| “We hope that all of our neighbors here in Washington will join us at the European Embassies for a day of fun, culture, and learning.” (German Ambassador Klaus Scharioth, Washington, D.C. May 12th, 2007) On Saturday, May 12th, Washington D.C. hosted, for the first time, the European Union Open House day. The goal of the day was to invite American citizens to the European embassies, to show them what Europe is all about. The day proved more successful than might have been anticipated: long lines of people extended from the embassies on Massachusetts Avenue and free shuttle busses, provided for the day, were at maximum capacity. It seemed the whole of Washington wanted to explore what Europe had to offer. More than 20 European Union countries were part of the program including France, Germany and Italy. With each embassy having their own program of activities, exhibits, national cuisine tasting and shows, one could taste chocolate from Belgium, watch a French short film, view exhibits on penguins and the North Pole in the House of Sweden, and drink Czech beer, all in one day. The only problem was, with so many people and so many long lines, only the most ambitious and patient got to explore it all. Viva Europa! |
