It was just too cold, and I could hardly take photos, never mind type out updates...epic liveblog fail.
But it was an amazing day, from the moment the alarm woke me up and I realized that it was finally Jan 20. Who needs sleep? Well, actually, I do...
We made our way thru the bus and subway, which took a long time because the metro was flooded with people and the train traffic was backed up...left the house at 5:15, and finally got down to the south side of the mall around 6:45. Then there was the waiting by the "Silver Gate," mentioned below. We got into our ticket area by about 8, and then there was the long, hunkered-down era, involving much bundling, blanket sharing, and wide eyed awe that it just did not seem to warm up. We stayed focused on the crowds, their happiness and their diversity, and, finally,the San Francisco Boys and Girls Choirs started singing. The huddled masses jumped up, jumped around, and cheered on the children. The light was getting brighter, even if it did not grow warmer...and everyone was just thrilling with anticipation...
in the silver section
Yay! We are here shivering on the ground but the sun is coming out and we hope the feetwarmers will kick in soon. Anne was reminiscing about the last time we got up this early for Barack: nov 4. But that morning was a freakish 70 degrees in Wisconsin! Not so much today. The streets were jam packed when we finally got to the right gate for our tickets (7am) but we were warmer, all mashed together. That's it for now, my fingers are freezing!
on the way downtown, 5:30a
We are on the local bus in the way downtown, and about 30 people got on at our stop! The bus is crowded! Everyone is talking excitedly, wide awake, all bundled up. We are going to Foggy Bottom, and catching the metro there to the Federal Center stop, where we will get in line to go through screening. Hopefully we will get a good viewing spot!
at the huffpo party
Entertained by will.i.am, sheryl crow, and sting! Too many politicos to count, will name as many as we can recall later. Gotta get back to dancing!the golden ticket!
Actually, they're silver, which means standing way in the back. But yahoo, anyway! And we talked with the staffers for a few minutes, asking about the transition, etc., and then they gave us passes to the Senate gallery for tomorrow afternoon, so we can watch the confirmation votes!