8 Crazy Things a SCOTTISH person noticed about WASHINGTON DC

[@shaunvlog]

Guys I’m going to be doing behind the scenes vlogs on my second channel. Would love if you would sub over there too: kzbin.info/door/DIM2joPZtvgj1P0XNp3Qyg

[@abremacabre8868]

If youre in need a good hot meal while in NC, hit Parkers

[@abremacabre8868]

B's Barbecue is good too

[@jamesbagwell5120]

*Since your coming to North Carolina, go to South Carolina too, please!*

[@Bob_just_Bob]

Shaun Sure why not? You make great content here so I’m sure it will be there too.

[@dr.robertt.mullaneiii1561]

Welcome to the U.S. my brother! I'm hooked up as much as possible cuz you are a good bloke and that's plain to see. I am an Irish-American first gen who wants to go back to the motherland to stay. After that is laid down, remember that North Carolina is the most Northern-Like Southern state you can be. Folks are quite friendly, decent people; not too unlike good folks all over the world. Washington D.C. is a bit different than most of the country. It's been said that there's two kinds of people there. 1. white folks with money and good jobs. 2. People of color who are oppressed and poor; largely unemployed. However, this is a simple generalization, or stereotyped opinion. Although, when that form fits, it fits like a fine leather glove. Somewhere in between lies a tempered or tuned wisdom. From there, you're on your own, lad. Finally, I love your blog of experience due to your authentic personality and seeming good nature. In short, I trust ye, and would like to share a few beers with ye sometime. Hey!? Let me know if you'd like to try Grand Rapids, Michigan some fine day. It's a good part of the country to visit in three seasons, sans the crusty, challenging winter months. I'll be round. Enjoy the stateside as much as possible. I'm sure you will my friend. Peace To Ye. Dr. Robert Terrance Mullane *(good displaced man from Cork, IR)

[@Species-lj8wh]

The main point is that, DC or District of Columbia is not attached to any state, thus not represented in Congress. But rather under direct control of Congress and not subject to any states laws.

[@Sgt_SealCluber]

And so no state could claim ownership of the capital as well.

[@corvus1374]

@@sgholt Not true at all. It has a city government with city police.

[@SuperDrLisa]

@@corvus1374 I think Stephen might have been talking about Congress!

[@JohnJTMack]

@@SuperDrLisa Or the current occupants of the White House.

[@shannongoretska4764]

They do have a representative, but their rep can only vote on procedural matters. They can’t vote on the house floor. They do not have a senator.

[@kevinraney2935]

Yeah. Sorry bout the DC heat. It's due to all the hot air coming out of the politicians. I swear to God. If they'd shut up for five minutes the temp would drop 5 degrees. 🤣

[@shaunvlog]

I guess the chance if that is pretty small 🤣

[@americanmade6996]

But not being able to vent, they would incinerate. Not sayin' that's a bad thing, just sayin'.

[@brianl8481]

In the winter, it gets so cold you see politicians with their hands in their own pockets for once.

[@jimdevlin2138]

politicians are like women, they don't fart, so they must vent or blow up

[@dwhetsel695]

Brian L 🤣

[@Cubs-Fan.10]

There's security everywhere, the fact that you didn't see them is a testimant to how secure it actually is.

[@earlbruce3232]

There's no security in the ghettos of DC. The federal and tourists areas are safe but you'd better not wander into the ghetto. I know these things because I'm a native born there in 1952.9

[@annikee5925]

DC is its own entity. Arlington is in Virginia state, Baltimore is in Maryland state. They're pretty close together is all.

[@mdhbh]

Lady Flandrensis DC, MD and VA are the tri-state area like NY, NJ and CT

[@pullmyfinger336]

When DC was being planned as the capital, both MD and VA offered land. MD gave the land, but VA reneged, hence the odd shape of DC. DC is supposed to be the seat of government, not its own separate entity, so it is not a state and does not have voting members of Congress (nor should it!). Because DC was planned in advance, it was surveyed and plotted out logically in advance. As DC has grown over 2 centuries, towns around it have grown up as well, until they've all connected together into a larger metropolitan area, even though the area technically consists of smaller cities/towns.

[@pullmyfinger336]

@@mdhbh DC isn't a state. The better analogy might be that DC, MD, and VA is like NY city, NY state, and NJ state. At least that's a closer fit to what's going on there.

[@pipengerandpartnersllp5771]

Washington, DC is alluded to in Article I, section 8 of the US Constitution. There it nectars that Congress shall have control over the federal distinct by exceeding an sea of 10 square miles.

[@marygallagher3428]

Yes, most of D.C. was built in accordance with the plan laid out by Pierre L'Enfant.

[@HemlockRidge]

Think of, maybe, Vatican City and Rome. The Holy See is NOT part of Rome, but exists within it's confines. The District of Columbia exists within two states (MD and VA) but is not part of them.

[@karenmaddox1212]

That's the best example!

[@Amanda-pi2nr]

Wow, that's a really good way of explaining this. I'll have to borrow it if I'm ever asked.

[@TheBlackToedOne]

HemlockRidge, I truly hope I don't come off as nit-picky because there's better ways to go through life and you explained it well. THAT being said, you are both correct and incorrect because it did - but no longer does. In the late 1700s it was determined that MD and VA would give up part of their land to create the District, but in the mid-1800s the city of Alexandria didn't like how things were going so they asked to go back to being part of VA, so they did. If you look at a map you'll see the start of a nice diamond shape that is DC on the MD side of the Potomac but that ends before it gets to the VA side of the river. Originally, that was a full diamond that encompassed part of NoVA. If you continue the existing bottom lines of the diamod you can see exactly what parts of modern-day VA would have been considered part of the District.

[@maryh3470]

Exactly. Great explanation 👍🏻

[@Ruskad]

Make sure you bring sunscreen. It will still be hot and sunny in September, especially in the South.

[@sassylisa2918]

Hello from DC. I’ve only got to part one but to answer your question Washington DC is not a state. It is the District of Columbia so it’s just the district kind a like a territory (You know we get the benefits of taxation without representation LOL). Washington DC was formed using land donated by both Virginia and Maryland. The city of Arlington is in The state of Virginia and the city of Baltimore is in the state of Maryland.

[@carenehobson2039]

Well said 👍Washington, District of Columbia. An entity of it's own. Yes, White House, made twice since it was burnt by the British. Nope, this is not a palace on purpose. Our ancestors were looking create something different, more equal.

[@morgan97475]

Shaun, easier answer here: neither VA or MD wanted DC. Swampy, full of critters, hard to get around....and that's just Congress.

[@sassylisa2918]

Morgan Smiley LOL

[@carenehobson2039]

And yes there is tours in the White House. Might be iffy in tense political climate. Arlington is sacred ground. There are many such sacred grounds all over this country. I am sure you can find some on your new upcoming adventure.

