Team Hope is Strong In Us!

Today has been UNBELIEVABLE! Everyone in our group has their own story to tell, so I cannot speak for everyone's individual experience. I can, however, talk a bit from my own perspective.

We headed out at 7am, which turned out to be more of an issue than we'd anticipated. In order to ensure a spot in the National Mall to watch the swearing-in ceremony, we tried to leave as early as seven people staying in a two-bedroom apartment would allow. After two unsuccessful attempts at getting on the Metro, we decided to walk the two miles downtown. We did our best to stick together as more and more people began filing into the closed-off streets, but things started looking a bit impossible-- the city had closed off many of the entrances to the National Mall, so we had to stop constantly to ask police officers at different intervals for the best way to get in. While some of us powered through like professionals, others, freezing and tired, began to defect. These two factions of our group grew into what would become "Team Hope" and "Team Despair."

After what seemed like days (but was more likely about two hours), we found ourselves filing into the National Mall along with the thousands of people around us. We walked around, trying to find a spot from which we could see the Jumbo Tron that would broadcast Obama's address. We positioned ourselves next to the Washington Monument, huddled in with the others around us, and prepared for history. I myself found my way into the group of people standing next to me, in order to get a better view.

The address was incredibly inspirational, yet still a reminder of the problems that our nation currently faces. When he finished, we all filed out of the National Mall as calmly as possible. It was a little bit stressful getting out, but everyone worked together to try to make the experience as easy as possible.

What was most striking for me was the fact that everyone was so happy and excited, despite the fact that it was freezing and we were packed in like sardines. What may now sound cliche, but is no less true, is the amazing realization that, despite our different backgrounds, different locations, and different experiences, we were coming together for something that meant so much, not only to each of us individually, but to America as a whole. The people I met were from Philadelphia. The woman next to me was the daughter of an African immigrant. Talking with people from all over the world really opened my eyes to what was really happening-- that we were uniting together with the genuine desire to make the world a more accepting and diverse place.

We are all currently back in our apartment, watching the inaugural ball on television. We are all absolutely exhausted and absolutely thrilled to have been a part of this moment in history. We will post a wrap-up after our 24-hour road trip back home. Wish us luck!

Congratulations, President Obama!

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I'll be brief, because it has been a long day and it is far from over.

The Inauguration was an extraordinary event. I will talk more of the emotional response at some point (as I type, the Obamas walk down Pennsylvania Ave during their parade); now I will focus on the other things.

There were a lot of people at today's festivities. And they got there earlier than expected. It looks as though there were about 2 million people on the Mall this morning. The amount of people, and the unprecedented security, caused gridlock and backups all over town. Metro was clogged. Lines to enter security zones were backlogged. The ability to exit security zones was inhibited by fences. And tourist and locals alike were not educated on how to get out and get home. All were eager to see and participate in history, but few had any patience.


My journey home took two hours. By comparison it should have been 15 minutes by taxi or a 35 minute metro ride. In any event, I got home in time to see the slightly delayed parade, and eat lunch. Even had time to pick up my tux for tonight. More about the ball this evening perhaps.

Good Morning!

After arriving in D.C. at 3:00 am, standing in line for hours and making a mad dash out of security, we're sitting down behind the reflecting pool in front of the capital building anxiously waiting for the festivities to begin. We've made new friends from all over the country and we can't wait until 12:00pm. The energy of the crowd is intense. Only a few more hours until we witness history!

Gabe Hernandez

An interesting change to what began as a rather peaceful morning.

The lack of crowd control and an overwhelming amount of people has caused some problems. Vanessa and I we're almost trampled over by groups of people jumping fences to get a closer look. The only thing that stopped them was a frozen reflection pool. People are climbing statues and running across the lawn. Hopefully everything will return to normal soon.

Gabe Hernandez

Great job!

Great job bloggers! I really appreciate everything that you've posted so far, and I hope that you have the opportunity to keep us posted throughout the day. We've got the TV on in the office, and I'm checking the blog every minute to see what you guys have posted. Keep it up!

-Lauren

Brrrrrrrrr

It is early and cold and dark outside. While I have tickets to a reserved section, seeing the amount of people ALREADY assembled on the Mall worries me. I have CNN on and there is quite a crowd. All the buses from the Embassy Suite next to my building (about 12 total) have already gone. I am currently layering-up and will write something once I am safely back in Arlington.

Cue the butterflies...

It's almost midnight and I'm anxiously waiting our departure from Williamsburg, VA to Washington D.C. I had a great time touring the Colonial Williamsburg area, even though our visit was cut short. I am so nervous about tomorrow; I can't wait to set foot on the National Mall and wait for the ceremony to begin. I received my ticket this afternoon, and it has not left my sight! Soon I'll be freezing with millions of people who have made the journey to D.C. Only 12 more hours! ---Gabe Hernandez