If it’s springtime in D.C., it’s time to visit some countries.
Each year, European embassies in Washington open up their doors to the public, giving visitors a chance to get a taste of Europe without hopping on a plane.
It’s the only way to visit four countries across the European continent in just three hours — and sit down with a top diplomat from each country.
“I think it’s an important gesture toward the community here in Washington that you don’t close off as an embassy,” Belgian Ambassador to the U.S. Johan Verbeke told CNN. “I think it’s time that Washingtonians can know also how an embassy looks on the inside.”
And at least one ambassador was sure to cater to his visitors.
“This is America, after all. People expect us to be tacky,” Austrian Ambassador to the U.S. Hans Peter Manz said, pointing to a faux-gold statue of a Austrian composer Johann Strauss stationed outside for the occasion.