What an experience this has been. One I will never forget. I heard on the news last night that on inauguration day, over 2 million people descended on the National Mall and they did not have ONE arrest in the entire city. How awesome. You would have figured there would have been at least one protestor / nutball out there getting themselves arrested in that kind of crowd. That is the perfect symbolic statement to usher in a new era of peace for our country. We can have 2 million very diverse people from all across the country in one place at one time, and all get along. It was not every man for himself this weekend. I wish we could bottle the attitudes and feelings of camaraderie that we all had with our fellow Americans, and sprinkle it like pixie dust over our nation’s cities, train stations, bus stops, taxi cabs, street corners, office buildings, parking lots and shopping malls (and especially at Wal-Mart). Everyone would be much happier and much better off.
I also marveled at the state of the National Mall after we left. It looked like a war zone. Down-trodden fences, cans of garbage spilled over into the sidewalks, and papers and garbage lining our nation’s lawn and side streets. However, when I was walking around downtown yesterday, I was amazed at the buzz of Bobcats and trucks moving port-a-potties, workers everywhere cleaning up the garbage at a commendable pace, and people taking down the fencing, ropes, and barricades. By the time I got back on the metro yesterday afternoon, it was shaping up nicely. They all were moving together like a well-oiled machine, all gears in sync, which is how Washington should function, outside and in.
I packed in a hurry this morning to leave with Tiffany and Bill and get to the airport via their normal morning commute. I pride myself in being a low maintenance guest, especially since I dropped in with two days notice. I loaded up all my commemorative newspapers, t-shirts, pins other items as I chucked out some extra shoes, a zippered sweatshirt, a hat I had purchased on the street, and a hairdryer to make room for it all. I wadded the unused ball gown into a tiny corner of the suitcase, sat on it, and was on my way at 48.5 pounds.
We unloaded at the Roslynn Metro stop where Bill gets on the train to get to work. He politely helped me roll the luggage down escalators and deposited me on the appropriate train headed for the Reagan National Airport. My hosts have been amazing. They have picked me up, dropped me off, fed me (and even gave me wine) and allowed me to take over their guest room for 5 days, on very short notice. Sometimes it comes in really handy having friends all over the US, and the world to say the least!
The train ride was very easy. We passed the Arlington Cemetery and Pentagon stops (I really wanted to get out and look around, but quietly gave homage to these serious and somber places as we passed by). Before I knew it, we were at the airport platform. I did have to take a shuttle bus to terminal A, but it was fine. There were a couple of navy guys on the bus that had bought up all the Obama inauguration souvenirs and memorabilia they could find and were rushing home to put everything on E-Bay. Apparently now that he is officially President (and after he took the oath a second time, were are sure now…), everything with his name on it that will be distributed for public consumption must go through the official governmental offices. I wish them luck with that. It’s hard to stop a train.
I walked through the airport, checked in, and was at my gate in no time. I love trouble-free motoring. There were still stands with Obama merchandise set up all over the airport, and they were packed with lines of people just like all the other stands, except everything was just a little more expensive than what I had paid for it on the streets.
I had about two hours, so I decided to figure out how I was going to get all the way back home. I left home in such a hurry, and was thrilled to have found a mid-western airport to fly out of. However, now I was realizing that I would be in Milwaukee by noon with no ride to pick me up and no way home. Mike could drive to get me, but couldn’t leave school until 3:30, which would put him there at 6:30 and us back home around 9:30. I checked rent-a-cars, and they wanted $250 for a one-way car from Milwaukee to Moline. I checked plane tickets from there to Moline and Rockford. I was unable to use my sky miles on a one-way flight and they wanted $611 for a flight this afternoon from Milwaukee to Moline. No thanks. Then it dawned on me… what have I been doing all week? The train! I logged into Amtrak.com, selected my $34 seat to Princeton, IL which left at 3:10, changed trains in Chicago, and got to Princeton at 7:41. Perfect. And it saves my husband 6 hours in the car, which he should not have to endure for my little gallivant, but I know he happily would have. I got that all booked and set and boarded the plane. I still won’t be home until after 9, but a lot less wear and tear on Mike, and something to keep me busy for the day too.
I’m sitting here on the plane with a lovely man from Atlanta who also came by himself and had a wonderful time too. However, he hung out at the Four Seasons bar on inauguration night, where he got his picture with Gail King, Tom Brokaw, Howard Dean, and a whole bunch of other famous people. He also attended three balls. I did not live up to my stalking reputation. That’s ok, I saw what I came to see and felt what I wanted to feel.
Washington is a magnificent and bustling city, full of the history of our founding fathers, breathtakingly beautiful buildings and the leaders of the free world. But it also full of huge egos, talking heads, crooks, tyrants and our homeless who represent our homeless population all across the nation. But overall it possesses the spirit and power of the American Dream. Generations before us toiled, strived and protected it, and future generations will continue on to work towards peace, equality, economic stability, education for everyone, and independence and freedom for all. I hope that with this new administration, a new day and a new era of peace has dawned. I was there to witness and participate in this historical event, which is in fact now inscribed in our history books, as we move forward to work together and make our great nation an even better one.
In the words of our founding fathers, E Pluribus Unum ~ Out of many, there is ONE. By the people and for the people. One nation under God. Good luck President Obama, we stand with you. God speed.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
A New Day Dawns
A new day dawned on Washington this morning. It was a crisp, cold morning, but seemed to have a light and exuberant air about it everywhere. The sun was shining brightly, and it was about 10 degrees warmer than yesterday, and the winds of transition had calmed. The capitol dome gleamed against the bright blue sky, like it had been polished anew. I had ridden along with Tiffany and Bill on their normal commute, and they dropped me off at the train station so I could get downtown again. To my relief, the crowds were still there, but sparse, as I'm sure everyone was preparing to exit the city today since I couldn't seem to get a ticktet out. Bill had suggested I start at Union Station this morning and make my way from there. I took his advice and found several political shops that opened at 8 a.m. to no crowds (they weren't up yet - apparently they had actually gotten tickets to the balls the night before). After spending a couple of hours just browsing around and taking in all the political garb and marveling at the speed of which it was manufactured for us, I made a few choices and purchased my selections just as a rush of visitors crowded the shops - apparently they thought the shops opened at 10... yeah!!! (I posted a couple of photos of the lines just trying to get into the stores.) It is actually really amazing to me to see the people's adoration for this new President. It is a very different feeling to have a President that people seem to love and adore... at least for now. I want to enjoy it while it lasts, though I hope that it continues on. It would be a wonderful change of pace. I feel like we have our own version of Princess Diana or something.
As I walked along, I decided I wanted to check out some of the sights, and maybe see the Library of Congress. I have been to DC a couple of times, but either have not have time or had to see the bigger things to take in some of the sights I did today. Bill had also suggested I visit the brand new Capitol Visitor's Center that had undergone an extensive renovation to be open in time for the inauguration, so I made my way in that direction. What a vibrant city. I walked along, seeing the normal commuters and Washington workers, discussing important business of the country as they walked along, I'm sure.
I approached the east entrance of the Capitol building. Visitors seemed to be sparse in that area, and I took in the beauty and serenity of the massive dome as I walked along, noticing the connected house and senate buildings respectively. I entered the east side since the west (front) was still covered in the staging from the inauguration. Even the east side seemed to still be stantioned and well-guarded, so I took a seat on a stone and just thought for a while. I thought about this building towering in front of me that had endured such trials and history. It was set on fire and burned in the 1800's in an attempt to stop the progression of freedom and liberty. However, the construction continued, the Capitol mostly built by slaves throughout Abraham Lincoln's Presidency. What a full circle we have come, when our new President walks into all our nation's monuments and structures with the knowledge that they were built by slaves, his people over 150 years ago. The statue that adorns the dome over the hall of liberty is "Freedom," with the phrase "E Pluribis Unum" inscribed - "Out of many, we are one." Hmmm. "We are one." Yes we are. Yes we can. Yes we did.
The new visitor's center is beautiful and amazing. I declined the capitol tour since I took it two years ago and am planning a trip out here with my family in the spring. I want to share it over again with them. However, I found an underground tunnel heading towards the Library of Congress, which I was eager to see when I was outside, but was detered by a massive amount of people lined up on the front steps. I entered the Library through the back tunnel, enjoying the idea of sharing in the "Underground Washington" - how all of our senators and representatives really navigate through Washington.
