Thursday -Sep. 9, 2010

8:30pm-1:30am @ Eye Bar
Kick off the fall in style and help welcome new young professionals to the area (close to rent apartments D.C.). Washington, D.C. tends to see a new influx of young professionals to our area each September, and Things To Do is making an extra effort to reach these new members for this bash. Come to our giant fall kickoff bash, and welcome some of our citiy’s newest residents to town.

This party attracts tons of young professionals every year.

Event features drink specials, a DJ and dancing and a special drawing (prizes awarded).

Free Giveaways: We have a limited number of special giveaways.

Admission is Free: However, please try to rsvp your atttendance to events@thingstodoDC.com. If space is limited, those on our RSVP list will get first priority. If you email with guests, please email their names and email addresses if possible.

Suggested Attire: Dress to Impress. No Hats, T’s, Tank Tops, Jerseys, Athletic Wear, Boots or Sneakers.

Directions: Eden Nightclub and Lounge
1716 I St NW
Washington, DC 20006-3701

Saturday August 28, 2010 from 11:30 am-5:30pm $30

Join TTD at this incredibly popular event. Today, we are working towards an incredible race and event in and around Washington, D.C., and perhaps MD or VA. Join us for a wonderful day of fun, exercise, creativity, and prizes and it is so close to rent apartments D.C..

How does it work?

1) Upon arrival we will break you into teams. Each team will be given a list of several items to retrieve. The items are all of little or no cost. (Note: If requested upon arrival we will put you on a team with any friends or other colleagues you may know.)

2) The list will also contain a location where each team must check in by a certain time. Each team should take whatever items it has and proceed to that location by the designated time. If you are late, you lose points. Teams are not expected to retrieve all of the items listed.

3) Throughout the day, at each location, points will be calculated, teams will get a brief time to rest, and teams will be given a different list of items to retrieve and take to the next location. There will be 5 or 6 different check-ins throughout the Washington, D.C. Area, all of which are near Metro Stations. At each check-in, teams will be given different scavenger hunt lists.

4) Bonuses are given to the first team to arrive at each respective location. Teams will leave each location in the order in which they arrived. The winning team will be the one that collects the most points. Prizes will be awarded to the top two teams.

There will be a special treats waiting for everyone at the finish line.

All teams must use public transportation. Teams caught using personal cars will be disqualified. We recommend that you bring a Metro card with at least $10 on it when you arrive.

Throughout the day, you’ll visit many landmarks in D.C., restaurants, schools, theaters, and much more! There are over 100 items listed and what you see depends upon your team’s resolve, speed and ability to have fun!

Note: The race starts at noon sharp!

Though not required, please try to bring a digital camera.

Suggested Attire: Casual.

Directions: Meet at the top of the escalator of the DuPont Circle Metro Station – SOUTH EXIT (not the North Exit).

Right near Krispy Kreame.

(Closest Metro is Dupont Circle on the Red Line)

As seen on C-SPAN…

Now that it is the Halloween Season, instead of made up ghost stories, how about a real Horror story that shook up the entire nation? How about an incredible tour that takes apart and examines – in incredible detail – our nation’s first Presidential assassination.

This tour is lead by Lincoln scholar and public speaker, Anthony S. Pitch, who is currently authoring “‘They have killed papa dead!’- The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln.” He is also the author of the award winning: “The Burning of Washington: The British Invasion of 1814″. Anthony Pitch offers truly remarkable insights into this historical event.

President Lincoln’s assassination was perhaps one of the most tragic moments in our country’s history. Today, learn about one of America’s most famous Presidents, and the tragic plot that lead to his death. Walk in the footsteps of one of America’s most beloved Presidents and one of America’s most reviled assassins and his co-conspirators. Stand in front of the White House and see where Lincoln delivered his last speech and where John Wilkes Booth vowed to kill him.

See the posh home of Major Henry Rathbone, Lincoln’s theater guest, who struggled with the assassin moments after the murder. This walk also passes by the site where another conspirator stabbed Secretary of State William Seward, then continues to the location where Vice President Andrew Johnson was sworn in as Lincoln’s successor.

We will walk to Ford’s Theater, where Lincoln was mortally wounded on April 14, 1865. We will also see the Petersen House across the road, where Lincoln died the following morning. We will visit where the conspirators boarded and plotted, and where some were arrested in Mary Surratt’s notorious brick boarding house…and we will see much, much more!

After the tour will be a book signing by the tour leader/author.

Suggested Attire: Casual

Directions: Meet beside equestrian statue of Andrew Jackson, in the center of Lafayette Square facing the front of White House.

