Washington DC

[Exquisite5]

I've been in D.C. for the past 2 years and my experience seems to be different from many of the people here.

1. I lived in SE my 1L year. Granted, I lived by Eastern Market, not across the river, but I definitely would not say to "stay out of SE". I love Eastern Market and that whole area, there are tons of great shops and restaurants.

2. I think the metro is pretty safe at night. It is always clean now and I have never had a problem. My first summer I had no car and got home each night around 11:00pm. I then walked 5 blocks through SE to my house and never was bothered. I occasionally got catcalled at, but that happened more in the daytime than at night. Now, I am not suggesting that you go out at night alone on the regular, I always party in groups, I am just saying the DC metro is WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY safer than many of the other NE coase metro systems (I just tried Philly's last weekend.)

3. The summer is full of rain! I am from Houston, so I know humid heat, that was not my DC experience. My experience was storm, after storm, after storm- followed by Hurricane Isabel that October.

4. D.C. is HELLA expensive- for a Southern or Midwestern girl you will find this to be true. However, look for a little thing called rent control! I rent a 1,000 square foot apt in the D.C. part of Chevy Chase (Connec. and Military) for under $1,000. That is less than $1.00/sq foot- that is cheaper than TX price!

5. TEAR THE CLUB UP! D.C. has a great night life, and guess what, its not all in Adams Morgan. Explore! Have fun, don't be scared of the city, embrace it!

6. The shopping is good at the afore-mentioned places. I would also try Mustard Seed in Bethesda, it is a great little vintage shop.

7. If you want something touristy to do, go on a bike tour of the monuments- I have heard its great!

8. Georgia Brown's is still open, try the shrimp and grits. From this soul food raised Southerner, its pretty good!

9. Also try Spices or Asia Cafe for sushi, Chicken Out for a quick, HEALTHY REAL meal (read baked chicken, veggies, potatoes, etc...), Bread and Chocolate in Eastern Market for desserts or Sunday brunch, Oceanaire for a ritzy seafood dinner (very pricey), and Armands for pizza buffet.

Hope this helps!