Washington DC

Meet a Spy: Tony and Jonna Mendez at the Spy Museum

Meet a Spy
Meet a Spy — Tony and Jonna Mendez

Did you see the Argo?  Now you can meet the spy that inspired the movie at one of three free events sponsored by the International Spy Museum!

International Spy Museum Briefing

Meet the Tony and Jonna Mendez.  Both are former CIA Chiefs of Disguise, responsible for changing the identity and appearance of thousands of clandestine operatives around the world.

Tony is most famous for his rescue of American diplomats from Tehran during the Iranian Hostage Crisis as depicted in the award-winning film Argo.

Rendezvous Info

The rendezvous takes place in the book store at the International Spy Museum in Washington, DC.  Admission is free, and no pre-registration is required.

There are three dates scheduled:

  • Friday, June 27, 2014; 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
  • Friday, July 25, 2014; 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
  • Friday, August 22, 2014; 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

 

Welcoming Air China to Washington, DC in Style

Welcoming Air China!
Welcoming Air China!

I was on hand yesterday for the arrival of Air China’s inaugural flight from Beijing into Dulles International Airport (IAD).

The Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority (MWAA) invited some local people to participate in the gala welcoming ceremony as part of their “Discover Dulles” program.

The airport authority sure knows how to throw a party.

The 25 Discover Dulles participants, along with about 50 journalists, were transported to the airfield via IAD’s infamous mobile lounges for a close up view of landing.

It was an exciting moment when the plane touched down.

We were rushed back onto the mobile lounge and whisked closer to the terminal so we could view the aircraft run the gauntlet through the ceremonial water arch.

Air China Lands at IAD
Air China Lands at IAD

Two fire trucks were dispatched to pump a stream of water over the airplane to celebrate the arrival of the inaugural flight.  This is aviation’s equivalent of christening a new ship.

After the plane landed, the Ambassador of China and Virginia Governor McAuliffe were feted by Chinese lion dancers.

Several traditional Chinese musicians played at the reception.

Water Cannon Salute
Water Cannon Salute

 

The speeches heralded the 7,000 mile avionic bridge that had been established between Washington and Beijing, and the cultural, diplomatic, and economic exchanges that would ensue.

Oh, and the swag!  Each participant received a goodie bag with a propellor paperweight, a model of the airplane, and other “stuff.”

Traditional Chinese Musicians
Traditional Chinese Musicians

This was a fun event:   I got to meet some Chinese journalists, airport personnel, and aviation geeks.

Keep  your eyes peeled for other opportunities like this on the Discover Dulles webpage.

Earn More, Burn Less  

In honor of the new service, Air China’s frequent flyer program, Phoenix Miles, is running a promotion on travel between Beijing and Washington, DC.  

You can earn fifty percent more than the regular miles on flights, and award travel will be discounted.  

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Win a Staycation: Ride the Capital Wheel

The Capital Wheel at National Harbor
The Capital Wheel at National Harbor

Here’s a contest that caught my eye, mostly because of the chance to ride the brand new Capital Wheel.

The Maryland Office of Tourism is running a sweepstakes for a staycation at National Harbor, right on the Potomac River in Prince George’s County.

National Harbor is a multi-use riverfront development with outlet shopping, dining, entertainment and lodging.

I call this a staycation sweepstakes, because it includes hotel, meals, and entertainment, but not plane fare to Washington, DC.

Enter the National Harbor Summer Getaway sweepstakes by June 25, 2014, for a chance to win this prize package:

In addition, the grand prize includes four offers from the Potomac Riverboat Company:

  • Two VIP boarding passes (each pass admits two):  Alexandria – National Harbor Water Taxi;
  • Four VIP vouchers: National Mall Water Taxi;
  • Four VIP boarding passes:  George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens Cruise;
  • Four VIP vouchers:  Washington Monuments Cruise.

I entered this contest.  I think it would be a blast to stay on the other side of the Beltway and get around via water taxi for a couple of days.  Does it tempt you?

 

Portraits Alive! Smithsonian Teen Program

Portraits Alive!
Portraits Alive!

Summer vacation is almost upon us, but it’s not too late to think about fun activities for that awkward age:  teenagers 14 to 16 years old.  They are too old to go to summer camp, and too young to get a job.  Or something like that.

Here’s a novel idea for a practically free three-week summer program offered by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC.

Portraits Alive! is a museum theater program based on people in the National Portrait Gallery’s collection.

Students create a collaborative museum-theater piece after choosing a portrait from the museum’s collection.  Each program participant writes and performs an original vignette to accompany the portrait.

