The day didn’t, quite, go according to my plans, but it was a good experience, nonetheless. My group left from the University of Rochester at 8pm on Monday. We traveled through the night on three chartered buses and arrived in Largo, Maryland around 4am on Tuesday. Luckily, I had my own row of seats so I could sleep comfortably on our trip. At 4am the metro station was already very busy and so we didn’t wait and we went into the city right away.

We arrived in Washington, D.C. at 4:30am. When we arrived, we realized just how cold it was going to be that day. It was absolutely freezing! The wind was howling, and I believe the temperature was between 10 and 15 degrees. Imagine standing outside for 12 hours in that weather. The experience was one I wouldn’t have missed, but the weather was miserable.

After our attempts to warm up with hot cocoa, we made our way to the National Mall to take our spots for the event. From where we were standing, we had a very good view of, both, the Capital and the viewing screen. At about 7:30am, we started taking pictures, and I had trouble turning on my camera. I couldn’t understand what the problem was, since I had two sets of charged batteries to use. I wanted to try new batteries, so I split up from my group in search of a vendor who sold them. I honestly believed that I’d be able to run out and pick up batteries and then make my way back to the group. Wow, was I wrong! When I realized leaving the Mall would be a bad idea, I called another group from school to pick up the batteries. Then, we could meet and watch the event together. The group found the batteries, but never found me. We tried very hard to meet up, calling each other every few minutes for an update on where we were, but the crowds were just too thick and we couldn’t find each other. Thus, I was alone in a crowd of 2 million people, and I didn’t have a camera to document the event.

The actual Inauguration was very exciting to see! There were people around me crying and shouting and saying the occasional “Amen.” It is definitely something I will remember for a long time to come.

The event brought many different types of people- older people, younger people, and people of different ethnic groups and cultures. I didn’t expect there to be such camaraderie within the crowd. When I was trying to make my way through the mass to find my group, the people around me said they’d help me find my group if I found out exactly where they were. By that point, cell phone service was hard to find and I couldn’t get in touch with my group. A man said to stay with his group, and even though I felt alone, I really wasn’t because I had his group. They were very kind and comforting throughout the event.

After the Inauguration, I made my way back to the metro station. I spent time in Washington, D.C. over the summer and so I was familiar with the area, which proved to be very helpful. When I reached the metro station, there was a line of (I’d say) 6-8 thousand people. I waited in line for about a half hour before I spotted some other students from the University of Rochester. I was so relieved and joined them to wait in line for about 3 hours longer. We got back to Maryland safely and boarded the bus for the long ride back to Rochester.

Overall, I’m happy I went on the trip to the Inauguration. It was an experience I will not forget. On Wednesday afternoon, I saw a girl who also came on the trip and I asked her if she had a fun day in Washington, D.C. Her response was,

“Fun?! Not quite. It was freezing cold and there were more people than I’ve seen in my life and ever wish to see again. Fun isn’t the right word to use. It was memorable.”

My thoughts exactly.

Since I did not get to take pictures,  a few of the other students on the trip sent me their pictures. Here are some of my favorites…

]]> http://wptzinaugurationblog.wordpress.com/2009/01/23/colleen-lacombe-finally-thawed-out/feed/ 0 wptzpat n3705502_32227414_3427 n3705502_32227419_5029 n3705502_32227425_8393 n631545513_5675650_9861 n631545513_5675762_9437 n631545513_5675774_802 n631545513_5675776_9640 n631545513_5675785_8529 n1367220073_30606712_4261 n1367220073_30606729_1658 http://wptzinaugurationblog.wordpress.com/2009/01/22/points-of-view-the-day-of-the-inauguration-shawn/ http://wptzinaugurationblog.wordpress.com/2009/01/22/points-of-view-the-day-of-the-inauguration-shawn/#comments Thu, 22 Jan 2009 21:19:46 +0000 wptzpat http://wptzinaugurationblog.wordpress.com/?p=290 ]]> Before the inauguration, we went to museums and that was mostly it. We waited six hours at the inauguration before anything started. When Obama spoke everyone cheered it was great! By Fiona ONeil

