The Byzantine world of US presidential elections is upon us and even for those outside the US, there is a temptation to follow the meandering trail of America's clunky electoral system through remote states and territories.
That's why a visitor to Washington might want to jump at the chance to take the brand new Bi-Partisan Tour. Visitors can expect, if not to fully understand the peculiar primary system, at least to get a feel for Washington DC where election passions run high.
This is no ordinary tour. There's an element of guerilla theatre or fringe festival that begins with the tour vehicle itself.
The two to three-hour trip around the US capital takes place in a little, open, electric roadster, a kind of four-seater clown car that immediately invites, well ... clowning.
The car (right) is painted on one side in the Republican Party's red and the other side the Democrats' blue. Given how politically electrified Washington is right now, it is no surprise pedestrians and drivers who see the little car want to get into the act. Depending on which side of the street they happen to be (that is, which side and colour of the car they see) and what their affiliations are, they often shout their approval or disapproval as the tour goes by.
Where does that leave us, the tourists? Well, the car is fitted with two horns that bray like Democratic donkeys or trumpet like Republican elephants.