After thinking about it for a little bit, I’ve decided that today can be explained by the different feelings I experienced at the different phases of the day. Phase one: wake up at 3:40 AM – This is not worth it at all. Phase two: insane mob at the metro and 10 degree temperature- this is really not worth it right now. Phase three: battle to get street level and find the line: time is passing so this could be ok….Phase four: finding our gate learning we have to wait six hours- most certainly not worth it. OK I admit it was pretty negative up to that point, but whether I got used to the cold or started to wake-up, it got better from that point on. We got through the first point at about 6:30 or 7 so that was a little encouraging. From that point on the sun started to come up, giving off what little temperature increase came with it, and we were routed to the security check point then the standing area that we were allowed access to because of our tickets (Thanks again Jenn and Cara). It was rather interesting from this point on. We were standing right in front of the pool directly in front of the Capitol building, with a small gap for handicapped individuals. This gap did not last long, and around 9 AM people broke through the advanced barrier (and by that I mean staked snow fence) that separated us from the section and the group slide up about 30 or 40 feet. We did not do it initially because it seemed very wrong to do, but when you have thousands of people pushing you forward, you don’t really have a choice. From there on out the time went by and it was time for the ceremonies to begin. It seemed fairly drawn-out, much as I expected until the swearing-in. President Obama’s speech lived up to everyones expectations. It showed the importance of change, diplomacy, and uniting the division that exists in our nation. He spoke clearly about the notion of terrorism, but also spoke about diplomacy and the importance of peace. I found it very moving and it left me with reassuring feelings and an even greater hope for an amazing four yours. Getting out of the city was a nightmare, people were everywhere, and it can be summed up to a 2 million person mosh-pit at times, but I wouldn’t have traded the experience for anything, and I doubt 1,999,999 other people would disagree.
