Endless Europe: Thousands Flock to EU Open House in Washington

Open: People passed by many booths choc full of information on German language, culture and customs - and full of great giveaways.

The German Embassy welcomed thousands of visitors on a sunny Saturday to celebrate the unity and diversity of the European Union in Washington as part of the popular EU Open House program.

Butterfly: Face painters put great designs - and smiles - on kids' faces.

“We want to be good neighbors and open our doors to the public on this special day,” German Ambassador to the United States Klaus Scharioth said in greeting guests at the Embassy. “We are part of this neighborhood, part of this city and part of the European Union of almost 500 million citizens.”

Coordinated under the aegis of Slovenia’s six-month presidency of the European Union during the first half of 2008, the second annual EU Open House proved to be a smashing success and has clearly established itself as a new highlight of Washington's springtime cultural calendar.

Held on Saturday (May 3), it featured live performances, fun activities, traditional food and a cornucopia of cultural information at embassies representing 25 of the 27 EU member states and the Delegation of the European Commission to the United States.

The EU Open House provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at European Union embassies, many of which are among Washington’s historic and 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.

Sneak Peek: Ambassador Scharioth leads guests on a tour of the Ungers-designed Residence.

At the German Embassy, visitors wended their way through a self-guided tour from the front gate, 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 Goethe-Institut and the German Historical Institute 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.

At the press section's booth in the lobby of the Chancery, guests stepped up to the wheel of fortune for a chance to win Germany.info souvenirs, such as t-shirts, bags, mugs, magnets and pencils. Bold and shy alike also took a turn as “honorary spokesperson”, either delivering a tongue-twisting statement from the teleprompter or adlibbing, all on camera, of course.

Wheel of Fortune: The press section's booth included a wheel that gave guests a chance to win Germany.info prizes.

More fun free giveaways were available at the German Information Center USA booth, where volunteers from the charity City Year collected donations for select items which amounted to nearly $3,000 at the end of the day.

Chillin': It was a perfect day to rest on green spots all over the Embassy grounds.

At the military department's booth, people picked up baseball caps and other memorabilia honoring the “Friends Always” campaign sponsored by the German Embassy to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift in 2008. Visitors are invited to stop by the German Embassy booth and explore special exhibits about the Airlift at the Andrews Air Force Base Joint Service Open House from May 16-18.

Amplified German pop and rock music put everyone in festive spirits, as did a live traditional band and Alpine-style instrumentalists near a refreshment station where people lounged folk festival style.

Yummy: Free samples of Haribo Gold-Bears were a big hit all round.

Kids had fun with tattoos, face painting, soccer and original Haribo gummi bears. Gerolsteiner sparkling water and Bahlsen cookies were also provided free of charge. And free samples of treats from pralines to sausages were on offer from regional German-run businesses, including Old Europe Restaurant, Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe, Kirchmayr Chocolatiers and Binkert's Meat Products.

Held for the first time last year, the EU Open House was called into being by the German Embassy during the 2007 German EU presidency.

This year the EU Open House kicked off “Europe Week”, featuring events at participating European embassies from May 3-10. It is followed by “World Week”, which includes events at various embassies from May 11-16, and concludes with an “Around the World” Open House on May 17, coordinated as a new additional program inspired by the success of last year's EU Open House by Cultural Tourism DC.

There is surely hardly a better way to travel to Europe - and around the world - without leaving the country.

Tasty: The German Embassy's own Chef Thuleweit made sure there were enough piping hot sausages fresh off the grill for everyone.

Photos by staff members at the German Embassy.

Links:

EU Open House (Delegation of the European Commission to the USA)

Cultural Tourism DC

City Year DC

Friends Always - The Legacy of the Berlin Airlift Lives On (Germany.info)

Thousands Flock to First EU Open House in Washington (Germany.info)

Ambassador Scharioth Meets City Year Volunteers (Germany.info)