January 20, 12:50 a.m.
So I’m finally on my way down to D.C. after another long production night. For the most part, I’ll be taking photos throughtout the day. Sadly, those won’t be up until I get back (hopefully tomorrow night). I will be trying to update the blog from time to time … from my cell phone. Now that’s mobile reporting. Check back throughout the day.
January 20, 7:55 a.m.
I had wanted to leave sooner, but getting in past 2 a.m. didn’t do me any favors. Staying outside D.C., then plan is to take the train into the city. The station that I supposed to be dropped off at had hundreds lined up and waiting to grab a spot on the next inbound train. On the reccomendation of a station employee, the one I’m at now is a ghost town in comparison. Still, there’s sure to be a clamour to fit in the last spots on the train.
January 20, 9:20
The train was at least as bad as trying to take the subway in Philadelphia during the Phillies Parade, but I managed to get myself on it and am now moving towards the National Mall. Security is tight, with police, F.B.I., and military personnel. The Mall is packed, and finding a decent spot to stand seems like my next challenge of the day.
January 20, 11:15 a.m.
I’m in the thick of it, halfway between the Washington Monument and the Capitol. Obama should be out soon, and there will be plenty of cheers when he appears. On the other hand, anyone related to the Bush cabinet was met with boos and jeers.
The streets are packed with people hoping to catch a glimpse of the new president, or at least hear him.
January 20, 12:05 p.m.
Joe Biden has officially become the vice president of the United States. Everyone is still waiting to see the main event with Barack Obama. They’ll have to wait for this performance by Yo Yo Ma to finish before they get there.
On a personal note, these updates are coming in late because of problems with uploading from a cell phone.
January 20, 12:15 p.m.
“Yes we can” and “Yes we did” seem to be the phrases of the day. Barack Obama has become the 44th president of the United States, and the first black president in the country’s history. His speech following the swearing in kept the crowd hushed, aside from the expected cheers. Obama definitely has the people here in D.C. believing that America will be heading in a new direction. And with that, the crowd begins to shuffle towards the exit points.
January 20, 5:15 p.m.
It took over an hour and a half to get off the Mall, but I am back at a gracious friend’s apartment at G.W. Univeristy, and using a laptop to get these updates finally put up (much easier than a cell phone.) Getting to the parade seemed like an impossibility, which is a shame, because I looked foward to taking photos of it. It’s unlikely, but if there’s a way I can get out to it, I will. Also, it seems like the train stations are packed, so I might spend one more night here in D.C. If I can manage to get myself a city guide, I might head out tonight to get photos of the Inaugural night, and anyone that’s still left on the streets, and (again, speculating) of those heading into the balls. Whatever happens, you’ll be sure to know.
*Time codes are approximate.
