After a few days in New York City, I took the Amtrak train to D.C. (which I highly recommend). The contrast between the two cities is startling. Whereas, NYC's skyscrapers give it a closed-in feeling, D.C. has open vistas because there's a law that no building can be higher than 130 feet. D.C.'s parks, grassy areas and trees are a beautiful backdrop for the majestic Federal buildings.
After the 3-hour train ride, I arrived at D.C.'s beautiful Union Station.
I stayed at the charming Henley Park Hotel, one of the "Historic Hotels in America". It's location (within walking distance of the White House) makes it expensive, like all hotels in that area. When I return to see more of the D.C. I plan to save money by staying at an airbnb or VRBO place.
Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour
I like to get an overview of a city before I go exploring and these tours are great for that. If I see something I like, I "hop off" and when I'm done, I "hop on" the next bus. (These tours are often discounted on Groupon.)
The White House
A little boy pointed to a building to the right of the White House and asked his dad, "Is that the garage?" (Hmmm, it kinda looks like one to me too.) l put my camera on zoom for a closer look and realized it was the West Wing because of the Marine Sentry standing in front of the door. I learned about the Sentry from this video.
I watched the West Wing for a while hoping to get a glimpse of a famous politician. I gave up when I realized that if the person wasn't the President or the Vice President or Martin Sheen, I probably wouldn't recognize them anyway.
Breakfast with Al Franken
A little known secret at the time was that Minnesotans could have “Breakfast with Al” every Wednesday from 8:45 am to 9:45 a.m. Breakfast was “Mahnomin Porridge”. (See the recipe on his site but I’m warning you - do not look up the calorie count.)
There were only about 30 of us there on May 21st, which just so happens to be Senator Franken's birthday.
Stuart Smalley
He sat next to me at our table of five and I have say it was a little disorienting. I tried to be very present but my mind was like a TV with poor reception. It would switch stations and I’d be looking into the face of Saturday Night Live Stuart Smalley. I’d give a mental whack to the side of my TV head and see SNL's Al Franken declaring the ‘80s as “The Al Franken Decade” – Whack! I’m back to seeing the Honorable Senator in front of me who graduated cum laude from Harvard with a major in government.
Senator Franken took time to update us on his current projects and, of course. he also made us laugh. He was very approachable. When I told him I was dancing around the world he said, “Aren’t you going to run into problems when you get to the oceans?” (He obviously didn’t hear about dance cruises.)
My Breakfast with Al
D.C. Travel tips
by Esperanza
The minute you know you’re going to D.C. contact your congressman or senator online to request a free White House tour. It’s best to request tickets at least three months before your trip; there were none available two months before I arrived.
Find your contacts via these links:
Amtrak is a very comfortable way to travel. The seats have lots of leg room; it has wi-fi, conference tables, a cafe car and even a "quiet car". Buy your tickets 14 days in advance and save 25% plus get an extra 15% discount if you're over 62 years old or an extra 10% discount if you're an AAA member. My fare from NYC was $44 - about the same as a bus ticket. Before you book, also check out Amtrak Discounts or Retail Me Not.
Hand Dance
Hand Dancing originated in Washington D.C. during the mid 1950s. It’s a smooth slow dance with continuous hand contact.
When I saw this video on Youtube, I emailed Billy Parker and asked if he'd teach me Hand Dance while I was in D.C. I was thrilled when he said yes!
Billy is everything you want in a great teacher. He's supportive, warm, challenging and fun. He was the first teacher to address “attitude” and how I carry myself. He was convinced there was a “Killer Karen” somewhere inside and I just needed to let her out.
It helps me to see "attitude" in order to copy it. I found my new role models on YouTube.
Unfortunately my dance video with Billy didn't turn out due to low lighting so instead watch this video of Billy and Kecia at one of my lessons. Both Billy and Lakecia Foster Esq. have very important jobs during the day but they still made time to teach me at night. Billy even took me dancing where I was welcomed with open arms by their dance community. I am so very grateful to Billy and Kecia for making my stay in D.C. so incredibly special!
Billy and Kecia are the epitome of smooth.
Here's another style of Hand Dancing and a Hand Dance Lesson for Dummies
They have some fun moves. Here's a woman who really knows how to spin!!!
This is Part 1 in the video series, Hand Dance for Dummies produced by Alvin Prather and Smooth Rhythm Dance Academy.