Spice of life | An unexpected tour of the White House
A live band played under the Truman Balcony, which made the experience festive. Though the president’s chopper was absent on south lawn, his car, a unique Cadillac, was parked right as we entered
It was during my last trip to Washington DC, about five years ago, when I learnt about the official White House tours open to all. “Did you know you could also tour the White House by applying through your home country’s embassy?” A smartly dressed official at the White House visitor centre, located just steps away from the famous house, shared as I was about to make an exit after having explored many intriguing galleries there. “Wish I had known earlier since today is my last day in the capital,” I said even though I couldn’t believe that such a tour was possible. “Don’t worry, there’s always a next time,” she responded with a smile.
Her words came back to me as I began planning for my US trip in the middle of last year. I knew touring the White House was no ordinary opportunity. Post my online research, I followed the protocol, beginning with writing to the Indian embassy in Washington DC but even before I could write a word, the embassy’s website flashed this note, puncturing my dream. “Due to time and resource constraints, it is not possible for the Indian embassy to help visiting Indian citizens to organise their White House tour.”
I didn’t give up and still wrote making the best use of my writing skills but it didn’t help for I never heard from them. Thinking there are always other options, I wrote directly to Washington DC tourism, sharing the notice from the embassy. They showed me a way out within minutes: “Then you may join any US citizen known to you, who will have to apply for the tour through their member of Congress. It may take three weeks,” was the response. I roped in my cousin and he wasted no time in doing the needful but again, despite several weeks, nothing helped despite follow-ups.
Late in September, when I was finally in Washington DC, I felt like going to the White House visitor centre again. As I stepped in, I heard a middle-aged official there talking about tours with a family. I joined them, telling them how I had been trying for the White House tour. He smiled, “But I have good news as this weekend, White House will open doors for its annual garden tours, free tickets of which will be distributed on the weekend mornings on first come, first basis.”
I thanked him profusely and on the first Saturday of October, I joined the long queue to get my admission pass. Elation in my hands overflowed as I got one and passing through the security, I entered the premises of the first family’s home and office, with many others.
It was a self-guided walking tour but there were officials around to answer questions. We combed through gardens, spread over 18 acres, dotted with trees grown by former US presidents. I admired large pictures along the trees, which took one to the exact moment of the plantation. A live band played under the Truman balcony, which made the experience festive. Though the president’s chopper was absent on south lawn, his car, a unique Cadillac, was parked right as we entered. It remained a magnet for many, like the kitchen garden for some, especially women, who went on praising its rich veggies. Honeybee hives nearby were enthralling too, honey of which is a common ingredient in White House desserts.
But every moment, I felt so grateful for the surprising opportunity, which I had least expected to come so easily. After all, for a long time, the door for it wasn’t ready to open and one day it opened suddenly. Glad, the universe took me to the White House visitor centre again and a warm thank you to that official. His blue eyes seemed so joyful while conveying the good news. I can’t find better words to conclude than these by Rumi: “What you seek is seeking you.” rameshinder.sandhu@gmail.com
The writer is a Chicago-based freelance contributor