My name is Mercedes, and I live in the Nation's Capital Washington D.C.

I was born in New York, raised in Miami, and have been living in this spectacular cultural den for the past two years.

My decision to become a correspondent is totally selfish; I want to gain travel writing experience before I begin my year long journey through South East Asia.

Hopefully, my article will not only be informative but have personality as I take you on a virtual tour and show you Washington through my eyes (let's pray my vision is 20/20!).

How it all began:
My love affair with this magnificent city began on a random visit four years ago.

Having returned from Europe the previous year, I was transfixed by the city's resemblance to Paris.

My eyes were filled with panoramic views of majestic buildings, wide tree-lined avenues and rainbow colored tulips.

Just when I thought I had seen the most beautiful part of Washington, I caught sight of a spectacular cupola rising in the distance - Capitol Hill.

If you are not good at making decisions, Washington will leave you in indecisive limbo.

The monuments are beautiful day and night, with hundreds of fabulous restaurants and a metro that will challenge you to explore even the most hidden treasures.

What's my favorite thing about DC? Free museums!

Into music? Then catch a free concert at the Kennedy Center.

Into more progressive sounds? Then check out these websites for upcoming concerts and hotspots.

Want to just sit and relax?
Then find your way over to the Washington Monument, plop down your backpack, take out your favorite book and watch the world pass before your eyes.

Washington DC's resources are endless, and I will do my best to share them all with you.

Accommodation
Youth Hostels
Capitol Hill Guest House
Hotel Information

Shopping
Sorry – I refuse to send anyone to a mall other than the Washington Mall but if you cannot resist the urge DC CitySearch should lead you to some shopping links.

Miscellaneous
If you have bad knees or are not into walking – here is a tourmobile site that will take you to all major monuments. It will cost between $25 – 32 USD, but is worth it if you don't have much time to spare.

Cooling your heels in D.C.
How do you find the inspiration to write two pages filled with all the neat stuff to do in your city when it is 7° out? My first instinct is to stay indoors, light up the fireplace, open a bottle of red wine and load up a movie (aka hibernation).

Being from the deep south, I have yet to master the "bundle-up and get on with it" mentality, although I’m sure there are those who would argue that there is nothing better than hanging out at your favorite museum on a cold blustery day. So to that end, I have provided you with a current listing of this month's activities – check out this hotspot http://www.si.edu/activity/exhibits/start.htm

But winter can have some special surprises in store. Take for example a couple of weekends ago, when my friend Todd called and wanted to go the National Arboretum – not a place I would consider a winter hot-spot, lots of dead trees, blustery winds (do I need to say more?).

But I must admit it was a rejuvinating experience. The bare trees looked like a backdrop to a Japanese painting; the sun was warm and the park practically empty. So, as I trudge along bringing you up to date, remember that winter can have its advantages...

Chilling Outside
Chinese New Year Parade
February 6th, 2000 2:00pm
Chinatown between 6th & H Sts., NW
(202-638-1041) Celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year with fireworks, dragon dancers, lion dancers and more.

Mount Vernon (Old Georgie's house)
In observance of Black History Month, Mount Vernon will offer a 30-minute guided walking tour highlighting the lives and contributions of the slaves who built and operated the plantation home of George and Martha Washington. Following each tour, a moving wreath-laying and brief presentation will occur at the Slave Memorial site.

International Gem and Jewelry Show
February 11-13, 2000
Washington Convention Center, 900 9th St., NW.
For details, times and admission, call (301) 294-1640.
Gems, baubles and all that glitters are featured at this semi-annual show.

Abraham Lincoln's Birthday Celebration
February 12th, 2000
Lincoln Memorial. (202) 619-7222. Free.
Elaborate wreath-laying ceremony and reading of the Gettysburg Address.

Valentine's Day Teas
February 12-14, 2000
Woodlawn Plantation, 9000 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria VA (703) 780-4000
Romantic and beautiful Woodlawn is the setting for a delicious full tea. Enough scones and finger sandwiches for even the heartiest appetite are served. A tour of the mansion is included.

Washington Boat Show
February 17-21, 2000
Washington Convention Center, 900 9th St., NW.
For details, times and admission, call (703) 823-7960.
Over 200 booths featuring 2000 models of all sizes from dinghies to motor yachts.

Questions?
If you want more information about this area you can email the author or check out our North America Insiders page.