[@haleyycorii161]

However, as a Marylander, I must point out that Virginia took their land back (this is one blow I can deal to the NOVA superiority complex) however we never did :))

[@Fuilleverte]

The City was Planned to be a very clean city You just didn't SEE the Security The truest respect is shown at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington. A soldier walks a Guard post of 21 steps waiting 21 seconds and repeating 24 hours a day 365. in fact when a Huricane hit DC they were told they didn't have to march but they still walked their post. 21 is a reference to the 21 gun salute given Military at their funeral

[@terrynb1922]

Military tradition, pomp and circumstance, get me to the very core... Even simple things like folding our national flag... Presenting of the colors for the pledge of allegiance... Saluting... So beautiful in its simplicity and precision.

[@BeadsBoxesAndBeyond]

My uncle was one of the privileged to be a guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier. Very strict training. He did that before they shipped him off to Vietnam.

[@BeadsBoxesAndBeyond]

@Timothy Clark yes. I'll pass on the word. He's still alive. He was seriously wounded in Vietnam. Lost an eye among other wounds. I was just a kid at the time but have been told we almost lost him. They threw him in the helicopter thinking he was dead at the time. He was just 19 - 20 yrs old. We were lucky...others were not.

[@AudraT]

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier had a lasting effect on me that I didn't expect. I've always been patriotic of course but there was something about my experience there that causes me to get teary eyed just thinking about it. I actually didn't even notice how much it affected me until several weeks/months later. It's been years since I've seen it and I still get emotional when I think about it.

[@markrenzella2825]

Glad you were impressed with Arlington National Cemetery. The back story is that it was Robert E. Lee's home. The United States government decided they would bury their dead from the civil war in his front yard...

[@JakeSnake07]

Illegally I might add. His son, or grandson, one of them, sued the U.S. government for it, and won.

[@spectrum3808]

it's kinda sad, they siezed it as war contraband. it actually belonged the washington family.

[@spectrum3808]

at first.

[@JakeSnake07]

@@spectrum3808 It still did. Lee's wife was washington's adopted granddaughter.

[@whenthedustfallsaway]

@Jim Elliott his wife's slaves, you mean? Washington released his (his wife's) slaves upon his wife's death

[@patriciasmith5849]

Glad to be part of the 30% club. Glad your able to come to the states. Can't wait to hear where you're going.

[@Zandain]

After 1776, Philadelphia; the old capital was deemed unsuitable bc of the public's easy access to the government buildings. The founding fathers decided after many pros and cons that the new capital should lie along the Potomac river So D.C. became a 'man-made' city. Plotted, planned, surveyed and constructed by architects in 1790..which is why it's streets are so painfully broad & straight, compared to the nook 'n crannies, of European city centers. You have loads of good surprises waiting for you, Shaun 💙

[@DavidJosephGreen]

You really do Shaun. America is quite a lot

[@KRich408]

Are any city's naturally made?

[@nataliajimenez1870]

@@KRich408 He probably means that Washington is a planned city from its start, unlike most other cities that grew up more organically and are much less organized

[@justreallybored6014]

How many European videos I have watched where they mock the US for using AC.....SEE!!! I used to work in a gas station years ago, and a German family came in and they were almost crying from the heat and It was a normal summer day in the US.

[@Sssssssslf]

God I would never cope! As a Scot I stop functioning in temps above 20 degrees C

[@candicescott7176]

ᵀʰʳᵉᵉ ᵒᶠ ᵃ ᴷⁱⁿᵈ , this summer you'd be nonfunctioning in most of the US.

[@JML6988]

@@Sssssssslf The humidity is the killer more so than the heat, I'd say. If you can survive & thrive in the tropics, then 95% of the states will be a breeze. Can't speak for the intensely hot SW, however.

[@prettybullet4646]

@@Sssssssslf I live in the U.S in one of the Southern states and in the summer it gets as high as 105 degree's F [ 40.555 Celsius ] with heat advisories issued almost daily until the sun goes down. It can get expensive running the A/C everyday but my pets and I would roast without it.

[@agoogleuser4443]

Anyone who mocks us for using A/C can jolly well come here and try living in the south without it and being happy. If you can, you're a true badass. I've lived here my whole life and I still can't stand it, LOL.

[@DelGuy03]

Shaun, this is great. Thank you so much for this video, as I'd been curious about your reactions to DC (which is how we tend to refer to it in the adjacent region). Two other things I had thought you might point out as noteworthy about the city: 1. The lack of skyscrapers, and the general low elevation. By law, no building in Washington DC can be taller than the width of the adjacent street, plus 20 feet. That keeps the city on a friendlier "human" scale than most modern American cities, though it does make it harder for residents to find an affordable place to live. 2, The Metro system (built as recently as the 1970s), which I (as a visitor) always enjoy riding.

[@Altenarian]

The height laws are also to prevent anything striking the towers, they want the capitol and other gov buildings to be the most impressive. Though I wonder if the city can build down, as underground cities seems to be an increasingly popular idea.

[@marygallagher3428]

You probably wouldn't be able to dig down very deep though, since a large part of D.C. is built on drained swamp land.

[@Mustangmom2k]

1. There are many things built underground in DC and surrounding areas. The Metro. The bunkers and pathways beneath the White House, Pentagon, etc. There is a mini Metro/train underground that goes from the Capital building to the Supreme Court building (and, I believe, the Library of Congress, but I could be wrong on that). 2. The White House is indeed smaller than most peope expect, including Americans who see it for the first time. Turns out it was deliberately designed that way so as to better represent "the people's" house. It is relatively small and unadorned because the founding fathers did not want it to look like a palace or castle--remember, they rejected and fled from anything that might look/feel like a monarchy or a king's residence. The Capital building is the bigger, more ornate structure because that's where the laws are made. Which leads to... 3. The height restriction is entirely relative to the Capital building. Nothing can be taller that it (with the possible exception of the Washington Monument, but I'm too lazy to look up its height). 4. Summer officially begins on June 21, so, depending on when your trip was, you were here either in late Spring or early Summer. If you had been here in true mid-summer (July/August), the temp would have been 95 degrees or more Farenheit (35 degrees or more C)! Winter temps in late January into February are roughly in the teens or lower Farenheit (-12 to -6 degrees C). 5. DC is all shiny and clean in the tourist areas--monuments, gov't buildings, museums, etc, but many parts are a crime-ridden ghetto. There are many, many buidings with broken or boarded up windows, trash everywhere, and where no sane person goes at night unless they want to be assaulted or killed. To be fair, most large, bustling cities in America are like this, having a bright side and a very dark side.

[@Mustangmom2k]

Just realized that I spelled Capitol incorrectly, but don't know how to edit that!

[@johnnabuzby6103]

@@Mustangmom2k If you tap the three dots on the side of your comment, there's an edit option, choose it and you'll be able to make your corrections.

[@whitewolf1901]

Hello Shaun, the fall/autumn is a fantastic time to visit New England in the NE part of the US. Glorious fall colored trees, and the best smell in the air from those leaves. Spectacular drives thru the mountains.

[@lisabatten6068]

Lived in VA and Worked in DC in the early 90's. The capital was created out of land from both Virginia & Maryland. It is it's own city with a mayor but its laws are controlled by congress. It is a great place to visit with many sites to see. You can tour the White House, but you have to schedule it way in advance. Since 9/11 they don't have as many tours.