Specifically the statue is in the center of Lafayette Park, on Pennsylvania Avenue between Jackson Place and Madison Place, NW, across from the White House.

(Closest Metro Station is McPherson Square on the Orange and Blue lines) close to Apartments D.C. for rent

Cost: $30.00

Boy, oh, boy it sure can get hot here in the Capital City during the summer, especially once we get into the ‘dog-days of summer.’ I find it difficult to even leave the cool air-conditioning of any of our rent apartments Washington DC. But, I have to, I can’t stay inside!

For most of us it is not really about the heat, it’s mostly the humidity that makes us uncomfortable. Here are five tips to keep your body cool during this time.

1.) Find water and drink plenty to keep yourself hydrated. You need to sweat to stay cool and you can’t sweat if you are dehydrated.
2.) Avoid coffee as much as possible. Caffeine is a diuretic just like alcohol, and you’ll find it difficult to sweat.
3.) Run cool water on your pulse points. Your wrists are good ones, and easily accessible. Just do it every hour for just a few minutes. Try and ice cube if your home…it is really quick!
4.) Wear loser clothing made of lightweight cottons and linens.
5.) Eat more snacks as opposed to big meals. If you eat a big meal your body will be forced into a metabolic state, which creates more heat.

And one image I keep in my head is this one from a blog I did seven months ago. That should keep you cool, at least in your mind!

The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (DCCAH) and the Walter E Convention Center partner up and host ‘Arts on N.’ It’s a two week arts festival that features “indie talents of handmade expression.” From paper goods and photography to graffiti and cool tees, this festival is for all of those who love to hear music and get to know their local businesses.

Bring your family, friends, and pets (although there will be water, bring some for that loving pet) and head to Arts on N this upcoming weekend.

When: August 14-15 from 10 am to 4 pm.
Where: Along N Street between 7th and 9th Streets, NW

For a listing of vendors schedule to be present, click here.

The Beauty that is Medina
The Mysteries of the Desert
The Glory of Riyadh

TTD’s Cultural Society has the remarkable privilege of transporting you around the world to an ancient land filled with wonder and excitement – all in a single evening close to rent apartments D.C. Step onto foreign soil and join us for an exclusive visit to the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia. You will be amazed at the fantastic architecture and elegance of the Embassy.

Featuring:

1) FULL SAUDI DINNER:
The Embassy’s private chef is preparing a special full buffet dinner of exquisite Saudi delicacies, including traditional Saudi meat, vegetables, rice, salad, samposa, and special surprise Saudi desserts. Out of respect to the laws of our host country, alcoholic beverages will not be present at the Embassy.

Included in the menu:
Saudi Fresh Fruit Display
Melons, Strawberry, Pineapple, Kiwi, Berries
Saudi Spanakopita
Stuffed Vegetarian Grape Leaves
Middle Eastern Tomato, Cucumber Chopped Salad with fresh mint
Humus
Tabouleh
Saudi Chicken Kebob
Wedding Rice with toasted pine nuts and raisins
Saudi Lamb Koobideh with Tsatziki
Fried Cauliflower
Carrots
Baklava
Middle Eastern Honey and Almond Cookies

2) SAUDI FASHION SHOW:
Volunteers will be picked from the audience to display off the glorious international outfits from Saudi Arabia. Learn about Saudi Arabia’s fascinating national attire, dress and uniforms.

3) EXCLUSIVE SLIDE SHOW:
Learn about the rich culture and splendor of the country of Saudi Arabia. The country’s scenic highlights, people, kingdom, and everyday lifestyles will be featured in a manner that you may have never seen before.

4) SAUDI ART:
Surrounding this beautiful Embassy are historic paintings, pictures, and artifacts (including swords, jewelry, etc) that will be on display. Representatives from the Embassy will be on hand to discuss their significance.

5) DIPLOMATIC GREETING AND RECEPTION:
Meet and greet diplomats from the embassy of Saudi Arabia, as well as other invited guests from various other embassies representing the Persian Gulf Region.

Suggested Attire: Business Attire

Directions: The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, 601 New Hampshire Avenue, Washington, D.C.
(Across the street from the Watergate. Closest metro is Foggy Bottom/GWU)

Cost: $65.00
Price subject to increase 5 PM Tuesday, August 3

Travel the world – in under two hours! Tonight, we’ll explore one of the most culturally fascinating area of Washington, D.C., close to rent apartments DC – “Embassy Row”. In a single evening, you’ll stand at the borders of Ireland, Romania, Turkey, Vietnam, Indonesia, and more!

