Tours

Hello, Friends,

I’m sorry I haven’t written in so many days! I spent the weekend and Monday in Boulder, and was having such fun. I couldn’t possibly have willed my feelings into words, not even by contortions. It was one of those pleasant recesses we so often idolize, when time passes without notice. I was all on my own and quite frivolous, but now I must be ashamed, for no serious thoughts emerged from these gambols.  Not that gravity should ever inher from levity, but it would make my antics so much easier to defend! Are we not, after all, taught that productivity is best? Alas, things being what they were, one might accuse me of anything else. I was not productive!

So let’s get to last week that I might feel less slothful! Something quite exciting occured, yet all these many months later, long after it should already have happened. I gave my first tour of the US Capitol! Part of my delay had to do with a lack of confidence. In truth, The Capitol is a large and many-splendored building. It is replete with historical artifacts, as well as with living specimens of our modern Democracy. I watched for some time, all the professional tour guides, who are known by their red blazers and their seeming of authority, and I could not help but feel that my two-day training had been inadequate. I could recite so many facts, but had really only been in the visitor’s center 2 or 3 times. So I set about studying my notes, and reviewing the slides that my teachers had provided. I spent a month commiting facts and figures to memory. I visited the Capitol no less than five times, and spent many hours before statues and paintings. I decided during those times, upon the things that most interested me in the Capitol’s art and architecture. These would be the aspects of focus whenever I shared my enthusiasm with tourists. So it happened, I received a note from my partner’s office, informing me that constituents were en route and excited to receive a tour. I was the man for the job! And after several months, I really did feel more confident, though I suffered to remain still very slightly unsure. 

The day came, and my tourists were three: a husband and wife, and their son who had lately entered the 7th grade. I spent in excess of an hour taking them around and showing them the sights. My teachers encouraged no more than 30 minutes for the length of a tour, so I’ll no doubt have to trim down what I say. But so much is thrilling that must be noted, and so I don’t feel all that terrible about my extravagance. My only wish is that I could have known the things to say that would stop the 7th grader from yawning! History is never quite as exciting for the young, is it?

On Monday of this week, I was forwarded a ”thank you” note from the tourists, who said that their time in the Capitol was a highlight of their week in DC. Well, then! I was quite pleased, and am now fully confident that I can make people happy, even as I dispense endless facts about a 200 year-old building!

As Fate would have it, I finished my week in DC giving a tour of the White House. This being my first, I was quite delighted with the experience. White House tours book up nearly four months in advance. If a tourist is particularly keen on visiting the President’s home, he or she must be absurdly organized in contacting their Representative’s office. The family I took, had attempted to go through official channels to line up a tour, but they had been unsuccessful. The next step would be to bypass the process, and arrange accompaniment either by myself or by my partner. This was done, but little did I know with what privelege I might walk right up to the gates of the imposing residence, show my spouse ID, and gain entry, though a line 100 persons long might be in waiting. Indeed, this particular day, the line of confirmed tourists was just as long, and it would have been torture to wait for admission. Bear in mind, these were the fortunate individuals who had arranged their tours months before. These were the lucky ones! Their prize would eventually be a tour of the White House, but they would have to wait.

I felt more than slightly puffed up as I directed the family at once to the gates, and smiled at the thought that I had spared them the line. So I say, if any of my friends who are also my readers, wish for a no-strings-attached White House tour, I would happily oblige. We’ll get you in fast, without any of the delay! It’s one of the benefits of being a Congressional Spouse that I can bypass so many lines!

Tomorrow is the White House picnic! I’ve looked forward to it for months, and I’ll be able to share the story. I wonder if I should deck out in Hawaiian vestments in honor of the theme, which is Luau!  Until tomorrow night, my friends…