As I entered into the main hall of the Library, I was immediately struck. As I have traveled to many places in the world, I have had such an appreciation for the Great Pyramids built by just by hand, the Valley of the Kings dug by shovels, the craftsmanship of the canals and dams in Amsterdam, and the intricately jeweled and ornamental artistry of the Taj Mahal and Golden Temple. But for the first time I looked at America with new eyes. This building really was a marvel, as are all the Federal structures in Washington. Built in the 1800s with supreme workmanship - murals, statues and columns adorn the expanse of the great hall that rival the greatness found in Rome. Intricate mosiacs line the ceilings and floors. Right here in America, our young country in comparison to those ancient ones, we have mastered artistry and advanced technology that overshadows everything else I have ever seen, and I have not stopped to appreciate it, really appreciate it before this moment. What makes these halls even greater is the indepence and freedom we all share together, and we have finally all risen to equality. I walked through Thomas Jefferson's personal library, felt the works of Galileo, saw the original first draft of the Constitution, sighed at the items found in Abraham Lincoln's pockets on the night he was assasignated, stood over an archive of every newspaper ever published, and marveled at the wonder and historical significance of where I was standing. A place where people who were once slaves had to build this very building at the hands and whips of their white masters, but now rule this great nation.
I continued over the mall and made a quick stop at the National Botanical Garden for a moment of brief serenity, walking the paths and taking in the flowers. I contemplated how quiet and peaceful this was compared to yesterday's chaos that was right outside. I continued on, down the National Mall on Independence Avenue to face my fears. I hadn't planned on plodding this way again so soon. In a moment, I found myself standing in the very spot of my short imprisonment yesterday, right here at the intersection of Maryland, Jefferson and 3rd Street. I stopped and pondered how 10,000 people were squeezed into this very spot and hadn't moved for 3 hours. I shook it off and moved on. I wanted to go in the American Indian Museum, but was still harboring bad feelings for having to count all the bricks on the outside, so I continued on past it.
I happened by the Hirshorn Sculpture Museum and saw a huge iron spider outside. I thought thist looked up my alley, so I went in. (I posted a few photos from here too). Most of the sculptures and works were very contemporary, and there was a ginormous work of a big, naked man that will probably give me bad dreams. I posted it so you can have bad dreams too. He looked so real. I took in the three floors quickly, then kept on.
I passed by the Air & Space Museum, saving that experience for the boys in the spring. There were at least 4 vendors in trailers lining the street, so I stopped to see what they had left. The McCain buttons were all on sale, and I was going to pick some up for my Republican friends, but I was too embarrassed with everybody in there buying all the cool Obama stuff. I thought I might get beat up or something. Actually, the Obama supplies were down to bare bones - only an XS shirt or a 3X sweatshirt here and there. Otherwise SOLD OUT. Amazing.
The next museum on my walk was the African Art Museum. How appropriate. I went in and immediately noticed some new works with Obama on them, coming from Africa. I went into a room with artifcacts from the Nigerian tribes, which was so intensely interesting to me since I was just there last year. What is so prolific is that I was in the very spot in Lagos, Nigeria, infamous for the square where African natives (men, women and children) were captured, brought onto the platform and sold into slavery, then deported on ships to America. Lagos was the hub of African slave exportation. It is so interesting to have an outside and inside view of an entire culture and people. While in there, I made some great friends. We exchanged shopping tips, where we purchased our Obama buttons and where home was for each of us. It has been such a great bonding experience for people all across this country, uniting in patriotism and all there to support our nation's first African American President. We are all here to claim our small portion of history just by being here, witnessing, experiencing. Looking back to yesterday, I think my favorite signs or support that people were holding up in the crowd were "President Cool" and "Brother Gonna Git It Done." Is that similar to our "Git R Done?"
My time in DC was drawing to a close. I had to catch a train in a few minutes. The exuberance was coming to an end, it is time to get to the issues at hand. Obama has put out his marching orders to us all in his speech. We all have a responsiblity to put this properous nation back together. I think for the first time, many of us actually feel that responsibility and feel that we are a part of it, and that he needs the help of each one of us. We all feel like we are a personal friend. He'll be there for us, and we'll be there for him.
Once in a great while, hopefully at least once in each of our lifetime's, a leader emerges that inspires us to do the right thing. Whether it is a national leader, a sports figure, a religious leader or just someone we look up, who changes our outlook on life. Who renews our patriotism. Who inspires us to help others and our community. Who really wants us to love and care for each other. Who values marriage and family. Who carries a sense of deep responsibility to themselves, and to others. Who makes people accountable for their own actions.
Ok, so right about now you're probably thinking "what a tree-hugging hippee (you can also add some stuff about left-wing, bleeding-heart, liberal, grape nut, blah blah)." Maybe. What I can tell you is that I have traveled to some of the most dreadful corners of the world in recent years. I've seen people starving and begging on the streets, and dying from the simple problem of not having clean water to drink. I have also felt the disdain for America from other countries. I know the rest of the world watches our every move, and some of our past moves have embarrassed me and moved me to apologize to my friends in other countries. I have felt that we could be doing better as a nation, and be making better decisions and choices for us at home, and around the world. I know HOPE is just a word, but in other nations throughout the world, it really is all they have. I want people here to have hope for a better America, and I want it for people around the world. I want a President who cares not only about what we are doing in our own communities, but how we treat other people around the world, and what we can do each and every day to make it better. How powerful that the new President of the free world has trickled his dreams and glimmers of hope into the farthermost regions of the world, and given them hope for a better life too. It only takes one candle to light another... and another... and another.
I'm moved and inspired from my time and experiences here - It has been something I'll never forget. I HOPE to be back here again in 4 years, with lots of changes already in place. With schools improving, healthcare improving, government being more accountable, more efficient and clean energy sources which will create jobs instead of war, more care for our planet and the people in it, and more love and respect for each other. It won't happen over night, but I can already feel our country moving forward in the right direction... to be the friend of all nations and of all peoples that we should be. I have incredible faith in God and the man that just took office, as the first President in several inaugurations to add "So Help Me God" to his swearing in. We all needs God's help, and certainly Obama does too. All we have to do is ask.
As I walked along, I decided I wanted to check out some of the sights, and maybe see the Library of Congress. I have been to DC a couple of times, but either have not have time or had to see the bigger things to take in some of the sights I did today. Bill had also suggested I visit the brand new Capitol Visitor's Center that had undergone an extensive renovation to be open in time for the inauguration, so I made my way in that direction. What a vibrant city. I walked along, seeing the normal commuters and Washington workers, discussing important business of the country as they walked along, I'm sure.
I approached the east entrance of the Capitol building. Visitors seemed to be sparse in that area, and I took in the beauty and serenity of the massive dome as I walked along, noticing the connected house and senate buildings respectively. I entered the east side since the west (front) was still covered in the staging from the inauguration. Even the east side seemed to still be stantioned and well-guarded, so I took a seat on a stone and just thought for a while. I thought about this building towering in front of me that had endured such trials and history. It was set on fire and burned in the 1800's in an attempt to stop the progression of freedom and liberty. However, the construction continued, the Capitol mostly built by slaves throughout Abraham Lincoln's Presidency. What a full circle we have come, when our new President walks into all our nation's monuments and structures with the knowledge that they were built by slaves, his people over 150 years ago. The statue that adorns the dome over the hall of liberty is "Freedom," with the phrase "E Pluribis Unum" inscribed - "Out of many, we are one." Hmmm. "We are one." Yes we are. Yes we can. Yes we did.
The new visitor's center is beautiful and amazing. I declined the capitol tour since I took it two years ago and am planning a trip out here with my family in the spring. I want to share it over again with them. However, I found an underground tunnel heading towards the Library of Congress, which I was eager to see when I was outside, but was detered by a massive amount of people lined up on the front steps. I entered the Library through the back tunnel, enjoying the idea of sharing in the "Underground Washington" - how all of our senators and representatives really navigate through Washington.
As I entered into the main hall of the Library, I was immediately struck. As I have traveled to many places in the world, I have had such an appreciation for the Great Pyramids built by just by hand, the Valley of the Kings dug by shovels, the craftsmanship of the canals and dams in Amsterdam, and the intricately jeweled and ornamental artistry of the Taj Mahal and Golden Temple. But for the first time I looked at America with new eyes. This building really was a marvel, as are all the Federal structures in Washington. Built in the 1800s with supreme workmanship - murals, statues and columns adorn the expanse of the great hall that rival the greatness found in Rome. Intricate mosiacs line the ceilings and floors. Right here in America, our young country in comparison to those ancient ones, we have mastered artistry and advanced technology that overshadows everything else I have ever seen, and I have not stopped to appreciate it, really appreciate it before this moment. What makes these halls even greater is the indepence and freedom we all share together, and we have finally all risen to equality. I walked through Thomas Jefferson's personal library, felt the works of Galileo, saw the original first draft of the Constitution, sighed at the items found in Abraham Lincoln's pockets on the night he was assasignated, stood over an archive of every newspaper ever published, and marveled at the wonder and historical significance of where I was standing. A place where people who were once slaves had to build this very building at the hands and whips of their white masters, but now rule this great nation.
