Harper is executive director of Cultural Tourism DC, a coalition of nonprofits to promote cultural awareness in D.C. She is preparing for the annual Embassy Chef Challenge on April 12. What’s your favorite Cultural Tourism D.C. event?
That’s a real tossup — each one brings a new D.C. experience.Embassy Chef Challenge is such a wonderful opportunity to explore the world through food. … Passport D.C. only broadens that experience with the opportunity to come face to face with a new country; its music, fabrics, food, dance and its people. There’s nothing like being able to travel around the world and not leave D.C. — no TSA pat-downs, no extra baggage fees,you can’t beat it! I’m also a big fan of WalkingTown and BikingTown. … I think I know the city pretty well, but I learn something new each time I go on one of these walks.
Favorite type of foreign food?
Flavorful. It doesn’t really matter from where, but it has to have great flavors — sometimes spicy, sometimes just deep rich flavors.
What started Cultural Tourism DC?
Kathy Smith, the founder, was a local historian who realized there was so much more — a real city surrounding all the federal things — and that real city was full of wonderful and unique cultures, experiences and heritage.She challenged all of us to think differently and to begin to promote the various neighborhoods and all they have to offer.
Do you think most Washingtonians know their own city enough?
Generally, no.We’re busy, and it’s human nature to find our comfort zone, whether that’s our neighborhood or our circle of friends, and stay there. On the other side, D.C. is such a diverse community with so many things going on, sometimes it’s overwhelming when trying to figure out what to do. – Caitlin Byrne
