to adjust the air. (This is frequently a problem in hotels so it wasn't a big deal.)
Free breakfast buffet from 6 to 10 am.
Hyatt Place used to be an AmeriSuites, or something like that. There is still a bit more work to do- lobby will be remodelled. Our stay was not affected by any remodelling work.
This is a great deal on hotwire. It is convenient to get right on the highway and zip right over to the Dulles airport from this Hyatt.
We stayed here because we arrived ahead of our daughters and had to pick them up at 6:30 in the morning! So we needed 1 night near the Dulles airport.
4994 Westone Plaza
Chantilly, Virginia 20151
We booked a 3-star hotel on Hotwire for $88 and were delighted to get the Hyatt Place Dulles Airport - South. It's brand-new and was very convenient for the 1 night that we needed near the Dulles airport!
Room 601 with King bed
We paid $88 plus tax on hotwire.
This room is worth more.
Good ribs at fun restaurant within walking distance.
Great place, nice. Newly remodelled. Nice 42” flat screen HDTV. (But no TV guide.) Very new, clean carpets. Watch TV from a sofa or from the bed as the TV swivels. It looks like the sofa could be used as a bed but we didn't check on that.
Empty mini-frig. Sink in sitting room and bathroom; shower room with toilet room; the 2 sinks are not in the room with the toilet and shower, which is well planned.
A/C is close to bed, which means at night you might get too cold and have to get up several times to adjust the air. (This is frequently a problem in hotels so it wasn't a big deal.)
Free breakfast buffet from 6 to 10 am.
Hyatt Place used to be an AmeriSuites, or something like that. There is still a bit more work to do- lobby will be remodelled. Our stay was not affected by any remodelling work.
This is a great deal on hotwire. It is convenient to get right on the highway and zip right over to the Dulles airport from this Hyatt.
We stayed here because we arrived ahead of our daughters and had to pick them up at 6:30 in the morning! So we needed 1 night near the Dulles airport.