I continued over the mall and made a quick stop at the National Botanical Garden for a moment of brief serenity, walking the paths and taking in the flowers. I contemplated how quiet and peaceful this was compared to yesterday's chaos that was right outside. I continued on, down the National Mall on Independence Avenue to face my fears. I hadn't planned on plodding this way again so soon. In a moment, I found myself standing in the very spot of my short imprisonment yesterday, right here at the intersection of Maryland, Jefferson and 3rd Street. I stopped and pondered how 10,000 people were squeezed into this very spot and hadn't moved for 3 hours. I shook it off and moved on. I wanted to go in the American Indian Museum, but was still harboring bad feelings for having to count all the bricks on the outside, so I continued on past it.
I happened by the Hirshorn Sculpture Museum and saw a huge iron spider outside. I thought thist looked up my alley, so I went in. (I posted a few photos from here too). Most of the sculptures and works were very contemporary, and there was a ginormous work of a big, naked man that will probably give me bad dreams. I posted it so you can have bad dreams too. He looked so real. I took in the three floors quickly, then kept on.
I passed by the Air & Space Museum, saving that experience for the boys in the spring. There were at least 4 vendors in trailers lining the street, so I stopped to see what they had left. The McCain buttons were all on sale, and I was going to pick some up for my Republican friends, but I was too embarrassed with everybody in there buying all the cool Obama stuff. I thought I might get beat up or something. Actually, the Obama supplies were down to bare bones - only an XS shirt or a 3X sweatshirt here and there. Otherwise SOLD OUT. Amazing.
The next museum on my walk was the African Art Museum. How appropriate. I went in and immediately noticed some new works with Obama on them, coming from Africa. I went into a room with artifcacts from the Nigerian tribes, which was so intensely interesting to me since I was just there last year. What is so prolific is that I was in the very spot in Lagos, Nigeria, infamous for the square where African natives (men, women and children) were captured, brought onto the platform and sold into slavery, then deported on ships to America. Lagos was the hub of African slave exportation. It is so interesting to have an outside and inside view of an entire culture and people. While in there, I made some great friends. We exchanged shopping tips, where we purchased our Obama buttons and where home was for each of us. It has been such a great bonding experience for people all across this country, uniting in patriotism and all there to support our nation's first African American President. We are all here to claim our small portion of history just by being here, witnessing, experiencing. Looking back to yesterday, I think my favorite signs or support that people were holding up in the crowd were "President Cool" and "Brother Gonna Git It Done." Is that similar to our "Git R Done?"
My time in DC was drawing to a close. I had to catch a train in a few minutes. The exuberance was coming to an end, it is time to get to the issues at hand. Obama has put out his marching orders to us all in his speech. We all have a responsiblity to put this properous nation back together. I think for the first time, many of us actually feel that responsibility and feel that we are a part of it, and that he needs the help of each one of us. We all feel like we are a personal friend. He'll be there for us, and we'll be there for him.
Once in a great while, hopefully at least once in each of our lifetime's, a leader emerges that inspires us to do the right thing. Whether it is a national leader, a sports figure, a religious leader or just someone we look up, who changes our outlook on life. Who renews our patriotism. Who inspires us to help others and our community. Who really wants us to love and care for each other. Who values marriage and family. Who carries a sense of deep responsibility to themselves, and to others. Who makes people accountable for their own actions.
Ok, so right about now you're probably thinking "what a tree-hugging hippee (you can also add some stuff about left-wing, bleeding-heart, liberal, grape nut, blah blah)." Maybe. What I can tell you is that I have traveled to some of the most dreadful corners of the world in recent years. I've seen people starving and begging on the streets, and dying from the simple problem of not having clean water to drink. I have also felt the disdain for America from other countries. I know the rest of the world watches our every move, and some of our past moves have embarrassed me and moved me to apologize to my friends in other countries. I have felt that we could be doing better as a nation, and be making better decisions and choices for us at home, and around the world. I know HOPE is just a word, but in other nations throughout the world, it really is all they have. I want people here to have hope for a better America, and I want it for people around the world. I want a President who cares not only about what we are doing in our own communities, but how we treat other people around the world, and what we can do each and every day to make it better. How powerful that the new President of the free world has trickled his dreams and glimmers of hope into the farthermost regions of the world, and given them hope for a better life too. It only takes one candle to light another... and another... and another.
I'm moved and inspired from my time and experiences here - It has been something I'll never forget. I HOPE to be back here again in 4 years, with lots of changes already in place. With schools improving, healthcare improving, government being more accountable, more efficient and clean energy sources which will create jobs instead of war, more care for our planet and the people in it, and more love and respect for each other. It won't happen over night, but I can already feel our country moving forward in the right direction... to be the friend of all nations and of all peoples that we should be. I have incredible faith in God and the man that just took office, as the first President in several inaugurations to add "So Help Me God" to his swearing in. We all needs God's help, and certainly Obama does too. All we have to do is ask.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Inauguration Day - January 20, 2009
Change has finally come to America.
As I tossed and turned last night trying to get a little sleep in the midst of my excitement and anticipation, thoughts kept racing through my head - What would the day would be like? Would my alarm go off in time? Would I be able to squeeze onto a train? Would I be able to see from my spot? At the same time, I was also contemplating the change that was about to happen to our country, and wondering what it must be like to be Barack and Michelle at this very moment in time.
I got up around 5:15 a.m. after my cell phone alarm chimed with my appropriate ring of Obama's voice from his 2004 speech at the Democratic Convention - "There is not a liberal America, and a conservative America, there is the UNITED STATES of America." Since I don't hop right out of bed, he continued on, "There is not a black America, or a white America, there is the United States of America." Perfect thoughts for the start of this incredible day, right from the man himself who has injected all this change, unity, patriotism and the making of history into our hearts.
I had also signed up for the text message METRO updates, crafted in the same fashion as much of the Obama campaign - informative updates right when you need them, delivered personally to my cell phone. At 5:30 a.m. it sent me a text message that several METRO station parking areas were already full, and added a reminder to please stay clear of the doors when boarding the train. Yikes! I stepped up the mostly unnecessary primping for the day and was out the door around 6. I arrived at the train station at 6:15, dismayed that the Washington Post newspaper vending machines were already empty. You're kidding me... just a foreshadowing of things to come.
However, I got right through the turnstyle since all the METRO newbies were over at the machines trying to figure out how to get a ticket out of it. I was loaded onto an almost completely full train - standing room only. (Over 1 million people rode the METRO today) But hey, there's always room for one more, right? So there I stood, on my way to one the most historical and open inauguration in history.
We stopped at random places on the tracks every so often because of the amount of trains already full and running. After I got my bearings, figured out I needed to exit at the stop after the Smithsonian to be near the silver entrance gate, the train announcer came on and told us that stop had been closed due to overcrowding. Ok, so I'll get off at the stop before that and walk a bit. Again, the announcer came on - they had closed that stop too. I was forced to exit at the Federal Triangle stop, which was completely opposite of where I needed to be on the National Mall. I needed to be on the east side, this was far west. After exiting and finally reaching fresh air right before 8 a.m., I got pointed in my direction and took off. I found a spot to cross over the mall and took in the HUGE crowds already claiming their patch of grass with their blankets and enjoying the rerun of the Lincoln Memorial Concert playing on all the jumbo-trons. When I finally did reach Independence Avenue, I was met with Police and a big, silver fence. You're kidding me. They informed me I had to continue 2 blocks south to get around the fence, then make my way back up Independence Avenue (at least 8 blocks or more from there) to enter the security line. You're kidding me (again). Time was ticking.
I actually took a moment, hit a fresh port-a-pottie, (the only one I would use all day) buttoned up and took off. After I turned the block and was back heading in the correct direction, I came to the realization that every charter bus that was in Washington DC at this moment was parked up and down Independence Avenue, and had just unloaded. None of them had an official ticket, so they were all being directed to where I had just come from. You're kidding me.
As I looked down the street, I saw the most massive crowd I've ever seen in my life, headed right towards me. Police were lined up and down the streets, making a small pathway for emergency vehicles in between, which buzzed in and out occasionally. After saying "excuse me... two way traffic" about a million times, I finally stepped into the culvert between the curb and the buses, and a zillion people on the sidewalk. I gave the buses I passed a good polishing with my coat along the way and finally found an opening to escape out to. After nearly running at full pace for the next 6 blocks, dodging bus loads of boy scouts and other traffic coming at me on foot, I could finally see the silver gate entrance. I was sweating by then in my 3 pairs of socks, 2 pairs of pants, 4 shirts and scarves, along with my imaginary partridge in a pear tree guiding my way.
