There was definitely some room for improvement with regard to preparation and participant information/administration, but I have to say that otherwise, the NARA tour was really, really interesting and offered a great opportunity to get in touch with some people who do some very important work and who were very happy to show some of it to people who care.
So thanks to Mike who organized this tour voluntarily (!) and seemed to be genuinely disappointed that security did not allow some of us to enter.

-- TL


Arnav Sonara hat geschrieben:

+1

We were there at Capitol today morning, found no one, later came to know that you are not even allowed to take water inside and couple of guys with me had sunscreen lotions and water and snacks, so we returned. I just wish if there be a point of contact for all tours or groups and one final mail confirming the time and location (exact).

On Wed, Jul 11, 2012 at 1:13 AM, Deror <deror_avi@yahoo.com> wrote:
The conference tours suffered from lack of organization from the beginning. The tours were poorly organized, badly publicized, not properly described etc.

I have signed up to the NARA conservation lab tour. The description of which included two meeting points - a block apart from each other (one on Pensilvania ave and one on constitution avenue) both of which were wrong - the group met elsewhere resulting in a delay trying to find the participants.

The tour description listed that a photo ID is required and an official one - government one. I thought a driving license (sufficient for driving in the US) with a photo ID suffices but no. After having passed security checks (checking bags and detectors as in airport) And having to wait a bit longer, I was informed that only a passport is acceptable, and denied entrance to the tour, thus waiting a full hour and a half (traveling and waiting) due to the fact that the tour organizer is clueless.

I am not blaming the security staff there- they have their regulations, and need to follow them. But how hard would it be for the organizers to do simple basic homework and ask what is required for a foreign tourist to enter.

And I was not the only wikipedian disallowed from entering, Osama was also kept out.

My recommendation to you all - if this tour is any indication - do not bother to go on any other tours.

Deror




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--
Thanks
Arnav (ricku).
(User:Rangilo_Gujarati)