[youOme]

I'm going to both.

I haven't been to a city since..eh, years and years ago and even then that city couldn't compare to the magnitude of either DC or NYC. I'm a little intimidated. Our city around here is Beckley, New Yorkers would think I was joking if they were downtown here.

I'm especially scared of this violence notion, like I'll be mugged in an alley or assaulted on the subway...maybe kidnapped along the way some wheres. I hear that New Yorkers are rude and loud, obnoxious....they walk around like sardines in a can and lack compassion for those "wanderers" on the city streets. Well shoooot, I'm going to be some hick *** wanderer on the street...I hope they'll sympathize with me!

In every location there's always some stereotype...just as equally as I'd assume they're rude they may assume I married my cousin and live on a pig farm with my 11 children...ya know.

In DC my biggest fear is driving...those people are nuts! They'll drive 80 mph 2 inches along a concrete barrier and slow down for nothing. I'd be the one they run over and curse it, going 40 along the concrete walls...haha. Oh shucks, city folk!

[bebop]

dc is really crowded during rush hour so they can't go that fast lol. I have only driven on the interstate in DC. NYC? well only interstate there too so I can't say about the sardine people lol but the rudeness is there. I think being like sardines may be the reason lol. I could not live with that many people around me.

[Perna]

I lived in DC for 13 years; there are byways, you don't have to drive the harder parts of town; take Rock Creek Parkway wherever you're going if you can. If you go through Frederick on your way from the country, now those people drive crazy But I've been camping in Beckley, know you aren't married to your cousin. It just looks that way

Good luck, YouOme, I've only driven through New York, took a train to there, wouldn't drive there unless I was going somewhere specific and staying only there. No place for the car!

[pachyderm]

I live in the DC metro area and almost never actually drive downtown. It just is not worth the hassle, especially when you can take the Metro (subway) which is relatively clean and fast. During rush hours it too can be crowded.

If you are staying at a hotel or with friends in the suburbs leave your car there and take the Metro. Buy a ticket with enough money on it (say $20) so that you do not have to get one for each trip.

As with most American cities, you are probably OK except in "bad" parts of the city, and at night if you stay where there are other people around.

[splitimage]

I've been to NYC and felt really safe there, although obviously I avoided bad areas. i found people were actually pretty nice when I had to ask for directions. But I wouldn't drive there for anything - too crazy and no parking. But the subway system is great, fast cheap and clean and gets you most places touristy.

Have fun.

Splitimage

[Lenny]

Walk with your chin up,,shoulders back and don;t look down. If you carry yourself as a weak victim those who are professional predators will spot in,,it is their business to seek the weak, make theri play and escape without loss.

Like fish in a school,,stay within the school and not as a standout on the periphery and the numbers alone will keep you safe.

IMHO.

Lenny

[Typo]

DC is amazing. I went last summer with my Advanced Placement American history class. If possible don't drive unless you have to..take the subway and if your driving to the subway station get there early to find parking. DC subways are really nice and clean. I'm like you in fact our whole group was..we we're all quite amazed at the subway because most of us had never been on one let alone seen one up close and personal. Going to the District of Columbia from Arkansas was like taking a rocket to the moon. I had never seen a skyscraper or been in a really big city. I hope you enjoy your trip and if you want to know some awesome places to visit just message me!!

[heyjoe]

ha ha i lived in nyc for 40 years and have never been mugged, robbed, beaten, or stolen. Its a very safe city these days go and enjoy yourself. Make sure you have a salt pretzel and an egg cream.

There's really nothing to be afraid of. I lived in NY for 24 out of my 26 years and now reside in Philadelphia. Personally, I have never been more scared then when my husband and I drove to Memphis and we had to make many stops in Virginia. It's dark, there is no one around, and no one would ever hear you scream. The country scares the living daylights outta me, I swear. The city is wonderful, there are always people around. And just to clarify, you'll find rude and obnoxious people everywhere-- not just in NY. I am not a big fan of DC. I mean, I loved the museums and everything, but as far as the city itself-- it's just not my kind of city. I agree with HeyJoe-- arm yourself with a salt pretzel and you'll be fine, lol.

