Last time we spoke, I was not crazy about Washington, District of Columbia. I will say, now I am. I think it is one of the top ten cities to which I have been. Paris is still #1, but D.C. is up there. Here's why:
1. World Class museums
2. not too big
3. not too small
4. smart people
This is really all I need in a city, but let's add one more key requirement
5. Outstanding public transport (which makes sense, because the nation's capital caters to tourists and gets money from the federal government every so often...)
I can elaborate on this more later...
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I've got to call you on this one...the real reason you like DC is the intense schedule of happy hours and a certain fan of vouchers whose name begins with M....
I'm glad you didn't mention the "Parisian feel" of the Mall. By the way, I think about a quarter of DC's funds comes from the Federal government. However, the Metro is so great because they get funding not only from the Federal government but also from Maryland and Virginia - three (Three!!!) entities...considering that, it better be good.
Haha, well I said I would elaborate more later, didn't I? Your reasons are also correct.
I actually don't think the Mall has a Parisian feel--too big and not enough landscaping--but I think parts of D.C. are more like Paris than anywhere else I've ever been, such as the Navy Memorial square and actually many parts of downtown D.C.
Yeah, with funding from 2 states, the government, and I assume D.C., it better be good. It also helps that it was built in the 70s. Chicago's El, which probably seemed great in the 1880s, is the most impractical structure now. A subway throughout most of the city with new tracks and more crossovers between the train lines (rather than just all meeting in the Loop) would make more sense.
It's been called "Paris on the Potomac" before which is irritating, but I could see that being possible, I suppose, though, this comes from a person who's never been to the French capital.
Part of the problem with the Chicago system is really geography. It's got a similar hub and spoke system like DC's Metro, but that big blue thing to the east is a big problem. I agree that more crossovers, or at least a line that belted around avoiding downtown altogether would be a better deal (in addition to "modernization").
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