Hey everyone!
I apologize for not being able to write yesterday as it was a very busy day with the conference activities. We left the hotel at 1:30 this morning to make the hike down to the Capitol building. It may seem a little extreme to leave at such a time, but Britt, my roommate Michele, and I were determined to get as close to the Capitol as possible. We left the hotel this morning
(the Omni Shoreham hotel is on the northwest corner of D.C. near the National Zoo) knowing that the road ahead would be a long one. Here was the common problem we shared with other spectators who were up early to get to the mall: the D.C. cops.
Our initial trip from the Omni to 7th street (a supposed entrance to the mall) was approximately 2.1 miles. As soon as we arrived at the gate though, we received news that the north side of the mall would only provide access to the parade, and not the swearing in ceremony. No one police officer was clear about how we could get to the other side, and each gave us several different answers. It was around 3 AM at this time, and we finally resolved to walk from our current position on 7th and go around the back of the Capitol building. Talk about a hike!
As we got closer, we were directed by some “nicer” officers who told us where to go and how we could get there. Our favorite officer, whom we decided to call “Officer McHottie” for obvious reasons, informed us that we could proceed to 3rd street as long as we were on the west side, and we would be able to access the mall lawn without a ticket (oh yeah, did I mention the conference didn’t provide tickets for us? Well they didn’t, so we tried to do the best we could without one). I could not tell you how excited I was when I saw our view from this particular lawn. If you paid any attention on CNN or NBC, the lawn we were on was the second one located directly behind the pond that is in front of the Capitol. With my dad’s fancy camera, I was sure that I would get an amazing picture of Barack come Inauguration time. We arrived there roughly around 4:30 AM and settled into a perfect spot directly in front of the building with a jumbotron to our right.
As 6AM rolled around, our happiness was literally shattered, gone with the 8 degree, freezing cold wind. The cops came and cleared us and the other 300 people that were there in that area. Supposedly it was a ticketed area. By this time there were too many people to fight our way in for a spot, especially since we were exhausted from adding another 3-4 miles to our starting 2.1. I cannot explain how disappointed we were, and we just decided to head back to the hotel and watch it from there. Appropriately, I think, Britt called the day “the worst day at Disneyland on steroids times King Kong.” So much for “Officer McHottie,” right?! DANG IT!!!
At the very least, it was an experience, and we gave it our darndest effort to witness such an unforgettable event. I can still say I was in D.C. (not many people can say that), that we were the students who were able to get the closest to the Capitols, and that I did see the person whom I regard as my hero speak at the concert. That was an experience of its own, and simply an incredible highlight of my life! And hey, we got to see former President George Bush’s helicopter leave D.C. from our hotel window, and I totally called the style and color of Michelle’s dress! ; ) I loved it! I can’t say that I wasn’t bummed about the day though, but all I can say is “oh well.” Our little inaugural ball did help take my mind off the whole day, and it was nice to relax a little. When you see my pictures, you will see why I was so heartbroken over not being able to stay where we were on the mall. I’ll also post some pictures of Al Gore from yesterday, and some fun pictures from the ball tonight.
Before I leave D.C. I want to give a few shout outs:
Mom, Dad, and Steph: I love you guys!
Mike and Eric: I saw Beyonce. You’re jealous.
The office girls: I still haven’t seen Oprah or Anderson : (
Lizzie: Wish you were here with me girl!
Stewart: I have tons of pics to share with you, but I’m sure that it won’t be enough. We’ll talk about the actual inauguration frenzy…
Stephanie, Mandy Brooke, Candy, Brady, E, and Bekah: Hey, girls, hey from D.C.!!!
JT and Jamie: I said “What’s Up” to the man at the concert.
Kadie and Teresa: you would have loved this!
Thanks everyone for all the great texts and facebook messages. I still had a great trip during my time here in D.C. and I’m truly looking forward to coming again soon… just not during the winter ever again! I’ll see you all at home. Enjoy the pics on this site and on facebook.
P.S. I’m pretty sure I just saw the motorcade pass on the bridge that I can view from my room’s window. If it wasn’t, don’t tell me; I’d like to believe it regardless! God does love me!!! Haha : )
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