Now, as Inauguration Day comes to a close, I still cannot quite put together the words to describe today. Everything had been building since the election season began nearly two years ago, and suddenly it’s over. Let me start from today’s beginning.
My roommates and I woke up around 3:30 A.M. and left our hotel just after 4 A.M., for the Metro. We got off at Federal Center SW and took our place in the line, which was surprisingly not bad. We were among the first in the gates waiting for the security check points. We kept ourselves amused by jumping in place and stepping up and down on the curb. A little before 8 A.M. we were allowed to go through security, where we then sprinted to the Silver seating area by the Capitol. We were pretty close to the fence (maybe four people deep). However, a group of people broke down the plastic fence and stormed into the handicapped area to have a better view…except 5’4-”me did not get a better view. The sun came up and helped warm us as we were packed like sardines. It was becoming more and more worth it as time went by.
Because of my restricted view, Dan would give me updates of what was on the nearby jumbotron, such as who was arriving or taking their seat. Just as planned, the event began promptly at 11:30 A.M. I was deeply moved to see the transformation of power first hand. However, I was not pleased with the section of the crowd that sang “hey, hey, hey. Goodbye” to President Bush, as he arrived. Moving along, I found myself choked up to hear now President Barack Obama recite the oath of office and give his inaugural address. Like many of his other speeches, he focused on the need for the American people to step up and help. It was very inspirational.
When the ceremony came to a close, we crossed the semi-frozen mini reflecting pool in a skating fashion. It was definitely one of the highlights of the trip. After revisiting my childhood, we started our approximately 6 mile walk back to our hotel in Rosslyn, V.A. We found ourselves in several “people-jams.” During our walk we also saw Marine 1 take off with President Bush and Mrs. Bush from the Capitol.
After FINALLY making it back to Rosslyn, we stopped at McDonald’s to finally have a meal. We went back to the hotel and watched a little bit of the parade. One of my roommates received two tickets to the “Neighborhood Ball” and I was fortunate enough to be her guest. We had barely started to watch the parade when it was time to get ready for the ball. I had never attended one before and was pleased to no end with the event.
Several musicians performed at the ABC televised event, such as, Sting, Maroon 5 and Alicia Keys. Beyonce sang the song “At Last” to the new President and First Lady, as they made their first appearance (of 10) at the official balls. Hearing “Hail to the Chief” brought chills to my spine, which only continued when I realized how close we were to the couple. Thanks to Cara for the ticket…it really meant a lot and I had a total blast tonight.
Right now I’ve been awake for 21 hours. I’m not entirely packed yet for returning home and I certainly have not absorbed all that happened today. I think that will take some time. Thanks to Dr. Brickman for taking on the challenge of bringing 13 students to D.C., as well as to the Washington Center for an 11-day experience I will never forget. I can’t wait to get back home and share my stories and photos. As for returning to D.C. in the future…I don’t doubt it. Plus, I have approximately $5.00 left on my metro card…