[@marygallagher3428]

No Virginia land is part of D.C. anymore though.

[@cultosaur262]

Hi Shaun, When the US was deciding on a capital for the Federal government, it was rightly decided that no state should be allowed to claim the nation's capital as its own and gain undue advantage over the other states. As a result it was negotiated that land would be donated/purchased from the states of Virginia and Maryland to accommodate the future capital -- this area became the District of Columbia and was chosen in part because it was centrally located in the states at the time. The USA is made up of States, Territories, Protectorates, and Districts. The District of Columbia, carved out to house the national capitol, was once separate from the city of Washington. It was possible in those days to live in D.C. without being inside the city limits of Washington. Over time, Washington grew and expanded and today comprises all of the District. Most consider the D.C. area to be extremely hot, humid, and uncomfortable in the summer months to the point where it is often considered among very worst summer climates. D.C. is gorgeous in the short spring and autumn seasons, and generally has mild winters compared with even areas just slightly to the North. The land for D.C was largely uninhabited swampland with some farmland and forts on its fringes. Today the marble and concrete tends to amplify the summer heat to the point where DC will often be hotter and more uncomfortable than cities much further south. Although there is a group demanding statehood for D.C., this would still be unconstitutional and undesirable as the influence in Congress and the Executive would be out of proportion. U.S Territories such as Guam, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the Virgin Islands can apply to Congress for statehood when their government chooses as long as the requirements set forth in the U.S. Constitution are met. The Protectorates tend to be more sparsely populated that U.S. Protection after being ravaged by war. Many Federal government agencies have located in nearby Maryland and Virginia that are connected to Washington, D.C., by highways, rail system, and mass transit (bus and subway/light-rail systems.) As a result the Greater Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area extends beyond the District of Columbia into Virginia and Maryland as also extends into the states of Delaware, West Virginia, and parts of Pennsylvania too. I hope this helps you get your head around around the District vs Washington vs Virginia thing. Keep up the good work!

[@gwensimmons_gigi1629]

Welcome the East Coast, wait till you get to Texas & Florida for high temps and humidity!! You need to go up to NYC for night life and amazing food from different cultures... only 3.75 hrs away via Amtrak, or driving up I-95. Hope you visited the Smithsonian Museums, the Mall, and the new National African American Museum. The Adams Morgan area rocks!!

[@ashleypenn7845]

If you're coming to NC in the fall, you HAVE to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway. The fall colors are BREATHTAKING! I live an hour from there and I never get tired of the view.

[@kellkatz]

Just came from driving last week from Peaks of Otter, VA to North Entrance, VA. Guess 'cuz summer and it's more popular NC portion - it was like we were only ones on road. Last May, drove from Asheville, NC to ~ Grandfather MTN area in NC. Definitely, Shaun should drive any or all (probably not time for that though! You are so lucky to be so close to the Blue Ridge!

[@ashleypenn7845]

@@kellkatzThank you! I'm actually a Florida girl, born and raised. A south Florida city slicker adjusting to small-town life. I'd never even seen the seasons till I moved up here. But it DEFINITELY looks way better up here than it does back in FL. Except for my family, I really don't miss Florida all that much. :)

[@naomifigueroa1428]

I live is Georgia where it gets HOT.. I went to Ireland mid June and the natives were talking about how hot it was.. I was in Heaven!.. it felt like early Spring here lol

[@blowba]

Washington D.C. is built on a swamp. That and the humility is why it's so hot. Arlington is a very unique place. It definitely catches you off guard. Great place. Amazing museums and monuments. Some of the best on Earth. The restaurants and nightlife is so good because there is a lot of money and power. A lot of embassies there. All of this = great nightlife. Where do you think all of those political deals get done?

[@ibosquez5238]

Humidity dude

[@dr.inkwell1070]

@@ibosquez5238 I dont know, either one sounds good to me. 😂

[@ibosquez5238]

@@dr.inkwell1070 Humility?

[@Dirtydeborahharry]

I heard "first time I had sex on American soil"! LOL! I had to replay it.

[@juleejames9977]

I really enjoy your observations about the US. Look forward to hearing about your itinerary for the next trip

[@MrTmwilliamson]

I was the one who sent you that University of Houston shirt. There was supposed to be a gift message enclosed, but I guess they messed up. I gradated form the U. Of H. in 1968. I consider Houston my hometown, even though I worked in D. C. for 7 years.

[@shaunvlog]

Thank you Tom I hugely appreciate that 🙌

[@MrTmwilliamson]

When you come back to the U. S., I hope you will come to Central Texas. I would love to show you Williamson County which was founded by my Scottish ancestors.

[@DnCassidy]

Sean, the District of Columbia is not part of any state. It was created from land donated for the new federal district or capital by the states of Maryland and Virginia. Parts of the new District of Columbia included pre-existing communities like Georgetown, which might be accurately referred to as Georgetown, D.C. The official federal zone does not occupy the whole of Washington, D.C., but consists of the Capitol, the White House and a number of federal buildings and museums along the Mall and around and between those two landmarks. It is a city that was completely planned and designed by Pierre L'Enfant, thus its very well-organized layout. Nearby Arlington, across the Potomac, and Alexandria are both parts of Virginia. The White House is actually much bigger than it appears. Standing in front of the White House, it appears to be a two-story building. However, the upper floor and another floor above that which you do not see, comprise the living quarters of the President. The topmost floor is hidden behind a balustrade. The ground floor is where most of the official staterooms are located. Below the two visible floors are three floors that are mostly underground. In addition to the main house are two multi-story wings that are less obvious because of landscaping. In addition to the West Wing offices of the President, there are also many offices which comprise the Executive Office of the President in the ornate French Renaissance building next door and in nearby streets. Although the Obamas had closed the White House to tours, President Trump has reopened "the people's house" to the people. Public tours are available on weekdays, but it is possible to arrange through a Congressional office, in advance, a guided tour, which includes two additional rooms. Washington is uncomfortably hot and humid in the summer and can be quite cold in the winter. The best times to visit are March through May, and September through November. I personally think it is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and because of the many people who come from all over the US to work there, it does have great nightlife, great cultural attractions, and superb restaurants.

[@jbtpa895]

The White House was open during the Obama administration. It was closed to tours after 9/11for a period of time(Bush administration) for security reasons.

[@DnCassidy]

@@jbtpa895 thehill.com/homenews/campaign/288055-tour-move-backfires-on-obama

[@gregcreek5715]

Daniel Cassidy stop trying to make it seem as if the White House was closed down during Obama’s time in the White House & Trump finally opened it up. Spreading fake news!!

[@kevinraney2935]

@@gregcreek5715 dailycaller.com/2013/03/13/obama-blames-secret-service-for-closing-white-house-tours/ Not fake news. He actually did for a short time till he caught a bunch of crap for it.

