Rule #1: Never act like a tourist!

Whenever I am in a city that I have yet to familiarize myself with, I refrain from all activities which might draw the attention of the less scrupulous members of society—muggers, scam artists, pick pockets, and the like—who prey on those who are not familiar with the customs of America’s metropolitan areas. I have advised the individuals in TWC that have never been to a large city to follow my lead. This means adhering to the golden rule of city survival: NEVER ACT LIKE A TOURIST!! While enjoying the sites and sounds of a vibrant city is what makes the subway rides, cab fares, and expensive plan tickets worth it, visitors must always remember to refrain from all activities and actions can potentially turn an otherwise amazing trip into a “big city” horror story. Do not get me wrong; you can still enjoy the many attractions that large cities have to offer. However, in order to make sure that you stay undetected while making the most of your stay in the big city, there are a five “ground rules” that you must never, ever forget:

1. No pointing at landmarks

2. Do not wear an "I heart [insert city] t-shirt. If you have just purchased one such t-shirt, burn it.

3. If you feel compelled to snap a picture of a landmark, please do so discreetly.

4. Never look lost (even if, in fact, you are completely lost).

5. If you get lost, NEVER, EVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, pull out a map! In fact, don't even purchase a map.

If you plan on staying in a large city for an extended period of time, you must find out the norms of that particular city, and adapt to those norms, QUICKLY. In DC this means:

1. Walk on the left; stand on the right side of the escalator.

2. No eating/drinking on the Metro.

3. No staring at the large Metro map in the train car.

4. No asking, "where are the stores?" at the National Mall.

Looking like a tourist is not cool and, in the wrong city, potentially dangerous. So, remember to be as discreet as possible while doing things that may fall into the “touristy” category. Act like you have been there before, and I assure you that you will encounter very few, if any, problems while in whatever big city you are visiting.

With that being said, here are some pictures I managed to take, undetected, at the National Mall (FYI: it is cool—as in safe; in no way is it actually cool looking—to act like a tourist there).

Enjoy!!!

The best things in life are...from New Jersey.

I had no idea that the Capitol Building was that large.

Amazing glimpse of the moon and Washington Monument