It is once again time to show your American and German pride at the same time! Walk in the DC Independence Day Parade along with fellow German speakers and celebrate the 4. Juli in style.

Here are some details for the day of the 4th:

I have registered our group under the name "German Meetup" - if you cannot find me upon arrival you can text me (I will send out phone number to all who have RSVPed) or simply go to the registration tent and they will let you know what we will be carrying (I haven't made final assignments yet, so I don't even know!)

This year I have been told that there will not be a security perimeter around the National Mall as in previous years. It is possible that this will change, and if I am told otherwise before the 4th I will contact you. We will all meet at the registration tent on the National Mall on 7th Street NW (the street located between the Hirschorn and the Air & Space Museums). We should be the only tent set up, but if you can't find us just proceed to the area where the balloon are being filled. All volunteers should arrive by 9am - we need you this early so that we can make sure all of the balloons are filled in time (we may even have some people who are not scheduled for balloons assist in this duty.) Please check in immediately upon arrival. The parade begins at 11:45am, and depending on where you are within the parade lineup you will be free to leave between 12:30 and 2:00pm, as soon as your props (flags/balloons) are stowed away properly at the end of the parade.

Chances are that it will be VERY hot on the 4th of July. Please bring enough water to keep you hydrated for the duration of the parade. This includes the time you arrive (while props are being distributed, balloons are being filled, etc...) until you are at the end of the parade route. Dress for the weather in comfortable clothes (no dress code – we will provide a parade T-shirt) and wear comfortable shoes. Don't forget sun block, sunglasses, and hats.
Many streets are blocked during the 4th and parking is scarce, so we ask everyone to take Metro to L'Enfant Plaza. The closest exit from the station is the "7th Street/ Maryland Ave./ Smithsonian Museums exit." Walk north to the entrance to the National Mall at the corner of 7th Street and Independence Avenue, NW. Continue straight on 7th Street until you see our registration tent on the left side of the street.
Even though there will be no security checkpoint, all coolers, backpacks, packages and individuals will be subject to inspection. Please bring identification with you incase you are chosen for a random security inspection. We will not have an area to keep personal items during the parade, so please don't bring many things along with you unless you have people who can hold them during the parade. You will need both hands to carry balloons and flags!
Prohibited Items on the Mall include: glass bottles, firearms and other weapons, fireworks, alcoholic beverages, personal grills, barbeques, and other open flames, canopies or tents.

If you have any additional questions, please let me know. If your availability changes, please let me know as soon as possible.
Thanks and I look forward to seeing you all on the 4th,
Kaela Bench

Der Juni Kultur-Klatsch findet am 27. Juni zwischen 15 und 16:30 Uhr (3-4:30pm) statt.

Für diejenigen, die sich später angemeldet haben: Ihr könnt den Artikel für Samstag auf der Meetup Message Board finden. Er ist relativ lang, sollte aber genügend Anregung zur Diskussion bieten!

Denkt daran, dass es beim Institut nichts zu Essen oder Trinken (ausser Wasser) gibt, aber dass es ein Starbucks und ein Dunkin Donuts (im Verizon Ctr) auf dem Weg von Metro zum Institut gibt. Bringt also gern Eurer Getraenk mit.

Parken: es gibt mehrere Parkgaragen in der Naehe und man kann auch im Renaissance Hotel und auf einem oeffentlichen Aussenparkplatz parken. Auf der Strasse gibt es auch oft Parkmoeglichkeiten. Fuer Metrofahrer liegt die Chinatown/Gallery Place (7th/H St exit) nur 2 Block entfernt. Directions

Bis dann!

Annika

We are joining the 20s and 30s going out group at the Gua Rapo charity happy hour on June 18. The event will benefit CarbonFreeDC, a grassroots initiative dedicated to mobilizing DC area residents on one goal: dramatically reducing local carbon emissions.

For those who weren't there when we went last Summer, Gua Rapo is a sleek international lounge on Wilson Boulevard in Arlington.

Guarapo also is the Brazilian Portuguese term for the juice of raw sugar cane. Despite the carbon related cause for the evening, I think the idea is to mix the guarapo with lime juice and vodka to make cocktails as opposed to using it as ethanol to power our vehicles.

rsvp here or at the at 20s and 30s website at the following link:

Charity Happy Hour at Gua Rapo

Hallo!

Wer hat Interesse an einem Wochenende in Virginia (Freitagabend bis Sonntagabend), an dem man reiten, spazieren gehen und sich im Kreise netter Leute entspannen kann? Das Shangrila Retreat in South Boston (ca.3-4 Std von DC) bietet eine wunderschoene Umgebung, gutausgebildtete Pferde, Lagerfeuer, Wandern, Bluegrass Musik und viel mehr! Preise sind guenstig - bei 6+ Leuten sind es ca. $130 pro Person pro Tag (2 Tage) - inklusive aller Mahlzeiten, Unterkunft, Reiten und andere Aktivitaeten. Ihr muesst also nicht unbedingt reiten - es gibt auch so genug anderes zu tun. Nicht-reiter koennen bei den Ausritten im Wagen mitkommen! Die Unterkunft ist einfach aber sehr schoen und gemuetllich!

Termine wir das Wochenende des 5.-7. Juni sein. Wenn wir bis zum 15. Mai buchen, gibt es Freitagnacht umsonst!

Meldet Euch sobald wie moeglich fuer den Meetup, dessen Datum Euch am besten passt. Wir muessen bis zum 15.5. 35% anzahlen, also zahlt bitte so bald wie moeglich per per PayPal oder Scheck (ich werde am 6. Mai beim Stammtisch sein) annehmen.

Danke,
Annika
-------------------
Hi!

Anyone interested in a relaxing weekend in Virginia (Fri eve through Sun eve) with horseback riding, walking and spending time with cool German-speaking people? The Shangrila Retreat in South Boston (approx 3-4 hrs from DC) is situated on over 500 acres in beautiful Halifax County. Well-trained horses, camp fires, hiking trails and bluegrass music are just some of the things offered. The prices are fair - if we get 6+ people to go, the rate per person is approx. $130/day (2 days), which includes all meals, lodging, horseback riding and all other activities on site. You don't have to ride if you don't want to - there are plenty of other things to do! Non-riders can also come along in a wagon ride. The lodging is simple but comfortable and really charming!

Dates are the weekend of June 5-7. If we book and pay a 35% deposit by May 15, they'll throw in Friday night accommodations for free!

Please register and pay the deposit as soon as possible. You can pay via PayPal (I will send you the link once you sign up) or check (I will be at the Stammtisch May 6th).

Thanks,
Annika