The crowd slowly moved forward step by step. It was 8:00 am in the morning. We were up and on the metro by 5:15 am before this crowded line. All you see are people and people and more people. I close my eyes and I see faces of all ethnicity, male, female, young, and old. We all have smiles despite all being crammed into lines without physical barriers. I have the girls in front of me, my hand on their shoulders. I hoist Riley up onto my shoulders, while people allow me the room. Emily and Fiona are right in front of me. When the crowd moves and we start getting separated the people in between us allow Riley and I to squeeze past them so that we are back together again. There are several groups like this, hand to shoulder forming a chain. There is laughing and joking.
I bump into a young black man just as we get into the secured area. “Sorry!” “That’s’ okay, brother” says the black man as he slaps my shoulder in a comradeship way. Everyone in this huge crowd are brothers and sisters. It doesn’t matter how different you are. At this point in time in American history…we are all Americans we are all one. Perhaps in the near future I can walk into a foreign country and proudly proclaim, “I’m American” and not worry about being discriminated against. I didn’t witness any hostility even though we were packed in like sardines. Everyone seemed to be looking out for each other’s welfare.
Now, that it has been a full day since I had this great experience. I thought I would use that old cliché “a picture is worth a thousand words”. So, here is a little video I made of this historical event. Enjoy!

Well I’m home again, back to Vermont!  I’ve really enjoyed sharing this experience with everyone.  I started out not knowing exactly what to expect during the conference, but came out on the other end with one of the most amazing experiences of my life.  I got to see unforgettable speakers, who spoke inspiring words, encouraging words, and shared stories of their own success.  I met unforgettable people, who like myself, are ready to not only see the change in the world, but to help make it happen.  Finally I got to see an unforgettable event in which history was made.  A moment that will forever be frozen in time, and event I never expected to be a part, and feel blessed to have had the chance to see.  I hope everyone got the chance to in some way see this event.  I also want to thank everyone for the support and encouragement throughout the week.

Thank you everyone so much!

Dylana

We opted to skip the parade in order to get back on the metro ahead of the crowd. We didn’t want to miss our limo which was scheduled to pick us up at 5pm for the ball. Fortunately, everything was running behind schedule because the limo arrived about an hour late.

After making our way through the crazy streets of DC, which were only accessible by emergency vehicles, taxis, and limos we managed to get close enough to the Washington Convention Center for the Obama Home States Ball. We got as close as we could by limo, and in an effort to arrive before the Obama’s we decided to get out and walk the rest of the way. So, in our ball gowns and high heels, we “ran” about 2 or 3 blocks and made our way to the ball.We got there in plenty of time to relax and have a drink and mingle with some of Lori’s friends.

Finally, after 4 days of chasing him, President Obama arrived and was standing on the stage right before our eyes. We could see him, hear him; it was amazing!

Ball gown!

Crowd chanting "yes we can" (we all joined)

Early morning but all smiles!

Beautiful sunrise on a historic day!

Al Gore speech (yesterday)

