FUN at the INTERNATIONAL SPY MUSEUM

It is always an adventure when my sister, Jodi, and my nephew, Zachary, come for a visit. The attraction this go around (besides Ben's cats, the dart board in his office, and his 1980's arcade game in the house) was FISHING (more to come on that tomorrow) and The International Spy Museum (what did you think -- Zach's one and only Auntie would be the attraction??? NOT!)

It wouldn't be a normal trip unless we had SOME kind of drama. No problem, just as we crossed over the 14th St. Bridge, a bee flew into the back of the Pryus and proceeded to sting Jodi right on her back. So our first "mission" (we might as well get into spy mode early) was to locate a CVS (the dead drop) and pick up the "package" (bug bite ointment.) Naturally, I spotted the Haribo gummy bears first in the checkout. And, since blood is thicker than water, Jodi and Zach both agreed they needed them, too. (Meanwhile, Ben stood by the door to the exit, patiently eyeing his watch and probably noticing the genetic sweet tooth playing itself out via two generations of Martuccis.) All sugared up, we went on to the Spy Museum...

When you go to the Spy Museum, prepare to be HANDS ON. You may even decide to crawl through some duct work (honest). This is where it is handy to have a Ben around; He and Zach crawled high above our heads, peeping down on us through the windows. Initially, everyone that enters the museum is asked to assume an ID. There are several to choose from. You have to memorize several facts about your new cover and pass two tests during your visit (one near the beginning and one at the end) and see if you can win the trust of the various security guards. I passed!

We also watched a few movies. I had no idea how many cartoons were made back during the cold war about how idle gossip in your home town could lead to a top secret getting back to the Russians!

My nephew, Zach, was the real test. I think overall he had a fun time. Like with any kid, they want to rush through and touch, spin, and press all the gadgets. For the adults who want to take time to actually READ some of the item's descriptions, you might feel hurried by your 7 year olds. My favorite part? Learning about the important roles homing pigeons have played in various wars including WWI.
Before you head to the Spy Museum, here's what you need to know:

• MAKE A RESERVATION ONLINE & SAVE TIME
  
• IT WILL BE BUSY INITIALLY WHEN YOU ALL GET OFF THE ELEVATOR AND "DEBRIEFED" AND TOUGH TO DO THE HANDS-ON STUFF AT FIRST
• IF YOU ONLY PLAN ON GOING FOR A FEW HOURS, PACE YOURSELF (WE FOUND OURSELVES RUSHING THROUGH THE LAST PART, WHICH IS THE PART I THINK I WOULD HAVE CONNECTED TO THE MOST.)
• COST: ADULTS $18
  CHILDREN 5 - 11 $15
• WHERE: 800 F ST. NW (1 BLOCK FROM GALLERY PLACE)
• HOURS: GENERALLY 9A - 7P, BUT CHECK WEBSITE HERE