Postcards from D.C.

Mr. Kopp Goes to Washington

I’m on another adventure! Today I’m winging it to our nation’s capital where I’ve never been before. Alicia opted to stay home, so I’m traveling solo to the Piano Technicians Guild National Convention in Washington D.C. I left a few days early to catch some of the sights.

After checking into my hotel this afternoon, I immediately shot off to the Smithsonian National Zoological Park. I have to admit that when looking at my map my courage failed me. The closest metro station was a half hour walk and I was in a new city, so I did the smart thing and called a cab.

Was I glad I did! A wonderful man from Egypt picked me up and drove me to the zoo. On the way he told me where I could find the spiciest and best African food, and when he dropped me off, he gave me his number and told me to call him so he could drive me back to my hotel. Now I have a new contact in my phone … “Taxi Man”.

It was a hot day, so the Pandas were making the most of it, stretching out and napping in their air conditioned enclosure. They looked like giant kitties and I just wanted to rub their tummies.The elephants however … they were huge. I had zero desire to rub their tummies. I do have to say, they did look pretty hot and uncomfortable.

I was off again for more culture and history! This time to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum and the Smithsonian Natural History Museum.

At the Air and Space Museum I was lucky enough to stumble into a free tour, which I highly recommend! (Especially the affordable cost!) The tour was very informative and expanded upon not only what we were seeing, but its historical context as well. I have to say there were many times throughout the tour I felt like exploding with wonder and pride.

I had lunch at the Natural History Museum where I shared a coffee with a new friend I’d just met. She was just hanging out. She was a bit off–putting to most people who thought she looked grumpy, but I knew she was just thirsty. So I got her a cup, too.

What a day! Both the museums were so large that I barely got to see half of what they held. I’m very much looking forward to returning to DC to see even more.

The convention begins! Because I am now the president of the local Twin Cities Chapter of the PTG, I decided to spend time a little differently at this convention. Instead of attending forums and classes I was interested in, I chose to attend those that would best benefit the chapter as a whole instead. Still, I learned so much about tuning, repairing, and all mechanical components that make up that beautiful instrument. I got to meet many of the national organization’s leadership, as well as numerous local leaders.

Everyone was so open and friendly … it really is the most wonderful atmosphere. I feel like I made friends from everywhere who do everything you could imagine — teachers at the different institutions, vendors selling tools and instruments, and young technicians trying to start or rebuild their own local chapters. From seeing old friends I already knew to meeting new friends, my head was spinning with all of the connections.

By the last day, my traveling companion (and I) were all pooped out and ready to return home.

Oh, have I not made introductions? This is Haymitch the Pony. He’s been lucky enough to be with me on all of my traveling adventures.
But by day 7 of this trip, we’re both ready to head home.

But now that it’s all over, I think I’m ready for my next adventure! Where are we off to next, good horse?

Sincerely,

Andrew Kopp, Owner & Instructor
PTG Twin Cities Chapter (553) President