I don't have a problem with taking security measures around the US capital, but the variance in the measures was really annoying. For a family trying to spend the full day walking around DC in the hot summer, the security guards' insistence of removing our water bottles from our packs was really irritating. Can't I just drink some of it and show you its not some explosive substance?
We also could not bring pre-packed, unopened foods into some of the buildings (ie the capitol). We had to throw out 8 perfectly good granola bars from our bags before entering. Some people tried to save the items they were leaving behind, placing them on a wall next to the trash cans and simply hoping that no one would take them before they returned. A few minutes later however I saw the guards go over and scoop up everything and toss it into the trash can next to the wall. If its dangerous, you probably shouldn't leave it right there in the trash can by the entrance. If its not dangerous, you probably should leave it alone for people to claim, or let people go in with their granola bars in the first place. This was not even a ploy to get you to buy food at their concession stand/restaurant because there was not one in the Capitol building.
Some of the museums allowed water and food, some did not. I had no idea what to expect at the Washington monument, but they didn't make us give up anything.
We ended up being hungry and dehydrated several times because there are actually not that many places to eat around the Mall in DC on a holiday weekend, and fewer vendors than you would think.
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