I packed immediately into this ridiculous line, unaware that it would be my prison for the next nearly 3 hours. All I could see was a sea of people ahead of me. Apparently somewhere, about a football field ahead of us was the daunting secret service security check. We squeezed in, pushed, nudged, and at several moments I could not raise my hands up above my waist because we were packed in so tight. I really had to get a drink of water, reached down and felt out my water bottle when the guy ahead of me jumped. Oops. We were very cozy to say the least. The mood was still cheery among the crowd, but not at much as most of the regular mall-goers. I was with the group who somehow received a ticket from their senators or congressmen, stood in line for it yesterday, and held it in our hand, which made us feel somewhat elite and special. But guess what, we were not treated elitely in any way - there was no drop off or pick up, not to mention a chair waiting at the end of the yellow brick road. (Hence the minor crabbiness errupting from some adorning mink coats and large diamonds.)
I also was lamenting my shortness, when a tall guy behind me said, "Geez, it stinks to be so tall. I'm catching all the wind up here and it's really freezing." Ok, well, there's always a silver lining. I was once again thankful to be short and shielded from the bone-chilling winds and pressed on. I studied every brick on the outside of the Indian American Museum for a while, as we crawled past it over the next eternal hours. This was not an experience for the faint of heart. Many people gave it all up right there, pushing their way back through the crowd, hoping to find a spot to see without having to endure all this (like the spot awaiting back in their hotel room). We tried cheering some of them on, "you've come all this way, stood in line for your ticket, gotten this far..." but still they left in droves. Several elderly black women with walkers or wheelchairs also had to be led out because they could not endure the crowd. One African-American man put it so well (in my best Eddie Murphy tone of voice), "There is just some places momma DON'T get to go, and this is one of them. You don't bring momma out here. You tell her to sit her black ___ on the couch and watch it on TV." I love it. He cracked us all up for a while and raised our spirits. But I can certainly understand why momma WANTED to be here. Momma never thought she would live to see this day. I was very sad each time MOMMA had to leave.
The crowd started to become unruley when the Marine Band began to play and we still weren't moving much. We inched through some more, some more people left, and we pressed on some more. Finally, around 11:15 when we were all fearful we weren't even going to get in, the gates opened and we all went running. I don't know if the first 10,000 people in our section had been searched really well and they all of a sudden decided the rest of us were ok, but we were lightly frisked, another peek into the bag and in we went, right on time at 11:30. I was fairly far back on the grass by now, disappointed that Barack had forgotten to set out my folding chair. I had this elite silver ticket, after all. I settled in just behind the reflecting pool (because that is as far as I could get) and unfortunately right in front of the first aid tent entrance. However, I could see the jumbo-tron and a far-off glimpse of the capitol, and hear well. The silver section was a cruel joke - people that thought they were getting an elite seat, but really just got a pre-reserved spot on the mall lawn a little closer than everyone else. I could have done that a lot farther back and enjoyed the concert again in the process.
Once we all got smushed into our plot of grass, we settled on the screen shots above. The crowd was excited and let out huge cheers as the motorcade coming down Pennsylvania Avenue appeared on the jumbo-tron. O-Bam-A and Yes We Can chants broke out often. All the dignitaries, senators and congressmen were shown and announced as they came in. Joe Lieberman received an outpouring of "booos" that were unsettling when he appeared on the screen. Colin Powell got hearty rounds of cheers and chants. They still love Bill, and Hillary, as flags waved and cheers poured out when they entered. John McCain got chuckles. Dick Chaney obtained loud and abnoxious booos, and Laura Bush took in some light applause. However, President Bush was booed very loudly several times by most of the crowd. Though I am not a fan, and was as excited to see him leave as anyone else, he was still our President for 8 years, gave his service, and deserved the respect of an outgoing President, if only for a few more minutes.
Michelle and the girls of course received loud cheers and outpourings of support. As Obama was shown on the screen coming into the capitol, he looked stoic and reflective, completely serious and I'm sure humbled by what awaited him. Rev. Rick Warren was introduced for the invocation, which was moving, touching and very real. At the end of the invocation, he began the Lord's Prayer. This was a powerful moment as black, white, hispanic, American, Irish, Jewish, Muslim and people from all religions and walks of life hushed the National Mall and stood together and prayed to God and for our new President. Joe Biden was sworn in, to loud cheers. Then Aretha Franklin came out and sang as everyone in the crowd sang along and waved flags. Chief Justice was invited forward and Obama was ready to be sworn in. Apparently the Chief didn't feel the need for notes, and stumbled his lines, which Obama was supposed to repeat. (Right wing conspiracy to make the whole thing null and void???). Obama hestitated, catching the error and waited for the correction as Michelle held the small, red Bible where Barack's hand was placed, and which Abraham Lincoln was also sworn in with. Cheers and chants errupted, people cried, hugged, smiled, and looked on in awe, unable to believe they were all here, standing together and witnessing this historical moment.
This is a day I will never forget. I was there to witness not only an elegant, graceful and seriously grand transition of power from one administration to the next, for the highest office in the land and argueably the most powerful leader in the world, but a mending of wrongs that have gone on for generations - - - all of a sudden healed by the embracing of Barack Obama by millions of Americans right here, right now. Our first African American President, our new symbol of hope and change. He has a lot of expectations to live up to, and I think he is up to the challenge.
I believe people are so enamoured by him because he embodies us all in some way. He was a kid from the block. An African American who had to try a little harder to succeed than many of the rest of us. Someone who has worked with the poor and helped people on the streets. Lived a real life full of pain and challenges. Met his wife, fell in love, and had a beautiful family, which he treasures with all his heart. Raised by a single parent. Had a father who left him. Rose above it all, never made it about race, but succeeded on who he is, what he believes in and what he hopes and dreams for his children and for all of America. He makes people want to be smarter, to be more involved. To be more accountable and responsible for their actions. People who never cared about politics stood together on the lawn today, where there hadn't been a crowd like this in DC since Martin Luther King's address. I hope he and Michelle continue to inspire and involve Americans and the world throughout the next four years. Together we can.
After the ceremony people were jubilant. Celebrating, singing, dancing, cheering, crying, hugging.
From his speech...
"...with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations." Congratulations Dr. King. I'm sure you are smiling today along with the rest of us. The dream lives and has been realized.
As I tossed and turned last night trying to get a little sleep in the midst of my excitement and anticipation, thoughts kept racing through my head - What would the day would be like? Would my alarm go off in time? Would I be able to squeeze onto a train? Would I be able to see from my spot? At the same time, I was also contemplating the change that was about to happen to our country, and wondering what it must be like to be Barack and Michelle at this very moment in time.
I got up around 5:15 a.m. after my cell phone alarm chimed with my appropriate ring of Obama's voice from his 2004 speech at the Democratic Convention - "There is not a liberal America, and a conservative America, there is the UNITED STATES of America." Since I don't hop right out of bed, he continued on, "There is not a black America, or a white America, there is the United States of America." Perfect thoughts for the start of this incredible day, right from the man himself who has injected all this change, unity, patriotism and the making of history into our hearts.
I had also signed up for the text message METRO updates, crafted in the same fashion as much of the Obama campaign - informative updates right when you need them, delivered personally to my cell phone. At 5:30 a.m. it sent me a text message that several METRO station parking areas were already full, and added a reminder to please stay clear of the doors when boarding the train. Yikes! I stepped up the mostly unnecessary primping for the day and was out the door around 6. I arrived at the train station at 6:15, dismayed that the Washington Post newspaper vending machines were already empty. You're kidding me... just a foreshadowing of things to come.
However, I got right through the turnstyle since all the METRO newbies were over at the machines trying to figure out how to get a ticket out of it. I was loaded onto an almost completely full train - standing room only. (Over 1 million people rode the METRO today) But hey, there's always room for one more, right? So there I stood, on my way to one the most historical and open inauguration in history.
We stopped at random places on the tracks every so often because of the amount of trains already full and running. After I got my bearings, figured out I needed to exit at the stop after the Smithsonian to be near the silver entrance gate, the train announcer came on and told us that stop had been closed due to overcrowding. Ok, so I'll get off at the stop before that and walk a bit. Again, the announcer came on - they had closed that stop too. I was forced to exit at the Federal Triangle stop, which was completely opposite of where I needed to be on the National Mall. I needed to be on the east side, this was far west. After exiting and finally reaching fresh air right before 8 a.m., I got pointed in my direction and took off. I found a spot to cross over the mall and took in the HUGE crowds already claiming their patch of grass with their blankets and enjoying the rerun of the Lincoln Memorial Concert playing on all the jumbo-trons. When I finally did reach Independence Avenue, I was met with Police and a big, silver fence. You're kidding me. They informed me I had to continue 2 blocks south to get around the fence, then make my way back up Independence Avenue (at least 8 blocks or more from there) to enter the security line. You're kidding me (again). Time was ticking.