Well it all started this morning at 5 am. Up for breakfast and a very early bus ride into the city. However by the time we got onto the bus and into the city there was already bumper to bumper traffic. At about 8 am we finally got to our destination (yes it was about a 2 hour wait). The city was already packed with the millions of people waiting for the historic moment in time. As we walked down the street we saw dozens of vendors and you couldn’t help but feel the togetherness of the day. As I looked off a bridge we were crossing below there was a crowd bigger than I had ever seen, all chanting “yes we can” Obama’s catch phrase. Everyone on the street joined in and I couldn’t help getting a chill down my spine at the sheer volume of this chant throughout Washington D.C. The PYIC group made there way (not easily) to a hot chocolate social in which we socialized with one another and kept warm until the festivities started. We then walked out onto the national mall, and started to scope out a good spot to watch history be made. My friend Sam and I took about 2 hours to get to the spot we decided to stay at. We could see a little Joe Biden, and a little Barack Obama as they were sworn into office, and as Obama gave his historic speech to the crowd. This hour and a half had to me one of the most spectacular I have ever experienced! Weather it be the opening prayer, Aretha Franklin singing, or the powerful speech. After this we headed to Nationals Ball park to watch the Inaugural parade from the big screens, and to warm up. We also watched the unfortunate event of two senators getting ill in a luncheon that many of you heard about. We later boarded the buses to go back to the hotels to get ready for the ball. After much primping and deciding on hairstyles we emerged from our hotel room in our ball gowns and proceeded to the Smithsonian Aerospace museum for our gala ball. Enjoying the music of Chris Daughtry, we danced the night away. It was a long and incredible day which I will never forget. There are many pictures attached that I hope you all enjoy.

Thank you!

Dylana

Now, for the big event. For the whole point of this blog. The Inauguration. Waking up at six o’clock in the morning is never something any teenager is willing to do. But this morning after rousing myself out of bed, I got very excited. This was it. This was the change, the promise, the day Obama became our 44th President. Layer upon Layer (still not enough layers) we set out to join the hundreds, then the thousands, then the ten-thousands, the hundred-thousands and eventually the millions of others who also wanted to witness first hand this historical day. As the crowds grew the anticipation soared. Chanting Obama, singing songs of our country’s triumphs, sharing moments and embracing strangers you had never known we common sights. We were corralled together for a journey no one would forget. Anyone who is claustrophobic might want to skip these next few sentences. Shoving, Bumping, Grabbing, Holding, Grasping, over and over and over again. Smelling the breath of someone who had begun partying a bit early, those who didn’t have time to brush their teeth before leaving, or maybe occasionally the refreshing smell of those who had. (If you were skipping sentences READ NOW..please) Gasping for the fresh air once out of the 395 tunnel we knew we were just blocks away. Once at the mall, the sight was overwhelming and breathtaking. People of all elasticities, sexes, religions, and orientations were gathered because of one cause and one belief. Obama. As the We Are One concert re-runs were shown on the Jumbotrons many people were caught catching a few z’s, dancing to stay warm or singing and enjoying the moment. (Keep in mind, we had over three and a half hours before the ceremony was to begin.)

Thankfully, time does continue on, and just after the We Are One re-run finished, the crowd (which had grown substantially since our arrival) cheered when they saw important people flashing across the monitor, while being introduced in full detail. The crowd would cheer, wave thier flags, or boo and occasionally spit on the ground as different people were introduced. Eventually the time came for Obama to make his appearance. Just seeing him, still inside the Capitol on the Jumbotrons the crowd was roaring. So when he actually came out, with his first wave in the inauguration ceremony Flags were waving, people yelling, crying and praising the lord for this day. One of the biggest moments for me, was when I saw a black man, my grandfathers age with tears of joy streaming down his face. This proved and was a testimony to me that Obama didn’t just inspire my generation. He inspired my grandfathers and my mothers and those who wanted change in this country. He believed in change, he does believe in change, and has inspired this country for change. Walking away from the Inauguration, I knew this was something I was going to carry with me for my entire lifetime. Moments, pictures, thoughts that I would share with my children and grandchildren (when and if they come….trust me I’m not rushing anything!!) It was such an experience to be there and to witness the small and not so small moments our history was experiencing. For now though, I will post a few pictures, maybe a video. But I will blog more tomorrow. I’m exhausted and have had a long day of walking, stopping and silently weeping as I shared my belief in our 44th President of the United States of America, President Barack Obama.

have a great day!

Dylana

The Taxation Without Representation Sign Put Up To Draw Attention To The D.C. Natives

The Crowd Singing “This Land Is Your Land” – Followed by the chanting of Obama

Just A Quick Scan Of The Crowd

Ordering Pizza Online and tracking it’s progress can be so exciting. (For Kyle and I)