Can relative newbies attend these?

Well, we are somewhat exclusive and you must first go through an initiation process.

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I've been to about 4 of these things, and I'm just as new as you are! You're more than welcome to attend livon777! Of course, Alysia will be inducting you http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Just don't tell liveon777 what the initiation process is in advance. Remember -- you're sworn to secrecy. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

To get the ball rolling on this, I recommend we go with Thursday, December 11. Union Station sounds like a fine place to meet (metro accessible & a parking garage). Does anyone have a particular restaurant at Union Station they'd like to eat at?

Well, we ate at that America place back in May. So for variety, we could go someplace else. There's a Pizzeria Uno and what else?

[This message has been edited by Alysia (edited Nov 13, 2003).]

It does and it has a good happy hour that several FT'ers have attended several times. It has a great view of DC and also the air traffic coming in and out of DCA. Definately a good place for a get-togerther.

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I'd be interested in checking out the Doubletree in Crystal City. How does that sound, Alysia?

Fine by me. I only suggested Union Station because it will be December and it is so festively decorated.

And don't forget the great model train set-up they do every year at Union Station. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/cool.gif Also, if anyone's inclined, http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif right across the street is a microbrewery that serves pretty good food.

If you go to Cap City brewing across from Union station, the pints of beer are $2.50 and appetizers are 50% off from 5-7pm at the bar and standup tables.

They're starting to put up the BIG TRAIN SET in the lobby of Union Station. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thumbsup.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thumbsup.gif

How can anybody pass up the chance to relive your childhood (and sometimes not so young) fantasies of a really big train set. Little villages, trees, snow...the works. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/cool.gif

I vote for Union Station, and, of course, the Cap City Brewing Company. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Looks like the majority would be interested in Union Station (also, it's got a Metro stop) - now to determine the date - December 11 or 18? Both are Thursdays. I personally vote for the 11th - on the 18th I may have to pick up a friend at IAD, but I'm not sure what time her flight gets in and even if she'll need me to get her.

"Just don't tell liveon777 what the initiation process is in advance. Remember -- you're sworn to secrecy. "

I just had visions of fraternity initiation all over again!
Harder to get upgraded there.

I am going to be in DC on business on Wed. the 10th of Dec.

I vote for 12/11/2003

Dan