[@chivalryalive]

I hope you found the time to visit the Smithsonian Museums of art, history and science. They are great displays of American /United States achievements. -- Many wonderful things to see and learn there. :-) Very glad you enjoyed your visit though. :-)

[@SD-ce2sp]

Great point about the Smithsonian....more important did you realize who it was named for Smithsonian (can’t remember his first name) was a Brit! Our Smithsonian was established by the British.

[@SD-ce2sp]

James Smithson a British Scientist created the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC

[@chivalryalive]

S D -- I had no idea of the origins of the name of the museum. Thanks for the information. One of the machines from the corporation which my father ran is on display in the museum. It is an example of the first mechanical printing /punch presses ever made. My father ran their high speed machine division for years and worked even longer selling machines for that corporation around the world, :-)

[@agoogleuser4443]

I agree about the Smithsonian. I could spend at least a week touring just that and be happy!

[@Djarms67]

Washington is not in any state. I was land giving up my Maryland and Virginia. I believe Virginia took back its land after the civil war. This needs fact-checking. So I sorry

[@Marylandbrony]

Everyone is talking about how the District of Columbia isn't a part of any state. Meanwhile I'm here noticing he mentioned Baltimore is a "near-by" city with Arlington. It's 45 mintues to over an hour by car/coach bus depending on the traffic and 70 mintues by commuter train. Not to mention Washington and Baltimore are culturally separate with their own Newspapers,TV stations,Sports teams etc.

[@laurencooper654]

“Security guards”... that’s the Secret Service 😬

[@angellunsford2741]

You can tour the White House but you have to book it months & months early, like 8 months or so, is what I've heard from folks who've gone.

[@rjstubbs]

Washington DC is a lone city. Doesn't sit in any state

[@Booger414]

Did anyone point out to you that the President's mother was Scottish? That is yet another example that special connection.

[@bethknight4436]

Washington D.C. is not a state. You’ll notice that the license plates on the cars say ‘No Taxation Without Representation’ - a joke of sorts. They have no representation in Congress or the Senate. The best thing to do in D.C. is visit the museums, which are free. The only way to go on a tour of the White House is to contact your Congressman or Senator and they will get tickets for you. Although the letters of the alphabet were used to name the streets, there is no ‘J’ Street. And there is a funny story behind that.

[@janicefeny2223]

I didn't notice there wasn't a 'J' street as many times in the past I'd driven around 'K' & 'M' LOL. I'll have to check that story out

[@fabrisse7469]

As a resident of the District (I can see the Capitol Dome and the Washington Monument from my apartment), I can say we are, in several federal laws, considered "a state-like entity." In many cases, we have exactly the same limitations as a state. In addition, we are required to register for the draft (if we're the correct age and gender), serve on juries, etc. We pay more per capita in federal taxes (per 2015 stats) than any state does. This is part of the reason that we are pursuing statehood. Should it pass, we would still have the initials DC, but it would stand for Douglass Commonwealth rather than District of Columbia. Our gross federal income tax revenue for 2018 was $28,443,717,000. Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, Wyoming, and Vermont combined paid in $27,443,756,000. They get 10 Senators; DC gets none. They each have one Representative in the House; DC has a non-voting delegate. If congress cared about us, maybe we wouldn't kick, but they regularly try to overturn or block our laws without consideration.

[@amandasr3535]

Hello from North Carolina! So awesome you will be visiting!

[@lauraellen189]

North Carolina is such a beautiful state!!

[@jamesbagwell5120]

@@lauraellen189 *South Carolina is so much better though!*

[@fullcircle8231]

Yea... except for the fact our schools are better, our economy is much more industrialized, our cities are much bigger, our housing markets are better, and our cities are much more wealthy overall.... South Carolina is kinda like the ugly stepsister of North Carolina

[@bassmangotdbluz3547]

I grew up 17 miles outside the Capital Beltway. Washington DC is on the northern bank of the Potomac River is within the borders and boundaries of the State of Maryland, though it is Federal Land (like a National Park or Wildlife Management Area) that was deeded from Maryland many Fiscal Moons ago. The Francis Scott Key Bridge takes you from M St NW in Georgetown to Roslyn in Arlington County Virginia which lies on the southern bank of the Potomac River. Believe it or not, DC is more humid than New Orleans. I've lived in or near both cities. The Chesapeake Bay lies to the east of DC and the Blue Ridge is to the west. Humidity rolls off of the bay and hangs oppressively over the city under the smog and cloud ceiling. From Constitution Avenue, take I-66W to Front Royal VA. As you enter The Skyline Drive heading south through Shenandoah NP, as you gain elevation there are scenic overlooks with parking on either side of the road. If you look west, you can see all the way across the Shenandoah Valley. If you look east you can't see more than 2 or 3 miles. It's such a dramatic difference staring you in the face. It demonstrates that the excessive amount of air pollution has an impact on air quality as well as the humidity factor. I will however say that it is much better now than in the 1960s of my childhood. This is probably because of the steps we take toward reducing emissions. Washington DC has some of the best nightlife in the US. DC sports Restaurants of all varieties, nightclubs for any type of music or life style. It is also incidentally probably one of the best paying markets for club musicians, at least in my experience. The biggest reason I left that area, besides it being Ground Zero, is that the cost of living there is only dwarfed by NYC, Los Angeles or Miami. Virginia also takes almost as much $ from you in Income Tax as does the Federal Government. Texas is the land of Liberty. God, guns and guts.

[@madz2876]

You might be surprised by Hawaii's strong connection to Scotland. Had the United States not annexed the country, Hawaiian Crown Princess Victoria Ka'iulani Cleghorn (who was half Hawaiian and half Scottish) would have been Queen. I believe King Kamehameha (first chief or Ali'i to united all the islands) had a close Scottish advisor. Robert Louis Stevenson also spent time in Hawaii and wrote a poem for Princess Ka'iulani when she went off to school in the U.K.... "Forth from her land to mine she goes, The Island maid, the Island rose; Light of heart and bright of face: The daughter of a double race. Her islands here, in Southern sun, Shall mourn their Kaiulani gone, And I, in her dear banyan shade, Look vainly for my little maid. But our Scots islands far away Shall glitter with unwonted day, And cast for once their tempests by To smile in Kaiulani’s eye."

[@bellsTheorem1138]

Washington DC is not a state. It is under federal jurisdiction. However, there is a push for giving Washington DC statehood.

[@soybasedjeremy3653]

There's a huge problem behind that though. If I can find the video I'll link it.

[@molly2643]

DC license plates literally say "taxation without representation" on them.

[@alaskaball188]

Just remember D.C. stands for Da Capital

[@SherriLyle80s]

😂

[@karenmaddox1212]

😅😅

[@TheNewMode]

The NFL is cool but if you’re in the south in September you HAVE TO go to a college football game. Many have much more intense atmospheres than NFL games, very much like the premier league

[@shaunvlog]

100% want to make this happen

[@pullmyfinger336]

@@shaunvlog List the dates and places where you'll be and let your viewers find and recommend the best possible and closest games you could attend, based on how good the teams are and whether the fanbase is known for the their tailgating or not. Do this sooner, rather than later if you want to try and get a ticket. Depending on the matchup, tickets could be hard to get. For example, Clemson will be @ North Carolina on 9/28. That would probably be a good game to go to and experience college football in the South. If you're going to be in other states as well as North Carolina, it's better to say that now and see if people can try and work the logistics for other matchups now.

