Need advice re Washington DC next month...

[Blue_In_AK]

My dear husband has offered to buy me a plane ticket to Washington, DC for the demonstration next month if I want to go. He wants to stay here and hold down the fort. Of course, I want to go, but I'm a little bit intimidated about the prospect of being alone in a big city that I've only visited once in my adult life (and never alone)about 40 years ago. Is it hard to get from the airport to wherever the demonstration will be? Will there be lodging available anywhere? Are DUers meeting up someplace to take care of each other? I just don't even know where to start with this. Is there someplace I can go for information?

[Ready4Change]

1. Maybe something at the bottom of this page?

http://www.unitedforpeace.org/article.php?list=type&type=64

Hope that helps!

[Captain Hilts]

2. It depends on the airport. You can catch a bus from Dulles.

The metro from National and the MARC train or even Amtrak from Baltimore-Washington Airport

[mongo]

3. And DU meetup info

http://www.brainshrub.com/rfd

Hope to see you there!

Hell, I've got one kidney, an artificial heart valve, going through a nasty bout of thrombophlebitis right now, but I'm going - on a bus full of kids from OSU. No accomodations, will only be in DC for about 18 hours.

If I can make it, you can too.

[DancingBear]

4. Send me a PM - I live an hour west of D.C.

I'll answer any questions I can, help with lodging, transportation, etc.

At the last demonstration, we DU folks met at a designated spot before the march.

This time, we'll probably do the same thing, as well as meet up afterward.

This, as they say, is still in flux, but I'm sure the word will get out to everyone.

Watch this space for further details! :)

[Blue_In_AK]

5. Thanks, all...

I've got to think about this some -- Alaska is a l-o-n-g way from Washington, DC -- but I think I might try to pull this together. I would really love to be there.

[Stephanie]

12. You will have the time of your life

You will meet incredible people and have a day you will never forget.

[NoSheep]

13. Please come. DC is really nice and I'm sure all will be fine!

:hi:

[KerryOn]

6. Most all air ports have...

... shuttles to your motel. I believe you can also take a metro bus from the air port.

I have been to DC four times that I remember. The final time was by myself. It can be little intimidating at first, but it is very easy to get around DC. My car never leaves the motel once I'm there. The metro trains in DC will take you just about anywhere you want to go, and I have found the metro workers are more than happy to help get you on the right train.

Once you are there I'm sure you will meet some friends at the protest, and you will no longer be alone.

My wife and I just made our motel reservations. We will arrive the afternoon of the 23rd and will be leaving the following Tuesday.

[Blue_In_AK]

8. Thanks, KerryOn. n/t

[NoBushSpokenHere]

7. Have had a few questions myself?

A group of senior citizens want to go - but does anyone know if there will be any sort of accomodations for seniors or those with health problems? Or, will they have to stand in the streets as well? Anyone know of any plans to help them.......bleachers, etc.?

[grasswire]

9. I first went to D.C. alone....

....and spent the week by myself there with no trouble. I visited again several times, and then ended up living across the Potomac and spending a lot of time in the District. I don't think it's unsafe, as long as you stay to the tourist areas or take taxis at night. During the day, you'll be just fine. I usually stayed at the Hyatt that's just a few blocks from the Capitol. Walking distance to everything -- so convenient! There are plenty of hotels downtown although they can be expensive. There are cheaper places available at just a few METRO stops away to the West or North. Don't be afraid -- perhaps you could double up with someone else who is a bit concerned. Safety in numbers!

[Blue_In_AK]

10. I've contacted my local Peace & Justice people

and the organizer of last week's Cindy vigil in Anchorage to see if they know of anyone else from here who is going. That would be best if I could travel with someone from here. I'm not really afraid for my safety - just a little unsure in strange surroundings. We tend to get a bit insulated/isolated up here.

[kansasblue]

11. Blue. Fly into National and you can get around on the metro.

or a quick cab.

National has a metro (subway) stop.

[Blue_In_AK]

14. Thanks.

Thanks to everyone for the info. I've got a couple of weeks to decide, but I think I shouldn't miss it.