July 4th DC Fireworks

Its 4th of July and i am in Washington DC. What do you expect me to do this long weekend?

Well no trip on plane car, thanks to the spiraling gas prices. One way it was better as i decided to stay back in DC and see the local attractions. Then i came to know that many people actually travel to DC to see the fireworks and see some other stuff on this independence day. Obviously any country's independence is best celebrated in the nation's capital.

Being the first time (in DC on July4th), I thought to go to see the fireworks. But the weather report was not favorable. Yet i decided to go there holding an umbrella.

I Know that the traffic is going to be confined and don't even expect to get a parking place near by. I inquired a little and came to know that the fireworks will start at 9:00 PM. Having a look at the Metro rail and Metro Bus route and timings at http://www.wmata.com (Which also had the special July4th navigation Map), I set out at 7:30 PM.

Exactly at 9:00 PM we were at the mall ( I Didn't know till July 3rd that the area near the Washington monument is called 'Mall'. I always thought that there is some shopping mall , somewhere at that place, even though i didn't see it anytime.) The fireworks were awesome but only for about 25 minutes. I expected more! having seen the fireworks at Disney, which lasts for an hour, one can expect the independence celebrations for more than 1 hour.


Soon after the celebrations everyone rushed towards the nearest metro station. Sensing that and knowing the area well enough , me and my roommate took the fastest and not so crowded area and directly went to the entrance of the metro station, yet we have to wait for about 1 hour to get into the train. At last we came back home at about 12:00 PM



Things to remember:

• The fireworks start at 9:00 PM sharp (Unless there are delays due to weather) at National Mall
• Not all metro stations will be open. Check the Metro website for more information
• If you are a local candidate and can use Metro easily, don't take your car to avoid troubles
• There will be huge rush while coming back. So expect to be at home late
• Remember to eat enough before you leave to see the fireworks
• Always see the weather report and carry an umbrella if needed