I actually took a moment, hit a fresh port-a-pottie, (the only one I would use all day) buttoned up and took off. After I turned the block and was back heading in the correct direction, I came to the realization that every charter bus that was in Washington DC at this moment was parked up and down Independence Avenue, and had just unloaded. None of them had an official ticket, so they were all being directed to where I had just come from. You're kidding me.
As I looked down the street, I saw the most massive crowd I've ever seen in my life, headed right towards me. Police were lined up and down the streets, making a small pathway for emergency vehicles in between, which buzzed in and out occasionally. After saying "excuse me... two way traffic" about a million times, I finally stepped into the culvert between the curb and the buses, and a zillion people on the sidewalk. I gave the buses I passed a good polishing with my coat along the way and finally found an opening to escape out to. After nearly running at full pace for the next 6 blocks, dodging bus loads of boy scouts and other traffic coming at me on foot, I could finally see the silver gate entrance. I was sweating by then in my 3 pairs of socks, 2 pairs of pants, 4 shirts and scarves, along with my imaginary partridge in a pear tree guiding my way.
I packed immediately into this ridiculous line, unaware that it would be my prison for the next nearly 3 hours. All I could see was a sea of people ahead of me. Apparently somewhere, about a football field ahead of us was the daunting secret service security check. We squeezed in, pushed, nudged, and at several moments I could not raise my hands up above my waist because we were packed in so tight. I really had to get a drink of water, reached down and felt out my water bottle when the guy ahead of me jumped. Oops. We were very cozy to say the least. The mood was still cheery among the crowd, but not at much as most of the regular mall-goers. I was with the group who somehow received a ticket from their senators or congressmen, stood in line for it yesterday, and held it in our hand, which made us feel somewhat elite and special. But guess what, we were not treated elitely in any way - there was no drop off or pick up, not to mention a chair waiting at the end of the yellow brick road. (Hence the minor crabbiness errupting from some adorning mink coats and large diamonds.)
I also was lamenting my shortness, when a tall guy behind me said, "Geez, it stinks to be so tall. I'm catching all the wind up here and it's really freezing." Ok, well, there's always a silver lining. I was once again thankful to be short and shielded from the bone-chilling winds and pressed on. I studied every brick on the outside of the Indian American Museum for a while, as we crawled past it over the next eternal hours. This was not an experience for the faint of heart. Many people gave it all up right there, pushing their way back through the crowd, hoping to find a spot to see without having to endure all this (like the spot awaiting back in their hotel room). We tried cheering some of them on, "you've come all this way, stood in line for your ticket, gotten this far..." but still they left in droves. Several elderly black women with walkers or wheelchairs also had to be led out because they could not endure the crowd. One African-American man put it so well (in my best Eddie Murphy tone of voice), "There is just some places momma DON'T get to go, and this is one of them. You don't bring momma out here. You tell her to sit her black ___ on the couch and watch it on TV." I love it. He cracked us all up for a while and raised our spirits. But I can certainly understand why momma WANTED to be here. Momma never thought she would live to see this day. I was very sad each time MOMMA had to leave.
The crowd started to become unruley when the Marine Band began to play and we still weren't moving much. We inched through some more, some more people left, and we pressed on some more. Finally, around 11:15 when we were all fearful we weren't even going to get in, the gates opened and we all went running. I don't know if the first 10,000 people in our section had been searched really well and they all of a sudden decided the rest of us were ok, but we were lightly frisked, another peek into the bag and in we went, right on time at 11:30. I was fairly far back on the grass by now, disappointed that Barack had forgotten to set out my folding chair. I had this elite silver ticket, after all. I settled in just behind the reflecting pool (because that is as far as I could get) and unfortunately right in front of the first aid tent entrance. However, I could see the jumbo-tron and a far-off glimpse of the capitol, and hear well. The silver section was a cruel joke - people that thought they were getting an elite seat, but really just got a pre-reserved spot on the mall lawn a little closer than everyone else. I could have done that a lot farther back and enjoyed the concert again in the process.
Once we all got smushed into our plot of grass, we settled on the screen shots above. The crowd was excited and let out huge cheers as the motorcade coming down Pennsylvania Avenue appeared on the jumbo-tron. O-Bam-A and Yes We Can chants broke out often. All the dignitaries, senators and congressmen were shown and announced as they came in. Joe Lieberman received an outpouring of "booos" that were unsettling when he appeared on the screen. Colin Powell got hearty rounds of cheers and chants. They still love Bill, and Hillary, as flags waved and cheers poured out when they entered. John McCain got chuckles. Dick Chaney obtained loud and abnoxious booos, and Laura Bush took in some light applause. However, President Bush was booed very loudly several times by most of the crowd. Though I am not a fan, and was as excited to see him leave as anyone else, he was still our President for 8 years, gave his service, and deserved the respect of an outgoing President, if only for a few more minutes.
Michelle and the girls of course received loud cheers and outpourings of support. As Obama was shown on the screen coming into the capitol, he looked stoic and reflective, completely serious and I'm sure humbled by what awaited him. Rev. Rick Warren was introduced for the invocation, which was moving, touching and very real. At the end of the invocation, he began the Lord's Prayer. This was a powerful moment as black, white, hispanic, American, Irish, Jewish, Muslim and people from all religions and walks of life hushed the National Mall and stood together and prayed to God and for our new President. Joe Biden was sworn in, to loud cheers. Then Aretha Franklin came out and sang as everyone in the crowd sang along and waved flags. Chief Justice was invited forward and Obama was ready to be sworn in. Apparently the Chief didn't feel the need for notes, and stumbled his lines, which Obama was supposed to repeat. (Right wing conspiracy to make the whole thing null and void???). Obama hestitated, catching the error and waited for the correction as Michelle held the small, red Bible where Barack's hand was placed, and which Abraham Lincoln was also sworn in with. Cheers and chants errupted, people cried, hugged, smiled, and looked on in awe, unable to believe they were all here, standing together and witnessing this historical moment.
This is a day I will never forget. I was there to witness not only an elegant, graceful and seriously grand transition of power from one administration to the next, for the highest office in the land and argueably the most powerful leader in the world, but a mending of wrongs that have gone on for generations - - - all of a sudden healed by the embracing of Barack Obama by millions of Americans right here, right now. Our first African American President, our new symbol of hope and change. He has a lot of expectations to live up to, and I think he is up to the challenge.
I believe people are so enamoured by him because he embodies us all in some way. He was a kid from the block. An African American who had to try a little harder to succeed than many of the rest of us. Someone who has worked with the poor and helped people on the streets. Lived a real life full of pain and challenges. Met his wife, fell in love, and had a beautiful family, which he treasures with all his heart. Raised by a single parent. Had a father who left him. Rose above it all, never made it about race, but succeeded on who he is, what he believes in and what he hopes and dreams for his children and for all of America. He makes people want to be smarter, to be more involved. To be more accountable and responsible for their actions. People who never cared about politics stood together on the lawn today, where there hadn't been a crowd like this in DC since Martin Luther King's address. I hope he and Michelle continue to inspire and involve Americans and the world throughout the next four years. Together we can.
After the ceremony people were jubilant. Celebrating, singing, dancing, cheering, crying, hugging.
From his speech...
"...with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations." Congratulations Dr. King. I'm sure you are smiling today along with the rest of us. The dream lives and has been realized.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Inauguration Eve - Ticket Pick Up
I love the hustle and bustle of a busy, city subway. Since I do travel quite a bit, I am pretty savvy at getting myself around, though I usually head out in the wrong direction, but often discover a lot of treasures along the wrong way. Today, I was ever so grateful that I had the forethought to pick up that additional METRO ticket yesterday when no one was around, and there were no lines to deal with.
I made the mistake of thinking that today would be a light and easy day. I would get up, take a quick trip downtown, arrive at the Cannon Federal Building between 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. as instructed and saunter in to get my ticket waiting for me at Congressman Phil Hare's office.
