Traveling for Raqia from Boston to the DC/MD/VA area

[akashablue]

Wasn't sure if this was the best forum for this but here goes...

I'm attending the Raqia Hassan weekend workshop sponsored by Faten Salama, Saffron Dance, & Bellydance For Life Productions this Saturday and Sunday (May 17th and 18th). Those of you going know that it being held at the Lexington Hotel in Oxon Hill, MD.

I'm still trying to figure out the best way to travel from Boston to Maryland. I've been to DC once many years ago but that's it. I really don't know the area. My question is if I leave from Boston should I land in DC, VA or try to get myself into MD and then take a cab to the hotel? I'm just trying to find the closest and quickest way to get from here to their. I'll be leaving Boston on Friday, May 16th and leave the hotel on Monday, May 19th.

At the risk of sounding lame...this is my first go it alone workshop. I've traveled to NY for workshops where you land in the city and walk or take a train to get where you're going. This is different.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!

[SamiraShuruk]

Are you taking the train, driving or flying?
If you look at the hotel info
Lexington Hotel-Washington D.C. in Oxon Hill MARYLAND part of Lexington Hotels
Even though it's in Maryland, it's considered the Lexington Hotel, Washington DC.
I believe the closest airport is the Reagan Airport. The website says it's only 3 miles from the White House (that's DC) and 5 miles from Old Town Alexandria (where the Friday night showcase is being held).
When flying somewhere I'm not familiar with I always print out directions to all the places I'll need to do so that I'm familiar with the area and have an idea of what taxi/transportation rates might be. I'd also call the hotel and ask if they have a shuttle from the airport (some do) and ask how often and how much. If they don't have a shuttle, all the more reason for you to have directions printed out- so you know the taxi will take a reasonable route to get there.
Maybe other Bhuzzers are staying at the hotel, too and you can taxi together to the Fri night show.

[akashablue]

Thank you, SamiraShuruk!!!

Just goes to show that it never hurts to ask for help. I didn't even think about checking into the rates of cab drivers. I'll definitely print the directions.

I'm torn between taking Amtrak or flying. Don't really want to deal with the security stuff of flying even though it is VERY important to have tight security at all and every airport. Still thinking about it and time is running out!

Thanks again, I may come up to you and say 'Hi' at the workshop.

[SamiraShuruk]

Originally Posted by akashablue

Thanks again, I may come up to you and say 'Hi' at the workshop.

Oh, please do! In person I tend to be shy...and I'm also AWFUL with names. (BAD combination)
In a room full of dancers I tend to be quiet and stick to people I know, but truly I love to meet other dancers.
Samira

[akashablue]

I'm shy too but will say 'Hi'. My given and stage name is Chantal

[bintbeled]

Originally Posted by akashablue

I'm shy too but will say 'Hi'. My given and stage name is Chantal

Say hi to me too, on Saturday!

Latifa

[SamiraShuruk]

Originally Posted by akashablue

I'm shy too but will say 'Hi'. My given and stage name is Chantal

I look forward to meeting you Chantal.

[ruta21030]

i'll be there saturday.........wave, jump, hug, whatever :p say hiiiiiii

[akashablue]

Thanks, Ladies!!! I will make it a point to say 'Hi'. And I thought I was going to be all alone during the workshop. Thank you...really!!!

[Zana]

Me too, me too! I look like this
<---
and will be running around in a black Saffron Dance crop top.

Suzana (I answer to Suz, too. Or heyhoneyhowyadoin...or pretty much anything, really!)

[Toya]

I'd love to meet you, Chantal! I'll probably be with my fellow NDCers. We're all nice gals, so please come up to us and say "Hey!" I will probably be wearing a "Shimmilicious!" shirt; I'm short and I have a big mop of Sisterlocks!

Looking forward to meeting you!
Makeda

[latriamou]

like i said on the meetup: you will find me near the costumes, probably with my hair pulled up, some glitter still stuck to me from the night before.. and coffee... yes yummy coffee

[akashablue]

YEAH!!! The more the merrier!!!!!

Zana, Toya and latriamou - I'll be asking around for you ladies too.

I should post a picture of myself...Hmmm...I'll try before I leave work today.

I'll be the short black girl with glasses

[Toya]

LOL! That would be me, too, Akasha - if I hadn't stopped wearing my glasses!

Makeda

[kina]

Originally Posted by akashablue

YEAH!!! The more the merrier!!!!!

Zana, Toya and latriamou - I'll be asking around for you ladies too.

I should post a picture of myself...Hmmm...I'll try before I leave work today.

I'll be the short black girl with glasses

well, you do have some other, um, identifiable attributes!

She's a knockout, ladies, and a very sweet woman. I hope you get the opportunity to see her dance!

[Zana]

Quick, Kina, hop in Chantal's suitcase! I wanna meet you, too!

[latriamou]

kina is awesome! I got to meet her when i was in boston last august.

[akashablue]

Originally Posted by kina

well, you do have some other, um, identifiable attributes!

She's a knockout, ladies, and a very sweet woman. I hope you get the opportunity to see her dance!

LOLOL!!!



Thanks, Kina! I should have hid you in my suitcase and brought you to the workshop :)

[akashablue]

It was great meeting all you ladies at the show and the workshop!!!! I had a great time!!!

Kina, it was hard coming back It was so much fun :)

Makeda, Latifa, Zana, Samira and latriamou (ah ha, you did shemadan - sorry light bulb going off) - It was great meeting all you ladies last weekend