[@wysgyeman]

@@pullmyfinger336 A Clemson game would be a GREAT game to attend. Clemson at home is fantastic! Our stadium is nicknamed "Death Valley". Every University will have thier own unique traditions. YES! Absolutely try to attend a Clemson game at "Death Valley"!

[@Zhiperser]

DC isn't a state and it's not a part of any state. It is, as in the name, a district. It is its own somewhat self-ruling, partially unrepresented, political in-fighting mess. It was designed so that the capitol wouldn't be under the purview of any single state as a compromise (the first of many) between the North and the South. Virginia and Maryland both gave up some land for its creation and it's entire existence is written into the constitution. It was built on swamp land, and everything was originally well-designed by L'Enfant. But there wasn't a lot of money, and a lot of stuff was destroyed by that fun little war with the Canadians (*cough* Englishmen. You'll have learned about it as a subset of the Napoleonic Wars if at all. We call it the War of 1812.) The money didn't exist at the time to rebuild much of it and what we see of DC today mostly arose post-Civil War as freed slaves moved into the city and throughout the 20th century as the McMillan plan finally decided to finish what L'Enfant started way back when. FDR's public works projects helped a lot too.

[@bigscorchy3239]

I love your description of your time in DC. I'm from the area and we're very used to visitors; in many ways we're a city of transients, but we all love showing off the place. It's the most gorgeous place in the spring. We are friendly 😀, particularly when we know you're not from the city. Yup, super hot in the summer, and pretty cold in the winter. DC is a city run by the Federal Government on land donated by Maryland. Originally the city was diamond shaped on land donated by Maryland and Virginia, but Virginia took the land back during the Civil War. Baltimore is a large city in Maryland. Not related to DC in any way. Arlington is a city in Virginia not related to DC in any way. 😀👍

[@Luv2tickt]

Kind of a Cliff Notes to your questions/ points: 1. Pretty much everyone else covered what DC is. 2. DC is balls ass hot from about June through mid to late September. Part of the issue is the humidity. There's a lot of truth to the saying, "It's not the heat, it's the humidity." One can be in Texas or Arizona and it's 90f out, and it's not that hot because the dew point is very low; meaning there's not much moisture in the air. But come to Wisconsin, it can be 80f and the dew point will be 65-70 and well, it's pretty much what you felt in DC. 3. The layout was also covered by others as well. 4. There's tons of security and law enforcement in DC. You simply didn't see it which is kind of the point. 5. The White House is far larger than you may have seen, and that's above ground. You may have missed the East and West wings. The below-ground, that you won't see. :D 6. Can't say much for the nightlife these days. I will say that it's important that you stay close to the tourist area, once you get out into a lot of the neighborhoods, it's actually a fairly dangerous city and you certainly wouldn't want to get caught there after dark. 7. Arlington: Other's have covered this. 8. DC - probably many of the people you met worked for the government and thus have to live there. But again, getting outside of the touristy areas, it's very poor and not recommended for any tours. Hope that helps answer some of your questions.

[@ThomasTrue]

Shaun, you've got to remember that Edinburgh is ancient - like, Neolithic ancient - and as such, apart from the New Town, wasn't so much designed as 'congealed'. I'm fond of saying that Edinburgh isn't so much a city as a collection of towns and villages looking for a city. Washington DC and other US cities however are very young and were planned on grid systems. That's why they are so simple to get around.

[@stevem2601]

Shaun, the reason why the White House is small is based on one of the main foundations of America. The president is an average US citizen, the same as the other citizens of the US, so the president's residence reflects that concept. in other words, it was made to somewhat modest and 100% different than, for example, the QE2 homes (Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle). We (the US) rejected a monarch system because it goes against all that is American. No one is born better or at a higher status than anyone else in America. That's the reason why the White House is modest. Do you get it now?

[@mangoldm]

I’ve worked and lived in DC for 30+ years. The summers here are brutal, although this June was one of the nicest in memory. You may have hit a hot stretch of days I don’t remember, but early-mid July was 100+ with dew points pushing 80 degrees. Today is a lovely 87 with a dew point of 57. Time to head out for lunch!

[@amandacribley626]

You should also look up the story of Benjamin Banneker. He is an important and influential person from US history that is largely unsung because he was also black. He knew Thomas Jefferson though and they’d have frank discussions on race and slavery and despite those issues he was still given the job as being the surveyor and one of DCs city planners when it was named the capital.

[@sharonpatry5401]

Best way to think about it is like the Vatican-lawmakers didn’t want the capital to be under the control of a particular state. But 150 years later, there’s a ton of people living here and they don’t have representation in Congress. It’s messed up. They deserve statehood. And yeah, it’s hot here. And the city is spread out because of the building height restrictions, and our transport sucks, which means tourists have to walk and walk. The emts pick them up all day long. So yeah, lots of cities at the edge of the district that either lie in Maryland or Virginia (like mine, McLean) but you basically cross the district line going to the grocery store or the movie theatre, so the boundaries don’t really mean much

[@ThatsMrPencilneck2U]

The District of Columbia is not part of any state. It was laid out as a capital city, but the Founding Fathers never imagined a permanent franchised population. That makes it a pretty crazy place compared to anywhere else. It is widely believed that there is a sprawling office complex under the White House extending downward to the center of the earth.

[@amandacribley626]

There’s a really good episode about Washington DC in the show “how the states got their shape”. It’s also a book! If you can’t stream the series in your area I’d be happy to send you the book as a gift if you’re interested!

[@susan7038]

Can’t wait to hear what States you will be visiting! I highly recommend Minnesota 😀

[@shanesheffield6346]

Yes my home state and the best state. Also he should come he In January or February

[@hayhelros3]

Washington DC was laid out by someone (I can't remember his name) and all of the streets were laid out and planned. That's why the streets are organized.. When it was decided that a capital other than Philadelphia was needed, an area where Virginia and Maryland meed was selected. The area was selected because it was half way between Georgia and New Hampshire, so every state could get to it equally and no one state could claim the capital. The area around the capital was given the name District of Columbia so it wouldn't be in any particular state. In the United States it is not uncommon in large urban areas for one town to just grow right next to another, In that area's case DC has Arlington VA and other towns around it. several years ago I lived in an area of dallas Texas. Where Jupiter Road and Buckingham road crossed each other, there were 4 corners. The two southern corners were considered Dallas , the North east corner was Garland texas and the Northwest corner was Richardson Texas. If you drove through the intersection you would have no real idea because of the stores and businesses around the intersection. Once you got past the intersection you might see a small sign that says "Welcome to ..." Don't know of anybody who really cared about it but I imagine the businesses had differences in taxes depending on which corner they were on.

[@robertseifert1066]

Washington DC is a federal district not a separate state in any way. It was land set aside exclusively for use to build the capital.