My host lives near the second to last stop on the subway, so getting onto the train is the easy part. It is about 14 stops (45 minutes) into the heart of DC. As we stopped at each spot, the train continued to fill up until I didn't think they could squeeze another body on. We finally arrived at Capitol South, my stop, right next to the Cannon Building. As all the happy visitors piled off the train, we abruptly haulted, unable to move another inch onto the platform, barely clearing the train doors. It seems we were stuck! After assessing the situation, we all slowly filed towards the stairs and up to the exit. I've never seen anything like it. People were carrying flags, adorning buttons, hats, shirts, etc., all in support of the incoming administration. Hope lives. It lives in the eyes of everyone who traveled to be here for this, eager to be a part of this massive community we call America. Eager to help build our roads, fix our healthcare system, take care of our poor, and unite our nation. Eager to be included in something, to be a part of it all, to be looked at and noticed and heard, to be given some glimmer of inspiration in these very trying times.
It took about a half an hour to maneuver our way up the stairs and out the door. It seems the bulk of tourists here were unaware you had to put the ticket back into the gate to be released also, so they were scrambling and looking for their stubs, taking photos, getting their children in order, and all in all, moving very slowly. However, I met two lovely gentlemen from the Phillipines as we walked, a guy from Iowa, some people from LA, and continued to make friends throughout the day. Everyone is overly friendly and eager break out into Kumbaya at full decibal at the drop of a hat, which is not my usual experience in situations like this.
As I exited the subway and walked towards the Cannon Building, I took in a suprising and somewhat dreadful sight. The line just to get in the far door snaked up the hill and ominously turned around the corner of the building. As I walked towards the other entrance, I came to realize there were 3 lines for the 3 different entrances, each wrapping the full length around the building. I choose one of them and jumped in. For the next 3 1/2 hours at 24 degrees, I met lovely people from North Carolina and we got to know each other quite well. I called the Congressman's office to express my anxiety that I may not be in the door by 1 p.m. They assured me they were remaining open - they too were shocked at the crowds and had never witnessed anything like this. I had a great discussion with a Navy Captain standing in my group - it is so interesting to get everyone's view of politics, their beliefs, and how they feel about this moment in history. He assured me that the President sets the tone for the nation, and if he surrounds himself with great people, together they will get the job done. We all agreed that we were optimistic about the tone that was taking place here today.
I finally reached freedom, where I was greeted by metal detectors, security guards, screening mechanisms, warm air and an indoor bathroom. After the essentials were taken care of, I made my way to room 428, greeted Shawn, Phil Hare's assistant, attempted to show my husband's passport to obtain my ticket (I had to pack quickly you know). That didn't work, so I dug out my regular old IL driver's license obtained after George Ryan was already imprisoned, and was given my packet containing the " golden ticket," which actually turned out to be silver. I had grabbed my passport (which turned out to be Mike's) - you never know when you may need to leave the country in a hurry, or when you may need further forms of identification at a historical Presidential Inauguration.
The tickets are ornamented, and include signed cards with Obama and Biden's signatures on them (see photos). How totally cool. I will keep it forever. As long as I don't lose it tomorrow.
I was going to take in some museums and sights today, but after I had thawed and returned back to the outdoors, my feet ached and I decided just to head to Union Station and take in some political shopping and head back. I took some photos on the way (posted). The entrance to Union Station was all tented up from Obama's arrival by train the other night. As I entered this beautiful and historic building, they were setting up for a very ornate inaugural ball tonight. People were bustling everywhere. I arrived around 1:50, entered a shop, and much to my dismay was thrown out of the shop and main hall almost immediately, as we were informed everything closed at 2 for set up. It seems J-Lo and Marc Anthony were performing there tonight, along with all the VIP guests that were expected along with them.
I gave up and headed towards the train area, tried to go downstairs and get a bite to eat, but that was blocked off too. I ended up with an Aunt Annie's Pretzel and slurpee, stood in a corner and ate it, and headed out (no eating on the train, it is very clean). I had endured my quota of excitment, crowds and cold for today, and wanted to be rested for the hastle of the activities tomorrow.
Train entry was relatively easy - the subway out here is great and easy to navigate, even for those of us who are navigationally challenged. I finally arrived "home" at Dunn on the orange line, gave my hosts a call, picked up my commemorative copy of the Washington Post, and headed out.
At one point today, I found out Oprah had taped her show here a few hours ago (how could this have happened that this information escaped me?) Not only did I miss being in the crowd for the live taping, but I missed the recorded version too? While I was eating a pretzel at Union Station? Would somebody clue me in about this stuff for me already?
I will be getting up at 5 a.m. tomorrow (a.k.a. O'Dark Thirty). The security gates to the ticketed areas open at 8, and I have no idea how long that line will be. We were instructed that we can only bring a bag 8x6x4 (what?!?!?!?!??) with all our provisions for a long day of sitting on the ground in the freezing cold and waiting. But it will all be worth it. I can't wait to be a part of this historical moment.
I made the mistake of thinking that today would be a light and easy day. I would get up, take a quick trip downtown, arrive at the Cannon Federal Building between 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. as instructed and saunter in to get my ticket waiting for me at Congressman Phil Hare's office.
My host lives near the second to last stop on the subway, so getting onto the train is the easy part. It is about 14 stops (45 minutes) into the heart of DC. As we stopped at each spot, the train continued to fill up until I didn't think they could squeeze another body on. We finally arrived at Capitol South, my stop, right next to the Cannon Building. As all the happy visitors piled off the train, we abruptly haulted, unable to move another inch onto the platform, barely clearing the train doors. It seems we were stuck! After assessing the situation, we all slowly filed towards the stairs and up to the exit. I've never seen anything like it. People were carrying flags, adorning buttons, hats, shirts, etc., all in support of the incoming administration. Hope lives. It lives in the eyes of everyone who traveled to be here for this, eager to be a part of this massive community we call America. Eager to help build our roads, fix our healthcare system, take care of our poor, and unite our nation. Eager to be included in something, to be a part of it all, to be looked at and noticed and heard, to be given some glimmer of inspiration in these very trying times.
It took about a half an hour to maneuver our way up the stairs and out the door. It seems the bulk of tourists here were unaware you had to put the ticket back into the gate to be released also, so they were scrambling and looking for their stubs, taking photos, getting their children in order, and all in all, moving very slowly. However, I met two lovely gentlemen from the Phillipines as we walked, a guy from Iowa, some people from LA, and continued to make friends throughout the day. Everyone is overly friendly and eager break out into Kumbaya at full decibal at the drop of a hat, which is not my usual experience in situations like this.
As I exited the subway and walked towards the Cannon Building, I took in a suprising and somewhat dreadful sight. The line just to get in the far door snaked up the hill and ominously turned around the corner of the building. As I walked towards the other entrance, I came to realize there were 3 lines for the 3 different entrances, each wrapping the full length around the building. I choose one of them and jumped in. For the next 3 1/2 hours at 24 degrees, I met lovely people from North Carolina and we got to know each other quite well. I called the Congressman's office to express my anxiety that I may not be in the door by 1 p.m. They assured me they were remaining open - they too were shocked at the crowds and had never witnessed anything like this. I had a great discussion with a Navy Captain standing in my group - it is so interesting to get everyone's view of politics, their beliefs, and how they feel about this moment in history. He assured me that the President sets the tone for the nation, and if he surrounds himself with great people, together they will get the job done. We all agreed that we were optimistic about the tone that was taking place here today.
I finally reached freedom, where I was greeted by metal detectors, security guards, screening mechanisms, warm air and an indoor bathroom. After the essentials were taken care of, I made my way to room 428, greeted Shawn, Phil Hare's assistant, attempted to show my husband's passport to obtain my ticket (I had to pack quickly you know). That didn't work, so I dug out my regular old IL driver's license obtained after George Ryan was already imprisoned, and was given my packet containing the " golden ticket," which actually turned out to be silver. I had grabbed my passport (which turned out to be Mike's) - you never know when you may need to leave the country in a hurry, or when you may need further forms of identification at a historical Presidential Inauguration.
The tickets are ornamented, and include signed cards with Obama and Biden's signatures on them (see photos). How totally cool. I will keep it forever. As long as I don't lose it tomorrow.
I was going to take in some museums and sights today, but after I had thawed and returned back to the outdoors, my feet ached and I decided just to head to Union Station and take in some political shopping and head back. I took some photos on the way (posted). The entrance to Union Station was all tented up from Obama's arrival by train the other night. As I entered this beautiful and historic building, they were setting up for a very ornate inaugural ball tonight. People were bustling everywhere. I arrived around 1:50, entered a shop, and much to my dismay was thrown out of the shop and main hall almost immediately, as we were informed everything closed at 2 for set up. It seems J-Lo and Marc Anthony were performing there tonight, along with all the VIP guests that were expected along with them.
