Previously on the West Wing

We have been in Washington DC for three days now and have seen the White House, the Capitol, and the outsides of lots of other attractions (too hot to queue to get in). I keep hoping we might see some of the West Wingers and then have to remind myself that it is in fact a TV programme and the people are actors. Very upsetting.

Through watching the complete West Wing about six times I thought I had a good understanding of American politics. This turned out to be completely false. Joe and I were sitting on the steps of the Capitol and I confessed that I did not, in fact, really understand the US political system at all. He tried patiently to explain it to me while I fiddled with my nail varnish and forgot to listen. He then had to explain again. I'm still not sure I've cracked it to be honest but it's probably not that important. Separation of powers off.

We are staying in a very bizarre establishment which seems to be a hotel cum halfway house. There are various people here who are clearly not on holiday and come to breakfast with their own bread. We have to share a bathroom which is a real treat. The best part is that we are conveniently located for everything, including the George Washington University student hangouts. We have been "carded" several times and enjoyed several happy hours. GWU looks quite a lot like Bristol but with frat houses. Each frat house has it's name in symbols on the door - you know, the kappa gamma motor neurones or whatever - and its inhabitants sit outside drinking out of those red cups you see on American films. Jealous.

Tomorrow we climb aboard the Megabus (keeping up the tradition of travelling in style), and head to the Big Apple. We met someone yesterday from New York and asked her for recommedations of things to do. Her response? The NBA store and the M&M store. Seriously. Next time someone asks me what they should do in London I am going to send them to Niketown.

The end.