[@jbass6665]

The District of Columbia was originally a perfect square encompassing donated lands from Maryland and Virginia with the Potomac river snaking through. The city of Washington was on the Maryland side and did not completely engross that part of DC. There was some unincorporated land not part of Washington. The Virginia portion was given back to Virginia. That is why if you look at the current map DC looks like an incomplete square. If I'm not mistaken Washington now incorporates all of the DC land mass thus Washington and DC are the same thing.

[@DelGuy03]

@jbass66, you said everything I was going to, so you saved me the trouble! Yes, after some finalizing of borders (a long time ago), Washington and the District of Columbia are exactly the same territory, not part of any state. Baltimore is a separate city, less than an hour to the north. (In general, as you go up and down this part of the East Coast, that tends to be the distance of one substantial city from the next: DC -- Baltimore -- Wilmington -- Philadelphia -- Trenton -- NYC.)

[@jbass6665]

@@DelGuy03 I've seen that stretch from DC to Boston called the Northeast Megalopolis.

[@truethat8503]

You should have came 25 years ago when Marion Barry was the mayor you would have seen a different city and not in a good way

[@kevinroberts7365]

Shaun, was great meeting up with you last week! You'll definitely have fun on your next trip to the U.S. And yes, think of Washington, D.C. like Edinburgh's New Town. Planned from the beginning, so very organized in its layout. And, it can definitely get hot there, and it's even worse due to the humidity. It really was created out of a swamp.

[@JaimieJo]

Is that where the term, "Drain the Swamp" came from?

[@chrisrice06]

Since you're going to North Carolina, you should see the other less known but equally interesting "British Cemetery" (234 British Cemetery Rd, Ocracoke, NC 27960). British anti-u boat sailors that died defending the US coast line, during WWII. The land was donated by the locals to the UK for their sailors killed in action off the Carolina coast.

[@tonyahancock9585]

The Carolina Coast is awesome lots of interesting places. I highly recommend Bear Island, Topsail/Surf City and Wilmington. Ocracoke and Hatteras are two places not to be missed. If you like spooky you should love Roanoke Island and the mystery of the colony that just disappeared.

[@cily2008]

I'm in the 30% club! Happy to be here! :) Excited to see where you are going on your US trip! I'm in Florida near Tampa. 😊

[@amandah4816]

I got to go to DC for the first time ever a couple years ago and I was absolutely floored. As a US citizen I had a certain expectation of that city and it far exceeded my expectations! One of the best things is that all the museums are free which is nice since DC is rather expensive otherwise! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@350hd5]

im irish ,but i respect scotland.keep it up!

[@4randosutube]

Don’t forget, DC is really nothing more than a swamp. Often miserably hot and humid in summer. Trust that there is plenty of security but it not so obvious. A lot of passive layers to it. Glad you appreciated Arlington cemetery. That is hallowed ground. The entire world is a very different place without the sacrifices and actions of those buried there. Very frustrating and sad that it has become almost fashionable to some political movements to despise the principles and freedoms fought for by those that rest there. Glad you enjoyed your trip. I’m coming to Scotland in couple years. Look forward to learning and experiencing your culture and history too.

[@janicefeny2223]

My grandfather and uncle were buried with military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. There's nothing more emotional than hearing 'taps' & the gun salute. I believe the cemetery is running out of space now & only a chosen few are laid to rest there.

[@patriciamcmurray4272]

DC is so hot because it was built on a swamp. You’ve got to come to the Highland Festival here at Stone Mountain Park in metro Atlanta Georgia. I love just 5 miles from the park and would love to see you there.

[@bethshadid2087]

Hey neighbor...I'm in Lawrenceville. St. Mtn is awesome

[@ElcsieRetakov]

My grandfather is buried in Arlington. He fought in ww2 and I vaguely remember his funeral from when I was 10. I'll have to visit again and show my kids their great grandpa's stone.

[@sheila357mag]

Washington DC is separate district not a state, Arlington is in Virginia, Baltimore is in Maryland

[@PatriseHenkel]

Did you ride in my Uber car ? You look familiar to me. 😎 Lol, yes, the White House is just a mansion, not a palace. You can take a tour - book ahead online for best results. DC is a great food, art, theater,& entertainment town. A giant college town for adults. Did you know Arlington Cemetery is the former front lawn of Confederate leader Robert E Lee?

[@janicefeny2223]

AWESOME! So glad you're coming to the U.S., Shaun (but sorry I missed you in the D.C. area)😉💖. Washington, D.C. is not a state, but a jurisdiction between MD & VA. We're suffering a sweltering heatwave here in MD/east coast 🔥🔥🔥right now, so September should be milder☺.

[@frankkelly2245]

Shaun, DC, latitude wise lines up with Portugal, Greece, and the Middle East.

[@Serai3]

It's... complicated. As far as place, DC is basically the city of Washington. The district was founded because it was thought that the capital of the country shouldn't be in any one state, as that would give that state outsize power. So it got its own place that isn't part of any state. This has advantages and disadvantages, one of which is that the people there, like the people of Puerto Rico, are not represented in Congress. This is a hell of a sore spot, as you can imagine.

[@Ruskad]

On the other hand, giving one city statehood and all that comes with it would go even further in the opposite direction. They're kind of just stuck as is.

[@Serai3]

On the other other hand, the Constitution makes it clear that every American must have representation. That was the whole fucking point of the country in the first place. So no, they are not stuck. This is a problem that must be solved.

[@bluesageful]

D.C.(District of Columbia) is confusing for many Americans as well....It is separate from the surrounding states. Like Virginia, and Maryland. But it is it's own entity , but not a state. If that makes ANY sense! LOL (maybe someone else can explain it better).... My favorite part of D.C. is the Smithsonian!....Oh, AND SOOOO excited for you that you're making it back again! YAY!

[@coalhalo]

Arlington used to be part of DC but Virginia took it back right after the turn of the twentieth century. Arlington is NOT a city but a county. There is the city of Falls Church, Fairfax and Alexandria. But confusingly there are also the county of Fairfax and Alexandria. And parts of Falls Church and Alexandria are part of Fairfax county. The colour of the street signs will tell you where you are. Baltimore is a city but there is also Baltimore county. Years ago DC and Baltimore used to separated by a much more rural countryside. Because of urban buildup they are now connected by the US government when listing the top urban areas. Glad you had a good time when you visited the town i from and still live. FYI...right after 9/11 the city and adjacent areas were crawling with military security. To the point they had surface to air missiles at the Navy Yard rooftop in SE DC. At the Pentagon the govt literally moved a highway away from it (Route 1-10) in record time. Now, like the U.K. and other countries, security relies on cameras and scanners. Technology developed in the current war that was brought back and sold to local law enforcement. Hope that helps some.

[@nukemanmd]

Washington, DC, was created from land donated by Maryland and Virrginia. Eventually, the Virginia portion of the district was returned to Virginia as it wasn't deemed necessary. The street lanyout of city was designed by French architect, Pierre L'Enfant. D.C. is a federal district that is technically governed by the U.S. Congress, although over the years a degree of self-governance has been granted to residents. That being said, Congress still retains veto power over the acts of the district government. D.C. citizens have been granted the right to vote for President, but it has no representation in the U.S. Congress ...aother than a non-voting represntative in the House. FYI - Arlington Cemetary stands on land that belonged to Confederate General Robert E. Lee (I think it was actually land that belonged to his wife. The land was confiscated from Lee and dedicated as a National Cemetary.