I gave up and headed towards the train area, tried to go downstairs and get a bite to eat, but that was blocked off too. I ended up with an Aunt Annie's Pretzel and slurpee, stood in a corner and ate it, and headed out (no eating on the train, it is very clean). I had endured my quota of excitment, crowds and cold for today, and wanted to be rested for the hastle of the activities tomorrow.
Train entry was relatively easy - the subway out here is great and easy to navigate, even for those of us who are navigationally challenged. I finally arrived "home" at Dunn on the orange line, gave my hosts a call, picked up my commemorative copy of the Washington Post, and headed out.
At one point today, I found out Oprah had taped her show here a few hours ago (how could this have happened that this information escaped me?) Not only did I miss being in the crowd for the live taping, but I missed the recorded version too? While I was eating a pretzel at Union Station? Would somebody clue me in about this stuff for me already?
I will be getting up at 5 a.m. tomorrow (a.k.a. O'Dark Thirty). The security gates to the ticketed areas open at 8, and I have no idea how long that line will be. We were instructed that we can only bring a bag 8x6x4 (what?!?!?!?!??) with all our provisions for a long day of sitting on the ground in the freezing cold and waiting. But it will all be worth it. I can't wait to be a part of this historical moment.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Inauration Opening Ceremony - Lincoln Memorial
As Barack Obama, soon to be our 44th President, stated in my mailed invitation to the inauguration, this is the most open and public inauguration ever held in history, and it's the truth. Today, over 1 million people descended on the lawn of the National Mall, near the Lincoln Memorial for the opening ceremonies, "We Are One." After coming from the church service (read blog below), I took a private stroll in the wrong direction for a couple of blocks, finally got my bearings and headed up towards the concert on the National Mall. It was a brisk and chilly morning, around 32 degrees. I installed my Wal-Mart foot and hand warmers, also on sale along the street for $5 each (I got 10 for $5). Everyone was bundled up. I neared one of the 5 public entrance areas as I viewed Military Police and rows and rows of porta-potties ready for the crowd. We were asked to unbutton our coats and open our bags. We placed our bags on a table where they were lightly brisked through, my searcher not even nearing the bottom of all my garb. My MP asked me, "are you carring any pepper spray, mace, knives, guns or weapons of any sort?" Overly-annoyed at the lack of oral cavity searches and metal detectors I was expecting to see at an event of this sort, I immediately opened my mouth and responded, "do you think I would really tell you if I did?" Sensing the seriousness in his eyes, and contemplating the distinct possibility of having to take Carolyn Spencer up on her offer of emergency bail money, I quickly covered, gave a little laugh and said, "oh, just kidding, I don't really have anything, just wondered." He seemed content enough with that and let me continue on, sensing the emerging and inpatient crowd behind me.
Being alone, I figured I could shimmy my way near the front of the crowd, already hearing that 750,000 people had already entered the main gates by 11 a.m. (I do not know the validity of that number yet). I followed the cattle call towards the Lincoln Memorial until all of a sudden we came to a screeching halt. Looking around, I assessed that the further most leader had hit the front security gate and there was nowhere else to go. The lawn in that area was already packed, but I saw a 1x1 square of open possibility, hopped over several annoyed blanket people, and nuzzled into my square on the grass and dirt. An over- protective blanket dude behind me was not happy with my arrival, and continued to repeat that he arrived a 8 a.m. that morning, which he apparently felt entitled him to at least a 10x10 portion of that area of lawn. He continued to announce these facts and statistics throughout the day to anyone that attempted to pass near or by him, let alone take up residence on a portion of "his" lawn area. Sooner or later, we were all reduced to our individual standing room of our rightful 1x1, and he had to deal with it. Some smart alecs were yelling, "this is not my space, this is not your space, this is America's space!," and chants of "We Are One" would often spontaneouly erupt when other blanket guys were getting territorial about their space too. All was well except for the girl in front of us who called 9-1-1 when she felt her personal space was getting invaded. She must not hang out in crowds much.
After several hours of waiting, making friends with the Georgetown crowd to my right, and sharing cookies and a portion of my blanket with them, the opening ceremony began around 2:30 p.m. It was hard to see, being vertically challenged and all, but if I stood on my tippy toes and leaned left and right often enough, I could catch most of it. For the most part, the entire crowd was friendly, chilly, but in a euphoric mood and all thrilled to be right where we were today. At one point, the Presidential helicopter "Marine One" buzzed the crowd. We all thought it was Barack for a moment, but then realized it was Bush returning from Camp David, since Barack does not get official use of the air service until he takes office on Tuesday. The crowd broke into a soulful rendition of "Na na na na, hey, hey, hey, good-bye." Strange but probably warranted moment.
The ceremony was an amazing all-star line up. Denzel Washington opened with a reading, followed by "Lean on Me" with Mary J. Blighe, Aretha Franklin & Bon Jovi, "Little Pink Houses" with John Cougar Mellancamp, Stevie Wonder, "The Boss," Josh Grobin singing "America the Beautiful," Garth Brooks, Tiger Woods, Samuel L. Jackson, Martin Luther King III, Jennifer Neddles, Cheryl Crowe, James Taylor, Bono/U2, Usher, Shakira, Beyonce, along with Marine Corps bugles, and Navy Glee Clubs, etc., and many more that I just cannot remember right now. All sang either patriotic songs, or songs of hope and inspiration. Joe Biden spoke, then at last Obama was introduced onto the stage after 2 bald eagles from the National Park Service took flight. Everyone chanted O-Bam-A, O-Bam-A! It was an amazing show of support and unity, contrary to my feeling very alone at times in our barely blue county of Whiteside back in Illinois.
After two and a half hours of video clips about past-presidents, Abraham Lincoln, Rosa Parks, the challenges ahead, military salutes and inspirational messages, along with all the amazing musical renditions, the day finally came to a close. What an overwhelming event to orchestrate, and invite everyone along that wants to to be a part of it.
As I followed the massive crowds out, I assessed the enormity of the event. Jumbo-trons spanned the length of the mall and turned the corner well outside of the gated areas, holding wall-to-wall crowds well past the Smithsonian areas. The line for the Metro train was an hour above ground just to reach the steps, and it took me nearly 2 hours to reach my destination in Virginia. We were "crush capacity," but everyone was sporting their Obama stocking hats, and shouting "We Are One!" It was a great sense of unity, comraderie, hope and inspiration, and I was thrilled to be a part of it all.
I can't wait for inauration day, and to take part in the ushering in of this new Administration. An administration of hope, unity, possibility, promise, peace and of course change, if nothing else. I think America is ready, along with the world.
With all the horribly surpressed, poverty-stricken areas of this world I have been fortunate enough to visit (and have attempted to make some small difference in), this is definately one of those moments (again) when I feel so blessed to have been born and live in this great nation, not to mention have meaningful employment, a wonderful home and family, and everything anyone could ever want. We live in a land of opportunity, promise, but most of all, freedom. Now, we have again made history and finally crossed that racial divide, embracing the phrase "All Men are Created Equal" which was stated so long ago in the Preamble of our US Constitution, but has taken us so many years to bring to fruition.
With the inauguration of each new President, the weight of the world is put upon them. Our 44th President will not only carry that weight in his heart, but also carries the hopes and dreams of a people who have waited for a moment like this for over 200 years. I look forward to this adminstration as do so many others, and cannot wait to see what CHANGEs lay ahead for our country.
Being alone, I figured I could shimmy my way near the front of the crowd, already hearing that 750,000 people had already entered the main gates by 11 a.m. (I do not know the validity of that number yet). I followed the cattle call towards the Lincoln Memorial until all of a sudden we came to a screeching halt. Looking around, I assessed that the further most leader had hit the front security gate and there was nowhere else to go. The lawn in that area was already packed, but I saw a 1x1 square of open possibility, hopped over several annoyed blanket people, and nuzzled into my square on the grass and dirt. An over- protective blanket dude behind me was not happy with my arrival, and continued to repeat that he arrived a 8 a.m. that morning, which he apparently felt entitled him to at least a 10x10 portion of that area of lawn. He continued to announce these facts and statistics throughout the day to anyone that attempted to pass near or by him, let alone take up residence on a portion of "his" lawn area. Sooner or later, we were all reduced to our individual standing room of our rightful 1x1, and he had to deal with it. Some smart alecs were yelling, "this is not my space, this is not your space, this is America's space!," and chants of "We Are One" would often spontaneouly erupt when other blanket guys were getting territorial about their space too. All was well except for the girl in front of us who called 9-1-1 when she felt her personal space was getting invaded. She must not hang out in crowds much.
