For week 2 of the Passport DC, the embassies of the European Union in Washington D.C. had an open house, inviting visitors for a taste of different cultures, food, and activities. Right on time, the theme for 2010 was GREEN EUROPE: GOOD FOR THE ECONOMY AND THE ENVIRONMENT. At every embassy were facts about climate change, carbon emissions, and some organizations that are focusing on environmental issues. The EU has a goal and regulations in place for reducing carbon emissions by 50% by 2050. Each of the 27 countries is free to choose the different steps it takes, but they all have the same goal in the end. One such conference organized in France and exhibiting at the French Embassy is Le Grenelle Environnement, an open round-table for various leaders of different levels of central and local government in France to discuss and debate how to meet these goals and other challenges posed by climate change.
This year, the attendance at the EU Open House seemed even larger than last and must have been helped by perfect spring weather. Kissmycountry.com battled the long lines to get into some of the embassies and get some photos for you (and sample a little food and drink along the way!). Take a look at some of the highlights below. If you’re in DC on May 15, the Meridian International Center will have an event especially for the kids. Also, there are more events from the EU this week. See the brochure here. We’ll be back out on May 22 for the last week of Passport DC when the embassies of Asia join the party with the Asian Heritage Festival.
Outside the Embassy of Luxembourg on the corner of Massachusets Avenue and 22nd St.
Volunteers at the Spanish Embassy greet visitors and hand out info (and smiles).
The Embassy of Spain comes through big time with wine and tapas. A little food goes a long way and the line to get in the door stretched around the block.
The German Embassy is one of the largest and most impressive in Washington. Their pretzels and bratwurst weren't bad either.
The German Embassy calendar highlights all their events going on across the USA.
Polka and beer help wash down the brats at the German Embassy. Easily one of the best organized and attended of the open houses.
At La Maison Française, Napoleon greeted and posed for photos.
I Love France T-Shirt. Check out other events at La Maison Française here.