Someone said, decades ago, that in order to thrive as part of the Embassy Row scene, three things were needed: “protocol, alcohol, and geritol…” Fast forward fifty years as we take a walk along one of Washington’s most famous grand boulevards- Massachusetts Avenue’s Embassy Row. You will see some of the city’s grandest homes, learn about the foreign governments that now call them home, as well as the scandals and stories of the residents who used to own them. Ever wonder if the curse of the Hope Diamond is true? Come join us and find out!

Join our expert guide for this incredible inside look into Embassy Row.

Suggested Attire: Casual

Directions: DuPont Circle.

Meet at the top of the escalator of the DuPont Circle Metro stop – NORTH exit.

Cost: $20.00
Price subject to increase 5 PM Tuesday, July 20

Since Spanish speakers are fast becoming a “majority minority” in this country, savvy professionals and entrepreneurs are quickly becoming aware that speaking Spanish enables them to become more competitive professionally, market goods and services to this attractive growing sector, and open new doors to building friendship and collaboration relationships.

Not a traditional course, this training program is a proactive, fun, well-paced, lively and engaging method to learn and master conversational Spanish for use in business, commerce and everyday life. This course is perfect for beginner, or for those who have some working knowledge but are looking for a refresher course.

You will spend 16 full hours (8 meetings, 2 hours each) with native Spanish experienced instructors in activities especially designed to help you learn, develop and improve your Spanish conversational skills.

This course meets for eight weeks every Tuesday night starting Jul 20, 2010

7:00pm-9:00pm

Price does not include text book. EZ Spanish for Beginners.
Suggested Attire: Casual

Directions: 1025 Connecticut Ave. NW.,
Suite 1000
Washington, DC

(only four blocks from Dupont Circle Metro Station (Red Line).

Cost: $245.00
Price Subject to Increase at any time

Join us for a private tour given by an expert guide close to rent apartments Washington D.C.,  as we explore the mysteries and secrets of the National Zoo and its inhabitants.

After the tour, enjoy a lunch and reception with your fellow TTD members at Zoo Bar across the street from the zoo (drinks are at your own expense).

Suggested Attire: Casual

Directions: The National Zoo,
3001 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C.
(Walking distance from the Cleveland Park and Woodley Park Metros)
Check in is in front of the Visitor Center.

Cost: $30.00
Price subject to increase 5 PM Tuesday, July 13

Deep in the heart of Africa is a largely road less wilderness of savannas, deserts, wetlands and salt pans. At the same time, there is a fantastic culture among the Ashanti tribes of Ghana, the beaches of the Busua and Dixcove, the savanas of Tamale and Bolgatnge and the modern society of Accra.

Tonight, journey to Ghana without ever leaving the district as TTD invites you to step onto foreign soil for a very special African cultural evening at the Embassy of Ghana. Join your fellow young professionals for a special taste of Ghanaian food, drinks, music, cultural dancing, diplomats, fashion, film, and more at this African treasure.

Featuring:

A) GHANAIAN FOOD:

Enjoy an incredibly Ghanaian buffet meal featuring: Suya ( Beef sticks ), Watche (Ghanaian stew)Ghanaian fish, Kenka, Jallof rice, vegetables and dessert!

B) OPEN BAR of GHANAIAN AND OTHER AFRICAN TREASURES:

Partake in the best and most unique wines, beers and other cocktails commonly found in Ghana.

C) GHANAIAN NATIVE CULTURAL PRESENTATION:

Enjoy an incredibly rare native Ghanaian presentation showcasing the music, dance, costumes, tools, customs and much more! Native Ghanaian performs were also select participants from the audience to participate throughout (including participating in a special royal tribal fashion experience)

D) DIPLOMATIC GREETING:

Meet and Hear from the Ambassador and feel free to schmooze and network with her and the diplomatic staff, all of whom will be invited to this special evening, and many of whom are expected to attend.

E) GHANAIAN ART:

The embassy has arranged for the presentation of special African artifacts and paintings unseen to most Americans’ eyes. The embassy staff will be on hand to personally discuss the art’s origins and meaning with you.

F) GHANAIAN CULTURAL FILM:

You are invited to watch recurring films showcasing Ghana’s cities, mountains, borders, landscape, people, tribes, animals, tours, everyday culture and much much more.

Suggested Attire: Smart Business Casual

Directions: Embassy of Ghana
3512 International Drive NW,
Washington DC 20008

Closest Metro is Van Ness off the Red Line
(about a 5 Minute Walk)

Cost: $50.00
Price subject to increase 5 PM Tuesday, July 13