Okay, so my kid wouldn’t be interested in this program in a million years, but maybe you know someone who would!  Some of the students are actors, others are writers or have an interest in history.  Check out this short video of last year’s performers on You Tube.

The fee for the three-week program is just $100, which defrays the costs for costuming, dry-cleaning, workshops, and supplies.  Teens can earn community service hours for their participation.  

There are two sessions this year:

  • Session 1: June 30 through July 18, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Session 2: July 22 through August 8, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The National Portrait Gallery has just extended the application deadline for the program until June 6, 2014.  E-mail ProvostG@si.edu to request an application.  Applicants will be notified of their acceptance by Monday, June 9 2014.

The National Portrait Gallery is not the stuffy museum you might imagine.

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Free Summer Saturdays at the Corcoran Gallery

Salon Dore
Salon Dore at the Corcoran Gallery

This summer may be your last opportunity to visit the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., as it is slated to close in the fall.

The art museum offers free admission every Saturday from now until Labor Day weekend, as part of their free Summer Saturdays program, including gallery tours, workshops, demonstrations, and performances.

Admission is on other days is $10 per adult, $8 per student, and free for children under 12.

Below are a few highlights of the family programs:

Saturday, May 31:  Botanical Collages Workshop
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Inspired by Aaron Douglas’ painting Into Bondage, from the Corcoran’s collection, create your own tropical landscape.

Saturday, June 28:  Haiku Mistress

10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Working with Haiku Mistress Caley Vickerman create haikus inspired by the works in the collection. Share your literary works of art in a collaborative sidewalk chalk display!

Saturday, July 19:  The Ultimate Urban Safari 

10 a.m.-12 noon
Join us for a wild summer day dedicated to the animal kingdom! Spurred on by the American Metal: The Art of Albert Paley exhibition, discover how creatures big and small can inspire through workshop activities, book readings, and a live performance.

Saturday, August 2:  Family Workshop: Animal Maquettes
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Inspired by Albert Paley’s maquettes, families work together to create their own animal displays.

You can find the complete schedule of tours, performances, and activities here:   www.corcoran.org/freesummersaturdays.

 

Free Preview to Marvel’s X-Men: Days of Future Past

Free Screening of X-Men
Free Screening of X-Men

United Mileage Plus Visa Signature cardholders in select cities may be invited to a free advance screening of X-Men: Days of Future Past, in 3-D.  It’s one of several discounts offered by Visa Signature in conjunction with Fandango.

The offer is for up to two tickets per cardholder, and two concession coupons for popcorn and soda. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis, to those who receive an email invitation.

Synopsis of X-Men: Days of Future Past

The ultimate X-Men ensemble fights a war for the survival of the species across two time periods in X-Men: Days of Future Past.  The characters from the original X-Men film trilogy join forces with their younger selves from X-Men: First Class in an epic battle that must change the past — to save our future.

The cities where free screenings will be offered are:

  • Washington, D.CFree Screening of X-Men
  • Houston
  • Denver
  • McLean
  • Jacksonville
  • Virginia Beach
  • San Diego
  • San Francisco
  • Chicago
  • Seattle
  • Fairbanks  

I received my invitation to the Washington, DC screening this morning.  Here’s the link to register for free tickets, in case you want to jump on this offer.

Did you get an email yet?

This post contains affiliate links.  Thanks if you choose to use them!

Around The World in Eighty Minutes

2014 Around the World Embassy Tour
Embassy of Spain Open House

More than 50 embassies representing six continents open their doors to visitors on Saturday May 3, 2014 from 10 am to 4 pm for the annual Around the World Embassy Tour in Washington, DC.  

Participants can travel the world as they experience the food, art, dance, fashion, and music of different countries.

Last year, offerings included karate demonstrations, dance performances, sari wrapping lessons, and henna demonstrations.

These events are a not just an exhibit of diplomacy.  According to the Washington Post:

…the real reason everyone loves them so much is because if you play it right, the day is an all-you-can-eat buffet. With booze!

2014 Around the World Embassy Tour
Embassy of Malaysia Open House

This year, 54 embassies are participating:

Afghanistan, Argentina, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belize, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Chad, Colombia, Republic of Congo, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Ghana, Guatemala, Guinea,  Indonesia, Iraq, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Korea, Kyrgyz Republic, Malaysia, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, Mozambique, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, St. Kitts and Nevis, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine,  Venezuela,  Zambia, and League of Arab States.