[nightbird]

try the busses also, especially if you need to get 'crosstown' or to get around the city, if you prefer not to use the subway...did you know even the mayor uses the subway?

lenny had good advice for if you are around questionable company (can't avoid being around other people and you won't want to because most people are basically good citizens, and they are just going about their business, just like you will).

heyjoe tells it like it is.
pinksoil - yum!

seems they forgot to tell you you have to stop at a pizza place...for the best pizza in the nation - sorry Chicago! <font color="blue"> </font>

[youOme]

Thanks so much!

I feel a little relieved now, I didn't realize how many people here in PC are big city people.

I'm not driving to NYC, I'm taking a bus with my class...so no worries about parking and such. We'll be going to Time Square then set free to roam the city as we please. My NYC partner and I agreed to Taxi everywhere...or those infamous shuttles everybody mentions....but not the subway, I hear that's to complicated. I still have no idea what to do. One, I want to see a show and two buy some shoes and try the pizza...yes.

Now, for DC...I am driving there. I had been there before, I'm actually visiting my sister and her husband on the Andrews AirForce Base. Last time I visited I didn't have to drive...but I saw the freeway and it was CRAZY! The area surrounding the base ain't to shabby though. I plan to visit the museums there. That's IF I make it off the freeway.

I appreciate all your replies!! I am seriously less nervous now, thanks so much.

I went to DC for our 8th grade field trip and our hotel was terrible lol, their was blood stains or something resembling blood stains in the sheets, prostitutes out front, cops arresting people, creepy men in the hotel, and green eggs for breakfast..
but i really liked all the museums and such =]

[h0kie]

We live near DC now too. I would definitely recommend staying in a suburb and taking the Metro in (I can give you some towns that we usually use). We've lived close for over a year now and I've never driven in close to DC, it's just bedlam. Manassas is crazy enough for me and it's not nearly as bad as Fairfax or Arlington.

Allow me to recommend the Holocaust Museum. It's a less popular museum but it's fascinating (at least I think it is). I am also dying to go to the Spy Museum.

Have fun!

i went to both of those but the holocaust was my favorite event the whole trip! it was so sad and a lot of my teachers actually cried but its a muesum you actually learn in and dont get bored because everything keeps your interest.
there is a part where you walk through this little boys "whole life" you see his home and his bedroom and then whre he was forced to go its so sad

[pachyderm]

</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
Silversparrow said:Going to the District of Columbia from Arkansas was like taking a rocket to the moon. I had never seen a skyscraper or been in a really big city.

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post">

Where in DC did you see a skyscraper?

Maybe in Rosslyn, across the bridge the USAToday building, but compared to a real city that's not really a skyscraper.

[GYPSYEYES]

Times Square is a huge tourtist area... so you wont be the only one walking and looking up at all the signs.. buildings.. jumbo screens.. i can go on. Dont get forget to bring someting back for the kids... they have a mega Toys R Us there. It really can be wonderfully overwhelming... but it makes you want to come back for more.
Plan out your NYC visit... go online to find out more info... especially for shows.. or tours.. and shoppingggggggggggg of course .
You will feel safe..... NYPD is right in the heart of Times Square. You will love it.

Have a wonderful time.

[Typo]

Those weren't skyscrapers??? I didn't know that..LOL that shows how country I am. I guess I would do that though..when I was really little I thought all the buildings in Little Rock were skyscrapers. We went to Rosslyn and that was awsome. Iwo Jima was my favorite monument.
Thank you for clearing that up for me pachyderm. But the buildings in Rossly were skyscrapers right?? What is a skyscraper?? AHH!! I am so confused now!! Darn ruarl areas and there lack of tall buildings!! I've actually always been confused over what is a skyscraper and what isn't... Does anyone know the diffrence?? Please clear my confusion..I will never let my children grow up in an area where the cows out number the people in the winter!!!

[pachyderm]

The buildings in Rosslyn are the tallest in the near-to-DC area, at least. Even those buildings have a height restriction because they are almost in the flight path into and out of (Reagan) National Airport. There is a height restriction within DC itself, so as not to overwhelm the Capitol. It makes the city have its own distinct flavor. In the suburbs now there are lots more tall buildings than there were in years past.

I guess a skyscraper is whatever you think it is!

[youOme]

Thanks guys for the recommendation, I'm getting soooo excited.

I'm definitely checking out the Holocaust museum, where abouts is it??

So far what I have planned is what I'm going to wear..haha, so yeah...I need to get more together for sure.

What type of shows do they have there near Time Square?