Washington DC is a highly diverse city of cultures and politics, intrigue and history. It is also a place of frightful traffic, so if you are planning a visit to the Nation's Capital, you may want to research alternate modes of transportation including the tour buses and the metro. There are many metro stops all over the city, so if you know which stop is closest to the attraction or restaurant you are planning to visit, it is by far the wisest choice for getting around this ever-busy metropolis.

I have eaten lunch with the senators on Capitol Hill and I have walked around the same Capitol Hill looking for breakfast at 5:30 a.m. I have seen homeless people sleeping on the sidewalk just around a corner from a glamorous section of the city with limousines and glitter. The landscape can go from rags to riches before you have a chance to blink. From the homeless to the world's most powerful leaders visiting the city, and all within a surprisingly short distance from each other.

'Tis a special place indeed!

Each trip to this city offers new and exciting things to do that I somehow missed before. I have even seen fireworks on the 4th of July over the reflecting pool from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Another thing to research before your trip is to see if any special festivals, concerts, performances, or shows will be happening during your stay in the city.

One thing to remember is that there have been some changes in the days since September 11 that will affect all visitors to the city. Some places have changed admittance policies and there are much stricter rules now about backpacks, large bags, and so on. The lines to certain places will also be longer now due to the added security, but fortunately most tourists take it in stride and are grateful that the extra security is in practice.