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Europe on Less Than $5 a Day

European Embassies Open House 2014
Embassy of Finland Open House

One of the fun things about living in Washington, DC is access to the cultural offerings of the embassies:  concerts, art exhibits, films, and receptions.

On Saturday May 10, 2014, 28 embassies from European countries will open their doors to the public for the annual European Union (EU) Embassies’ Open House.

The free event, which runs from 10 am to 4 pm, is a day of family fun, food, and culture.  The open houses offer visitors a look inside the embassies and provide a unique opportunity to experience the cultural heritage and national traditions of the 28 member countries of the European Union.

2014 EU Embassy Open House
Embassy of the Netherlands Open House

A free shuttle bus runs between the embassies, allowing you to maximize your experience of traditional music, dance, food, film, and art.  

I’ve heard that you can tell which embassies are offering free food by how long the lines are!

This year, participating embassies include:  Croatia, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Malta, Portugal, Slovenia, United Kingdom, Austria, Cyprus, Estonia, France and the Federal Republic of Germany, Ireland, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Romania, Spain, Belgium, the Czech Republic, the Delegation of the European Union, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Republic of Poland, Slovakia, and Sweden.

Here are a few of the highlights that caught my eye:

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2014 Fodor’s Travel Guides: Now Free on iTunes

Fodor's Rio City Guide App
Fodor’s Rio City Guide App

Fodor’s has updated its series of 22 free travel guides for iPhone and iPad and the 2014 editions are now available on iTunes.

Just in time for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, city guides for Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo have been added!

Each App features:

– Expert info:  Read about things to do and get expert tips
– Interactive Local Maps:  Discover what’s nearby
– Booking Tools:  Book hotels, tours, and more
– Planner:  Save favorites and create lists

Fodor’s local travel experts vet every recommendation.  You’ll find information on neighborhoods, cheap things to do, kid-friendly attractions, shopping, nightlife, performing arts, and more.  These are not your parent’s stuffy travel books!

Fodor's Apps Feature Interactive Maps
Fodor’s Apps Feature Interactive Maps

The interactive maps make it easy to find nearby hotels, sights, restaurants, bars, and clubs and to access reviews from the map.

Listings are searchable by destination, price range, or category of interest.  Look for properties designated “Fodor’s Choice,” representing the best of the best.

The Fodor’s apps were recognized as the “2013 Travel App of the Year” by the Society of American Travel Writers, and were featured in Wired Magazine’s 2012 App Guide as a Best Travel Reference App.

How can Fodor’s afford to give away its guidebooks for free?  The apps include the ability to book hotel rooms via Expedia, buy event tickets via Tickets Now, and make restaurant reservations via Open Table.  Fodor’s is likely earning a commission if you make purchases via the app.

Fodor's 2014 Travel Guides Free on iTunes
Fodor’s 2014 Travel Guides Free on iTunes

Here are links to the city travel guides:

Fodor’s U.S. City Guide Apps

Fodor’s International City Guide Apps

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Silent Clowns Film Series: Free at Lincoln Center; Discount Tickets in DC

Charlie Chaplin's Silent Films at the Alden Theater
Charlie Chaplin’s Silent Films at
The Alden Theater, McLean, VA

The Silent Clowns Film Series, is New York City’s free showcase for classic silent film comedy.

The series presents monthly showings of the silent movies of Chaplin, Keaton, Laurel & Hardy, Lloyd, and many others, with live musical accompaniment by renowned silent film accompanist Ben Model.

Every program features a spoken introduction and Q&A by film historians Bruce Lawton and Steve Massa.  The programs are presented on weekend afternoons, and are geared to classic film fans and families.

The Silent Clowns Film Series is held in the Bruno Walter Auditorium, located in the NY Library for the Performing Arts, at the back of Lincoln Center.

The next show is Saturday, April 12 at 2:30pm, and it features several Charlie Chaplin Films produced by the Mutual Film Corporation.  The show features these iconic Chaplin’s films:  The Count (1916), The Pawnshop (1916), The Immigrant (1917), and The Adventurer (1917).

Silent Clown Film Series Comes to Washington, DC

April 16, 2014 marks Charlie Chaplin’s 125th birthday.

Charlie Chaplin, aka The Little Tramp, is the most iconic and influential comedy star of the silent film era.  He starred in classic films including The Kid, The Gold Rush, City Lights and Modern Times.  

To celebrate Chaplin’s birthday, the Alden Theatre, outside Washington DC, is hosting a screening of Chaplin’s best movies, with commentary by film historian Bruce Lawton and live music by accompanist Ben Model.

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