While we love sending The Amazing Race contestants around the globe to experience and celebrate a multitude of cultures, landmarks, and to interact with fascinating people all over the world, it's always nice to come home where we always finish the race in the U.S..
In the finale episode, our contestants flew from Ireland to our nation's capital, Washington D.C., to cross the finish line. As the epicenter of our government, D.C. is a powerfully affecting place to visit right here on American soil. As you walk around the city, there are constant reminders that presidents, other world leaders and dignitaries have walked where you're walking; they've had critical conversations in the locations you're visiting. You can feel the strength of the city everywhere you go.
My favorite thing about Washington D.C. is how accessible it is. The city is designed so that you can stand in front of the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, or the Washington Monument and clearly see many of the other landmarks in the distance.
I imagine many tourists go to D.C. expecting places like The White House and the Capitol Building to be essentially fortresses, but surprisingly they're not. You can see The White House from nearly every side as you go around the block and the same is true of the Capitol Building. You can stand on the very spot where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. You can even listen in on a session of the House or Senate.
In order to honor the history of Washington D.C., our finale revolves around everything from Historical Landmarks and Secret Service Agents to the great American pastime -- Baseball, of course! In their challenges, contestants have to visit Nationals Park, the old post office pavilion and numerous other landmarks. While the city is well laid out visually, driving around D.C. is incredibly challenging -- especially in a taxi!