Whats it like in America?

Question

Im going to america in 2 weeks with the school. ive been down the bank ordering dollars today.
What is it like in washington [the city] this time of year? Is it expensive to eat? There much to do?
Im 16 and going with the school. I know the drinking age is 21 there [bloody hell!] so no chance there.
I think we are going to a basketball game one day, oh, and apparenly driving to Virginia to see the Pentagon haha.
Ive talked to some americans on myspace and one has 3 people that shes known to be shot! and another is paranoid constantly of terrorist attacks [bearing in mind she thinks pearl harbour was one too ROFL]
thanks for any help

Answer 1

Do not expect to see or understand the US from a visit to Washington D.C.

The district is nothing like any other area of the country, the bulk of the district is government buildings and support buildings and businesses that work with the government, there are also the many embassy buildings. Additionally there are museums and monuments.

DC is an excellent place to visit, and the exhibits are very interesting, but the area does not reflect the life of the average US citizen. The District is just a few square miles of a huge country. most of the people do not live in row houses, and apartments. Most people in the US live in detached houses with separate yards and the country is full of small towns.

Please come and enjoy the US capital, but come back sometime and see the other parts of the country. The average european thinks of the US as what they see on TV which is primarily either LA or large northeastern cities. Otherwise we are famous only for rides and a giant mouse.

The costs in the US are quite moderate compared to the UK and the pound and Euro trade quite favorably.

The weather will be cool, and comfortable, for your trip, be sure to have a coat for nights.

As far as shootings... well in DC you odds are probably as great as anywhere, but I have lived in the US my whole life and never known anyone who was shot. Now while working at the hospitals I took care of some shooting victims, but most were actually hunting accidents. There are better and worse areas to live, just like every where. I have taken care of people who were injured in the Oklahoma CIty Bombing, but that act of terrorism was from a US citizen.

Answer 2

You will enjoy your trip to Washington. There is much history to be seen and experienced there. Even though you are from another country you should learn a lot during your visit. Like any big city in any part of the world there is crime, but for the most part the streets are safe, and you have nothing to be worried about especially if you stay to the main streets. It is not a war zone, nor are there people wandering the streets with guns. Showing common sense just as you would in a big city in your country will keep you safe. Unless someone tells you, you will never know you have left Washington, DC and entered Virginia. Actually you cross the Potomac River other then that you will not know you are entering or leaving Washington, DC. Again, like any other big city you will find a wide range of restaurants. Generally though the prices may be a little higher then other American cities. Because the dollar is weak right now you should come out ahead on the exchange rate. I have visited the city and surrounding area several times, both for business and pleasure, and have found it to be most interesting. It will be different for you coming from another country, but keep an open mind and see and do as much as possible - you will have many memories to take back home with you. I hope and expect they will be good ones for you. I assume you are from the U K where I have also visited a few times, conduct yourself as you would in London and I know you will enjoy your experience. Write me if I can answer any questions.

Answer 3

It's a great place to visit, and Washington DC is a real cool place to see too. Everything you want to know about the US is there. Make sure you go to the Smithsonian,you will have a blast. There are some risks too, but that's anywhere in the world. Just stay with your group and if you get lost,flag down a police car and they will help. I live in Virginia and it's a beautiful place and very historical too. Welcome and Have Fun. It's been a little chilly at night so bring a warm jacket.

Answer 4

People are all the SAME no matter where you go! We are all alike:
we all have family and friends we love, we all enjoy food and fun things... why do you think we are like ALIENS in this country...?

You are judging us Americans even before you get here...
I LIVE in WAhington DC area NOW... : )

Washington, DC is like any other big city, like in other parts of the world! If you currently live in a big city - it is a lot like that!

DC has a TON of cool places to see, do and visit..
such as:

The Smithsonian Museum --

Jefferson Memorial ---
A 19-foot bronze statue of perhaps the most esteemed founding father sits beneath a columned rotunda in the style of the Roman Pantheon.
Attraction type: Monument

National Museum of Women in the Arts, Washington DC --
Welcome to the National Museum of Women in the Arts, the only museum in the world dedicated exclusively to recognizing the contributions of women artists. The National Museum of Women in the Arts...
Attraction type: Art museum; History museum; Museum

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum --
A memorial and museum detailing the rise of Hitler's Germany and the horrors of World War II.
Attraction type: History museum; Specialty museum

Hillwood Museum & Gardens, Washington DC --
Former home of Post cereal heir Marjorie Merriweather Post houses the largest collection of Russian imperial art outside of Russia.
Attraction type: Art museum; Historic home; Garden

Dumbarton House, Washington DC ---
Attraction type: Architectural building; Historic home

Washington Monument, Washington DC ----
Prominent 555-foot-high classical obelisk where visitors are whisked by elevator to an observation deck for spectacular views of America's capital.
Attraction type: Monument; Observation deck/tower

National Postal Museum, Washington DC ---
Attraction type: Specialty museum

National World War II Memorial, Washington DC ----

for more info, go here:
http://dc.about.com/od/touristattractions/a/TopTenToDo.htm

Answer 5

DC is actually fairly safe, although it does have a reputation of being the 'murder' capitol of America. most violence will be directed at acquaintances, and most of them in the drug trade. The police try their best to make washington d.c. a very safe, fun enjoyable place for its many visitors and workers, and the people are very nice, which is not something i can say for, Detroit for example.

Answer 6

I lived in DC for most of my life...

Weather: it will be chilly enough for a sweater or a light jacket.

And, YES. There is crime.

And, YES. There is a drinking age of 21.

And, YES. It can be expensive to eat there.

And, YES. I know people who have been shot.

But... You should think of DC as a "thing to do". Not as a city.

It shames me to admit it, but my hometown is not a functioning city, so much as it is a tourist site. Much work gets done there, but very little "living" gets done there.

So, go... Enjoy yourself. But, don't expect to get a good feel for "American living" by being in DC. If you are willing to dive deeper (beneath the touristy surface) you CAN find some real Living going on... But, if you only have a week or two, don't bother trying. Just enjoy the Mall... The Monuments... The MCI Center.... The Pentagon.... They all have interesting things to see. (Not to "experience")

Answer 7

where you are going to go is 100% safe.

Washington DC is one of the safest places on the earth. We have more police then anyone.

Enjoy and don't worry.

Answer 8

Compared to the rest of the world, food is cheap here. Since I don't know where you are from, I'm not sure what to compare it to.

Answer 9

DC will most likely be cool in the day and cold at night. Watch out for those crazy cabbies. Welcome to America.

Answer 10

great