Read the following description of the capital city of the USA, and then answer the questions on the opposite page.
DISCOVER WASHINGTON DC
Washington DC offers visitors a wealth of interesting things to see and do. In the 1790s, the first US President, George Washington, moved his national government there. Since then its wide avenues and impressive monuments have given the city its unique style. Many politicians live in the city, and it has a mixture of international influences. This can be seen everywhere in art, culture, and food and drink.
Getting around
The quickest and easiest way to get around the city is by metro bus. These buses run on 338 routes throughout the city, and many are powered by natural gas or electricity as part of the city’s eco-friendly project.
For just $1 you can take the popular ‘DC Circulator’, which travels on three specific routes designed to allow passengers to ‘hop on and off’ at points of interest.The yellow line travels east to west, from Georgetown to Union Station; the red line runs north to south along the historic 7th Street, and the purple line goes around the National Mall at the weekends and stops at all the most important museums and galleries.
Touring the city
If you really want to investigate the city’s rich and varied history, then your stay in Washington DC should definitely include a tour.There are many unusual and highly entertaining tours to take by bus, bike or alternatively on foot. The organisation ‘Cultural Tourism DC’ offers several self- guided tours, including the ‘US Civil War’ experience, and a neighbourhood tour of Broadway and the waterfront. However, for something more extraordinary, you could try the ‘Spy Drive’ tour and listen as intelligence and security experts from the US military describe where spies used to operate. At one time there were more spies living and working in Washington DC than anywhere else in the world.
Visit the cathedral
Make a behind-the-scenes visit to the National Cathedral, and climb to the top of the tower.Tours cost $10 but the view you get is worth it. The cathedral is located on the highest point within the city, from where visitors can see for many kilometres into Virginia and Maryland
For sports enthusiasts
Baseball is one of America’s favourite pastimes and the Washington Nationals are one of the newest teams in the Major Baseball League, with one of the most modern stadiums. April to September is the baseball season and family groups can buy discounted tickets for league matches at the Nationals Ballpark. Don’t forget your camera because from the upper deck of the ballpark, along with the cheering spectators, you will have excellent views of the Capitol Building and the Washington Monument