After several hours of waiting, making friends with the Georgetown crowd to my right, and sharing cookies and a portion of my blanket with them, the opening ceremony began around 2:30 p.m. It was hard to see, being vertically challenged and all, but if I stood on my tippy toes and leaned left and right often enough, I could catch most of it. For the most part, the entire crowd was friendly, chilly, but in a euphoric mood and all thrilled to be right where we were today. At one point, the Presidential helicopter "Marine One" buzzed the crowd. We all thought it was Barack for a moment, but then realized it was Bush returning from Camp David, since Barack does not get official use of the air service until he takes office on Tuesday. The crowd broke into a soulful rendition of "Na na na na, hey, hey, hey, good-bye." Strange but probably warranted moment.
The ceremony was an amazing all-star line up. Denzel Washington opened with a reading, followed by "Lean on Me" with Mary J. Blighe, Aretha Franklin & Bon Jovi, "Little Pink Houses" with John Cougar Mellancamp, Stevie Wonder, "The Boss," Josh Grobin singing "America the Beautiful," Garth Brooks, Tiger Woods, Samuel L. Jackson, Martin Luther King III, Jennifer Neddles, Cheryl Crowe, James Taylor, Bono/U2, Usher, Shakira, Beyonce, along with Marine Corps bugles, and Navy Glee Clubs, etc., and many more that I just cannot remember right now. All sang either patriotic songs, or songs of hope and inspiration. Joe Biden spoke, then at last Obama was introduced onto the stage after 2 bald eagles from the National Park Service took flight. Everyone chanted O-Bam-A, O-Bam-A! It was an amazing show of support and unity, contrary to my feeling very alone at times in our barely blue county of Whiteside back in Illinois.
After two and a half hours of video clips about past-presidents, Abraham Lincoln, Rosa Parks, the challenges ahead, military salutes and inspirational messages, along with all the amazing musical renditions, the day finally came to a close. What an overwhelming event to orchestrate, and invite everyone along that wants to to be a part of it.
As I followed the massive crowds out, I assessed the enormity of the event. Jumbo-trons spanned the length of the mall and turned the corner well outside of the gated areas, holding wall-to-wall crowds well past the Smithsonian areas. The line for the Metro train was an hour above ground just to reach the steps, and it took me nearly 2 hours to reach my destination in Virginia. We were "crush capacity," but everyone was sporting their Obama stocking hats, and shouting "We Are One!" It was a great sense of unity, comraderie, hope and inspiration, and I was thrilled to be a part of it all.
I can't wait for inauration day, and to take part in the ushering in of this new Administration. An administration of hope, unity, possibility, promise, peace and of course change, if nothing else. I think America is ready, along with the world.
With all the horribly surpressed, poverty-stricken areas of this world I have been fortunate enough to visit (and have attempted to make some small difference in), this is definately one of those moments (again) when I feel so blessed to have been born and live in this great nation, not to mention have meaningful employment, a wonderful home and family, and everything anyone could ever want. We live in a land of opportunity, promise, but most of all, freedom. Now, we have again made history and finally crossed that racial divide, embracing the phrase "All Men are Created Equal" which was stated so long ago in the Preamble of our US Constitution, but has taken us so many years to bring to fruition.
With the inauguration of each new President, the weight of the world is put upon them. Our 44th President will not only carry that weight in his heart, but also carries the hopes and dreams of a people who have waited for a moment like this for over 200 years. I look forward to this adminstration as do so many others, and cannot wait to see what CHANGEs lay ahead for our country.
Inaugural Weekend - Church Service of the Presidents
Today was an absolutely amazing and surreal day! I am in Washington, D.C. staying with Tiffany Swanson Hoehn, a long-lost friend from my childhood.
This morning I arose early, hopped on the Metro train from Virginia, and headed into the chaos of downtown Washington, as millions of visitors decend upon the city for this historial event. I exited the train near the White House at the McPherson stop to see what I would find. As I walked around, I happend by St. John's Episcopal Church at Lafayette Square, where every President since Woodrow Wilson has worshiped. It was 8:45 a.m., and there was a service starting at nine. Though it looked somewhat daunting and exclusive, I wandered in wearing my lime green sweater and Uggs, ready to brave large crowds on a long, cold day. I was welomed in by secret-service looking thugs wearing black suits and carnations, but went in anyway, no one stopping me.
I chose a secluded pew off to the right and sat quietly taking in the history, beauty and ornamentation of this historical little church. It had just been totally refurbished in preparation for President-Elect Barack Obama to worship here on inauguration day, this coming Tuesday, January 20th. The service was traditional and Episcopal, and I was just enjoying being there, taking in the choir, when we were invited to partake in communion. Wondering if I should tromple up there in my casual wear among the black suits and ties, I decided you only live once, CARPE DIEM. As I neared the alter, I looked down and viewed some distinct kneeling cusions in the first, second and third rows. It seems once a President worshiped there, his cusion was adorned in a custom-sewn covering with his name and date on it. Viewing Abraham Lincoln, Jimmy Carter, Woodrow Wilson, Theodore Roosevelnt, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan and on and on, I was snapped out of my trance and directed towards the alter. With this knowledge I kneeled and was immediately humbled and overcome by the thought of generations of Presidents kneeling and worshiping in the very spot I had landed this Sunday morning. I took communion and returned to my seat, reflective on what had just transpired, and attempting to hold back the tears of patriotism, honor, blessing and grace that I was experiencing at that very moment.
The service finished and I exited the church ready for my next moving and transformational experience in Washington on this inaugural weekend.
This morning I arose early, hopped on the Metro train from Virginia, and headed into the chaos of downtown Washington, as millions of visitors decend upon the city for this historial event. I exited the train near the White House at the McPherson stop to see what I would find. As I walked around, I happend by St. John's Episcopal Church at Lafayette Square, where every President since Woodrow Wilson has worshiped. It was 8:45 a.m., and there was a service starting at nine. Though it looked somewhat daunting and exclusive, I wandered in wearing my lime green sweater and Uggs, ready to brave large crowds on a long, cold day. I was welomed in by secret-service looking thugs wearing black suits and carnations, but went in anyway, no one stopping me.
I chose a secluded pew off to the right and sat quietly taking in the history, beauty and ornamentation of this historical little church. It had just been totally refurbished in preparation for President-Elect Barack Obama to worship here on inauguration day, this coming Tuesday, January 20th. The service was traditional and Episcopal, and I was just enjoying being there, taking in the choir, when we were invited to partake in communion. Wondering if I should tromple up there in my casual wear among the black suits and ties, I decided you only live once, CARPE DIEM. As I neared the alter, I looked down and viewed some distinct kneeling cusions in the first, second and third rows. It seems once a President worshiped there, his cusion was adorned in a custom-sewn covering with his name and date on it. Viewing Abraham Lincoln, Jimmy Carter, Woodrow Wilson, Theodore Roosevelnt, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan and on and on, I was snapped out of my trance and directed towards the alter. With this knowledge I kneeled and was immediately humbled and overcome by the thought of generations of Presidents kneeling and worshiping in the very spot I had landed this Sunday morning. I took communion and returned to my seat, reflective on what had just transpired, and attempting to hold back the tears of patriotism, honor, blessing and grace that I was experiencing at that very moment.
The service finished and I exited the church ready for my next moving and transformational experience in Washington on this inaugural weekend.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Welcome to my blog. Since I seem to always end up traveling around the US and globe for something or other, I thought it was time to get organized and document my travels and photos. Somewhere along the line, I not only came home with E-coli and Montezuma's Revenge, but also a fierce travel bug that I can't get rid of. I love to see the country, the world, meet new people and experience all that God has created. I love to travel with my family, friends, and Rotary. I love to do volunteer work and help those less fortunate at home and throughout the world. I do not plan to quit any time soon, so I may as well start writing it down!
PolioPlus, the most ambitious program in Rotary’s history, is the volunteer arm of the global partnership dedicated to eradicating polio. For more than 20 years, Rotary has led the private sector in the global effort to rid the world of this crippling disease. Today, PolioPlus and its role in the initiative is recognized worldwide as a model of public-private cooperation in pursuit of a humanitarian goal.
I went on my first Rotary trip in 2003 to Costa Rica, and have since been on 5 more. It may take me some time to get all my photos up there, but be sure to click back often to see the latest posted adventures until I finally have them all up there!
PolioPlus, the most ambitious program in Rotary’s history, is the volunteer arm of the global partnership dedicated to eradicating polio. For more than 20 years, Rotary has led the private sector in the global effort to rid the world of this crippling disease. Today, PolioPlus and its role in the initiative is recognized worldwide as a model of public-private cooperation in pursuit of a humanitarian goal.
I went on my first Rotary trip in 2003 to Costa Rica, and have since been on 5 more. It may take me some time to get all my photos up there, but be sure to click back often to see the latest posted adventures until I finally have them all up there!
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