[@Pius-XI]

isn't It hot everywhere in June 😂

[@raymondmuench3266]

Laughed about the nightlife. When i was a kid, even into my teens, they rolled up the streets at 7 pm. No one was downtown! Except for hotels like the Willard, it was dead. A big change.

[@justreallybored6014]

September can burn the hell out of your skin.

[@tonyahancock9585]

Yeah it doesn't really start to cool off till about mid October.

[@longhairsviewoftheworld119]

I hope that at least part of your next trip you spend some time in the heartland out of the cities. The night life isn't all that exciting, but the people are what really make this country what it is. If you're that interested in American "culture", what the media considers "fly-over country" is where you'll find more of the American culture than in any big metropolis.

[@michaelmcclure3918]

Love the shirt Shaun! Love that you are representing the University of Houston. Go Coogs!!

[@amandas.6500]

"A junction of spaghetti " 😁 hilarious!

[@jimdevlin2138]

in Birmingham , England there is a freeway junction that is called spaghetti junction

[@bethshadid2087]

Atlanta has its own spaghetti junction

[@bonniechance2357]

Someone once described the freeways of Houston to me that way, when I was there in the 70s. I shudder to think of navigating an Old World city like Edinburgh by myself, with only a map or GPS.

[@amygreen4408]

30% !! Up from 20%! woot! woot! Congratulations Shaun! Your videos truly make my week! 💙🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇺🇸💙

[@JPMJPM]

Washington, D.C. is to the U.S. kind of like The Vatican is to Italy. The Vatican is technically in Italy but has an independent government. D.C. is kind of like that - kind of.

[@batTorah]

JP M And like the City of London is to London.

[@JPMJPM]

batTorah Gut shabbos (early)! ✡️

[@TheMomofcamandjames]

I live in North Carolina, near the Mt’s, and it sounds like your just gonna miss the changing of the leaves. It’s a big deal here in NC. Boat loads of folks travel to the mountains around October for the scenery. Also, the weather will either be hot or cold while your here. Just depends on how Mother Nature is feeling that week! 😊

[@Sssssssslf]

Love your picture! Such a cute doggo! 😍😍😍🐶

[@TheMomofcamandjames]

ᵀʰʳᵉᵉ ᵒᶠ ᵃ ᴷⁱⁿᵈ Aww Thank you!❤️

[@eflowers8306]

When you come to North Carolina you may want to take a trip down to Charleston SC and go to the Marketplace. I love walking through there and seeing the carriage's going up and down the street. Theirs also a nice fudge store down there that I get fudge from whenever I go down there.

[@kimberlyparrish7522]

I lived in Charleston for years James island actually. He’d need to see the Yorktown, well everything at Patriots point, Fort Sumter, The Battery, ole Charleston Jail. The angel oak good grief I could keep going. Go out and eat and try everything.

[@CJoksch]

As for DC's weather, before air conditioning, DC was considered a hardship posting for diplomats.

[@GrymsArchive]

D.C. was layed out by a nice french man *Pierre Charles L'Enfant* Have a quick read: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pierre_Charles_L'Enfant

[@mityk7855]

The UH is the logo of The University of Houston. Great video!!

[@Booger414]

While Arlington is mostly a military cemetery, there is also the cairn built as a memorial to those lost over Lockerbie on Pam Am flight 103.

[@elsac5247]

It’s so fun to watch you and hear your impressions of America. I had some of these same feelings when I traveled to England. I guess we all have these ideas of what something is. Fortunately I’ve been able to travel and educate myself. Thank you!

[@RhondaKennedy63]

Hi Shaun Have you been to Colonial Williamsburg??? Its the 16-1700s recreated. As an American I hope to visit there myself someday.

[@4thdimension760]

Love this. I’ve lived here in the DMV for 21 years (17 in DC). 1. District of Columbia is a federal district. It is not a state or county and is more than a city. We describe the “city of washington” or “dc” (has its own mayor and city council) from being distinct from the Federal District. Think of it as DC vs Washington culturally. 2. DC sits on the Atlantic Coastal Plain off the Chesapeake Bay and between two rivers (Potomac and Anacostia). This entire region is an estuary of the Atlantic. Roughly 150ft average above sea level. DC’s climate is humid subtropical Cfa (Koppen system). That heat and humidity can kill. My SoCal aunt complained bitterly about the humidity while visiting! 😅 Anyone not prepared or hungover can get got 😂 I’m from NC so I know what Sun does to Scotsmen 😂😂😂😂. Look at where Scotland is on the globe and look at DC. Much closer to the equator. We get more direct sun rays so they are absolutely penetrating you hard….you need no sweat 55 and a hat. Winter is indeed cold. Humid is hot wet summer, cool dry winter. 3. DC was carved out of Maryland and Virginia. That’s why it’s shaped so weird and has 4 uneven quadrant/sectors. The close suburbs and exurbs send commuters. Pre-pandemic the population would rise tenfold in DC. Baltimore is Maryland’s biggest city (Annapolis - a far DC suburb is its capital) and is basically a regional sister city. Arlington is the biggest city in Arlington County and is a DC suburb. What is colloquially called the DMV region (District Maryland Virginia) encompasses the District, suburban and exurban areas. Baltimore is its own region, but there is overlap with DC suburbs. Certainly some of them commute down here. Your life may overlap all jurisdictions in one day. Live A, Work B, Errands/pastime in C. 4. Nightlife is serious. Type A’s. Work hard, play hard. DC has a strong indigenous music culture (Duke Ellington, Fugazi, Rare Essence - jazz, punk, gogo- a type of DC funk music). Even I played with a band briefly. I’m white collar daytime. 5. DC pulls Americans from every state. It also pulls people from all over the planet. Every nation, every people is here in some capacity. They send their kids to the universities. Every dictator’s kid is enrolled here 😂 Every diplomatic mission has its nannies and drivers, in addition to ambassadors. NGOs are here, WTO, IMF. Whatever you think about power, this is the capital of the world’s most globalist nation. The 🌎 is here too! And yes, they bring their food and music. I’ve eaten Uyghur food here and have never been to China. Mongolian throat singers come to their embassy in the burbs. Beyoncé goes to FedEx in Landover. Franz Ferdinand played at 9:30. 6. Horse and buggy town (circles) to cars. NW, SW, NE, SE. numbers north to south. Letters east to west. The Capitol is ground zero for both (increasing outwards). Once the alphabet runs out words in abc order name east-west streets. They increase by syllable. 2 syllable names south of 3 syllable names. The diagonal Avenues are the States (major ones are Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, Florida being the ones you were likely on). 7. The security apparatus is subtle and mobile. Once POTUS is around it’s there. You didn’t see the barricades? Also, if you worked, you badge in every where. They’re so many it’s an industry and regular, degular job! I’m always nice to them, they’ll keep you informed!🎉 8. You visited the north side of the White House (Penn Ave / H street). The South Lawn has that view you’re thinking of. You’d have to walk around. The dome is The Capitol. I’ve been on a tour and got to see the Oval Office. Labyrinthine, tight hallways, blue carpet, presidential (Obama era) and not huge at all. Very Georgian. 9. Arlington National Cemetery is beautiful and uniquely American. I do recommend it for tourists as it has lovely views. That land used to belong to the family of Robert E. Lee, General of the Confederate Army. After surrender, Lincoln converted it into the final resting place for Union soldiers as a final fuck you to the traitorous Confederacy. 10. I want to re-emphasize Official Washington vs DC the city. I’m glad you got to meet them. DC locals (born and raised) are often gentrified out and left behind like other major cities. They are distinct from long timers even. They are tremendously proud and cool people though. Many of them have parents or grandparents from NC (the east though).

