Ron – I encourage you to make Washington DC your September destination. There are plenty of hotels within walking distance of the National Mall or near a Metro line that can get you to the Mall. Room price will vary based on a hotel’s proximity to the Mall and its occupancy rate (which can be at or near 100% during certain times of the year in DC). Cabs are an alternative to short distances if you don’t feel like walking and find yourself not near a Metro stop. Completely avoid driving. The U.S. war memorials (WWII, Vietnam, and Korea) on the Mall are a must see. The Smithsonian Museums and Library of Congress hold national treasures. Take a tour of the Capitol Building. Carve out time to watch the action on Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House. Take the night bus tour of the Presidential and War Memorials that leaves from Union Station. Check out the ceiling in the lobby of the Willard Hotel. Enjoy a drink in the Willard’s The Round Robin Bar. Check the House and Senate committee hearing schedules and drop in for thirty minutes. Casual attire such as shorts and sandals is acceptable. While in the Capitol Building, might even consider dropping by the office of the House member whose district in North Dakota or Minnesota is contiguous to Manitoba. Say hello to the staff and ask for suggestions while in DC. Your country has a fabulous embassy in DC. Call and ask to speak with a staff member who can recommend places to visit and restaurants to add to your agenda while in DC. The embassy is located on Pennsylvania Avenue, one block from the Smithsonian’s National Gallery of Art and two blocks from the Capitol Building. DC is a great place to visit. Would love to have you visit our nation’s capitol. - Stuart