Endless Europe: Thousands Flock to EU Open House in Washington
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Many visitors arrived at the Embassy by bus or by bike. A free shuttle bus service has been provided since the first EU Open House in 2007.
(© Chad Fleschner / German Embassy, Washington)
The German Embassy welcomed some 6,000 visitors on May 8, 2010, in Washington as part of the fourth annual EU Open House program.
Embassies representing all 27 EU member states and the Delegation of the European Union to the US opened their doors to the public for a family friendly day of fun activities, live performances, culinary delights and learning experiences with a transatlantic touch.
The EU Open House provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at European Union embassies, many of which are among Washington's architectural treasures - and at EU diplomacy in action. Held in honor of Europe Day (May 9), it is also about showcasing different cultures and traditions across Europe. Visitors could hop from the Seine to the Rhine, across the Alps to the Pyrenees, up the Danube, over the Carpathians, from the Mediterranean to the Baltic, all without leaving the District.
This year, the EU embassies joined in promoting the common theme, "Green Europe: Good for the Economy, Good for the Environment." They attracted an estimated total of some 80,000 visits, with many taking advantage of a free shuttle bus service to visit several embassies in a single day.
Meet modern Germany
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The Embassy grounds, including the main Chancery building, were decorated with mini EU flag garlands for the day.
(© Chad Fleschner / German Embassy, Washington)
At the German Embassy, visitors wended their way through a self-guided tour past the modern main Chancery building to the ambassador's airy, angular residence, with its breathtaking views of the city.
Invited exhibitors such as Lufthansa, the German National Tourist Office, the Goethe-Institut, the German Historical Institute, the German Language Society and the new German-American Heritage Museum in Washington informed guests about travel, education and many other aspects of life in Germany, while various Embassy departments provided information that afforded a window onto modern Germany.
In the auditorium, visitors took part in 10-minute speed courses on German language, German history, German immigration to the US or research, technology and innovation in Germany. Participants were able to win a number of prizes, including German language courses offered by the Goethe-Institut or the German Language Courses at the German School Washington, DC, a VIP-tour of the German-American Heritage Museum, and a two-night stay at the Dupont Hotel, among other prizes. Guests also helped create an art project based on the European Capital of Culture Ruhr.2010.
Climate connections, sustainable shopping
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German Ambassador Klaus Scharioth met with visitors of all ages at the Embassy.
(© Chad Fleschner / German Embassy, Washington)
Just inside the Embassy's front gates, the importance of cooperation between Germany and the United States in business, research and combating climate change was highlighted at the economics department's booth, which informed visitors about the Transatlantic Climate Bridge initiative launched at the Embassy in 2008.
At the nearby German Information Center USA booth, visitors received a variety of free giveaways ranging from pens to fact-filled publications to scarlet-red reusable shopping bags to transport their newly acquired goods in a chic sustainable fashion.
Spokesman for a day
Guests also lined up at the press section's booth to spin the wheel for a chance to win cool Germany.info souvenirs, like travel mugs, grill mitts, t-shirts and more. Many also took a turn at the being an "Embassy spokesperson," going before the camera to deliver their own message or try their hand at the teleprompter.
More than $3,000 raised for Food & Friends
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A team of talented face painters transformed kids into feisty felines, action heroes, butterflies and sparkling princesses.
(© Chad Fleschner / German Embassy, Washington)
Meanwhile at various locations including the military department's booth and a refreshment station serving up sausages and hot pretzels a total of $3,375 in donations was collected for the local Washington-based charity Food & Friends.
Established in 1988, Food & Friends provides nutrition counseling as well as prepares, packages and delivers meals and groceries to more than 1,400 people living with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life-challenging illnesses in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia.
Folk festival ambiance, free goodies
Across the Embassy grounds, amplified German pop and rock music put everyone in festive spirits, as did live traditional music, inviting people to linger and lounge around folk festival style.
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Live music was provided by the local German-style band Alte Kameraden, who perform in traditional dress.
(© Chad Fleschner / German Embassy, Washington)
Kids had fun with face painting, soccer, and a moonbounce. Gerolsteiner sparkling water, Bahlsen cookies, Ritter Sport chocolates and Haribo gummi bears were also provided free of charge.
Free samples of treats from pralines to sausages were moreover on offer from regional German-run businesses, including Old Europe Restaurant, Döner Bistro, Kirchmayr Chocolatiers and Binkert's Meat Products.
Held for the first time in May 2007, the EU Open House was called into being by the German Embassy during the 2007 German EU presidency.
There is surely hardly a better way to travel to Europe without leaving the country!
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