Photo by theqspeaks

Tomorrow, Occupy D.C. welcomes its brethren from around the country to “Occupy Congress,” a daylong sit-in around Capitol Hill in which the income-inequality movement hopes to make contact with all 535 members of the legislative branch. Why? Because the Occupiers “have had it with [Congress’] inability to govern and are coming to confront [them] in person.” Peacefully, they say.

Hey, haven’t we seen these big movement confabs before?

Of course, with so many folks coming into town from all over the country, some for the first time, there’s bound to be a bunch of questions about where to eat and stay in the District, how to get around, what to expect, and so on. It’s been an erratic couple of weeks for Occupy D.C. Some among the group say they’re here to stay, indeterminately, though Mayor Vince Gray—despite not having jurisdiction over McPherson Square—wants to see them pack up. Meanwhile, recent daily protests have been somewhat erratic—a lobby here, a hamburger there, maybe even a hot tub.

But for this week, Occupy D.C. seems focused for the first time in a while. They’ve even provided a handy guide for people making the trip to Occupy Congress.

Here it is, quoted verbatim for your reading pleasure:

Food: While the area around the Capitol is a busy area with many restaurants and some free food donations are expected, a steady supply of food cannot be guaranteed. It is strongly advised that participants bring their own food to consume throughout the day’s activities and overnight. Ready to eat food is highly recommended. This includes: granola bars, dried fruit, trail mix, crackers and peanut butter and jelly. If you have access to a military supply store, they should have “meals ready to eat” which are full meals that can be consumed on the go.

Bringing food, especially to share, is always a good idea on a long trip. But remember to pack it well, there might be some unwelcome critters scampering about the encampment. Also, the kitchen at McPherson Square could end up being closed, so there’s that.

Oh, but there’s more. So much more.

A warm blanket or cold weather sleeping bag: While the high temperatures are expected to be in the upper 40s on January 17, the evening temperatures are expected to dip into the low 30s. Please bring an extra blanket and/or a cold weather sleeping bag if you plan on joining the tented protests around Washington, D.C

Actually, it might be a little warmer than that during the day, with the high temperature projected in the mid-50s. But it’s going to rain, so bring an umbrella. To share, of course.

And where is everyone going to stay?

Accommodations: Freedom Plaza and McPherson Square are located in the Downtown/Golden Triangle neighborhood of Washington D.C. close to the White House. Nearby neighborhoods that you can look into for accommodations are: Capitol Hill, Chinatown/Mount Vernon Square, Dupont Circle, Foggy Bottom, and Shaw/Logan Circle. If you plan on occupying, there is currently more empty space at Freedom Plaza. Please go to Freedom Plaza and begin filling it up first. Once Freedom Plaza is full, additional people can start occupying McPherson Square.

Really, Occupiers staying in fancy Foggy Bottom and Dupont Circle hotels? How one percent of them. It could be a big week for couch-surfing, too, and we’d advise stick to couches in 99 percent-friendly neighborhoods like Mt. Pleasant or Takoma.

Now, as far as getting around is concerned, when the big Glenn Beck-Sarah Palin-Tea Party party was in town in August 2010, attendees of that event avoided Metro’s Green Line in droves, preferring the one-percent-friendly nabes of the Red Line’s Shady Grove branch. Occupiers, now’s your chance show the world the Green Line is the preferred transit mode of the 99 percent! What says your guide?

To get to Freedom Plaza from Union Station, take the Red Line toward Shady Grove and detrain at Metro Center. Take the 13th and G Street exit and walk south towards the Washington Monument. Turn right on Pennsylvania Avenue.
To get to McPherson Square from Union Station, take the Red Line toward Shady Grove and detrain at Farragut North. Take the K Street exit and walk east (left as you exit the station). McPherson Square is two blocks away.

Missed opportunity if there ever was one. Ah, well. Welcome to Washington.