[@melissaisloud7404]

Hope you swing by Nashville. It’s absolutely fabulous.

[@tonyahancock9585]

Yes Nashville is a must see one of my favorite cities because it's so chill and there are so many places to hear some really great music. One needs to stay at the Opryland hotel while there.

[@melissaisloud7404]

Tonya Hancock You should see the Opryland Hotel at Christmas! Absolutely beautiful.

[@curtfelton4998]

One question, did you enjoy the air conditioning that Europeans are so set against.

[@curtfelton4998]

@Timothy Clark , they fancy themselves environmentalist. They think it's a waste of energy. In Europe it's only get up to an average high of 72 during the day, sometimes a little hotter. We know hear in the States we dont run our A/C at that temp. But when it 95° during the day 90° at night the A/C must come on. They dont understand until they get here.

[@diananaranjo5804]

FYI, for those watching this before the Texas, Florida videos.... Washington, DC is hot & humid but NOTHING compared to southern states along the Gulf of Mexico. From Florida to Texas. If you visit DC first in the summer, hydrate, put sunscreen on, & acclimate OUTSIDE before heading way south. Trust me. Thank me later.

[@Japanican269]

I was going to visit Washington, DC, on a July, but was warned that it's too hot and crowded at that time, and September would be best. So I did and had a great time.

[@AaronCraiger]

Marylander here. D.C. is a city-state, separate from Maryland and Virginia.

[@robertschwartz4810]

As a U. S. citizen I learned things from your trip that I'd never thought of before. But one thing I'd heard is that at one time British embassy staff received hardship pay for enduring the "tropical " weather of D. C.

[@11thstalley96]

Robert Schwartz I heard that the extra pay was intended for the diplomats to buy tropical clothing.

[@chevychase]

Washington DC is a fabulous place to live. The museums alone can keep you busy for YEARS and they are mostly FREE. It is not always so hot in the summer but it does have very hot "spells," It has a huge gay community, which helps the nightlife to be fun and varied, especially around Dupont Circle and Capitol Hill. The subway is great and it is a very walkable city. There is history on every corner. Tons of great Salvadoran, Korean, Ethiopian and every other cuisine everywhere. Look at a good map of DC, Maryland, and Virginia and it will all make sense to you. They have fabulous public libraries, embassies everywhere offer free concerts, AND the people are wonderful.

[@CatherineMcClain]

I grew up in the DC suburbs of Virginia and spent the first 21 years of my life there. Hopefully, I can clear some things up. I will go into a bit of the history of the area. Originally, both Virginia and Maryland donated land/had land taken from them to become part of our nation's capital in 1790. The residents of the land were now neither considered Virginian nor Marylander. However, there was already the well established City of Alexandria (est. 1749) in the land Virginia donated. The Potomac River was dividing DC into two parts: Alexandria and Washington (they became two shortly lived counties that were pretty rural in general). After a while, Alexandria was in economic decline because Congress was neglecting it, and after some other stuff went down, the side of DC that Virginia donated was returned to Virginia after the residents of Alexandria petitioned, begged, and pleaded. (Maryland likes to say Virginia went back on the deal, but it was the residents of the land who realized things weren't working out.) The DC Retrocession occurred in 1847. Since then, Washington DC has been purely what is east of the Potomac that isn't part of any state. Everyone south and west of the Potomac is very much Virginian. However, the culture of Northern Virginia (NOVA for short) has become very different from the rest of the Old Dominion. Still, we are Virginians. As for the weather, it's not as far north as you think. DC is as south as some of the more southern parts of Europe. And yes, it does get fucking freezing. I once walked to my friend's house when it was super cold, and the water bottle I was carrying froze in my hand. My friend's Australian mother said, "Catherine! It's -20 degrees Celsius! What is wrong with you?!" Side note: My grandfather's ashes are going to be placed in Arlington National Cemetery.

[@kenney0313]

D.C. is the equivalent of London & Vatican City in the Americas. They're the only 3 City-States on earth. Maryland was once part of Virginia and D.C. has a couple of square miles of the Potomac River in Maryland & Virginia. It straddles 2 States and is part of neither, just as London is not England and Vatican City isn't Rome. In fact these 3 City-States have their own flag and were once known as the Tri-Lateral Commission. Think of them as the official COMMERCIAL AGENTS for the people & the land; London controls banking, Vatican deals with the religions/hospitals worldwide, and U.S. basically provides the hammer when something threatens the balance of all Nations bound by treaties. Keep in mind that we are just a land and many peoples who love this land, but most don't want to deal with GOVERNMENT if they can avoid it. Like the others, we are not our respective governments, and shouldn't be judged based on what GOVERNMENT does. Love, Peace, and Party works where diplomacy and lawsuits constantly fail. I've met people who literally hate the U.S. policy, but love Americans because they figured out what we people are all about is living life to the fullest. F* war. We'd rather BBQ!🏹🏹🏹

[@diananaranjo5804]

The best time to visit WDC is either the spring (March-May) or autumn (Oct-early Dec). FYI, DC originally was swampland. Yep, the city is built over a swamp that was filled in. Summer is the worst time to be there. DC is part of the South (anything below the Mason-Dixon line is south; another history lesson there). Anyway, hot & HUMID. Not to mention, summer is when the city is bombarded with wall-to-wall tourists. Normally. Post-COVID, who's to say. Jan- Feb, it's gray & yuck. It snows but not like in Northern states with feet & feet of snow. DC is slush, wet & rainy. DC is a walking city. Much of what-to-see is outdoors or will require walking between metro subway stops. Winter, you may not get to do all you wanted to do. Spring is really ideal.

[@deborahasher176]

Must see the Grand Canyon. Breathtaking! Also try to see Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's home, Harper's Ferry, Gettysburg, Mount Vernon, George Washington's home, because they're all within a short distance from DC. Well, except for the Grand Canyon of course.

[@davidbaldwin2937]

Wilmington NC. Ocracoke NC. Boone NC. Asheville NC. Charleston SC. Savannah GA. Key West FL. San Diego California. San Francisco CA. These are my favorites that I have been to with the exception of SD. Which is on my bucket list. DC is also cool but I know you have already been...Great job bro