Surreal. This is possibly the only word I can find to sum the events of our final day in DC. Chelsea and I had decided to catch the inauguration from the Canadian Embassy on Delaware Avenue. We left the hotel around 430 or so, and proceeded to catch the metro. The second I got off the escalator to reach the platform, I was hit with the reality of the immensity that this day would carry. Luckily we were able to catch the first train, but upon arrival at Metro Center we missed the first train, and barely made the second. Standing there, pressed between the door and at least 50 others, the only thought that crossed my mind was thank goodness that we get off at the next stop, hopefully we’ll get there before everyone else does.

Making our way from the metro to the Canadian Embassy was a story within itself. Chelsea and I walked up and down numerous streets, many of which were blocked off, in hopes of finding the Embassy. Well, that didn’t work out too well and we, abandoned our plan and stood in line with a group of, surprisingly, Canadiens as we waited to get into the Mall. Quickly the cold penetrated our many, many layers of clothes leaving us wishing we were back in the hotel.

Around 7, still frozen, the crowed cheered because the gates were supposed to open at that time. Unfortunately for the close to 5,000 of us at that entrance, the gates didn’t open for another hour, and even when they did, they were only allowing a few ticket holders in at a time. As we inched our way up in line, word got to us that we would not be able to get in at this entrance. Furious at the lack of preparation for such an event, Chelsea and I followed the crowd along marked streets with people giving directions to the mall. About an hour and somewhere close to 3 miles later, we finally got our viewing spot for the inauguration, only one problem… we were at the Washington Monument… a mile and a half away from the Capitol. Needless to say we were quite irked, getting up so early to end up so far away from the actual swearing in. On the bright side, the ceremony was shown live on a massive jumbotron set up towards the front of the memorial, so we had a relatively decent view.

The actual swearing in happened in the blink of an eye. Although it was so short, I know I will remember those words for many years to come. President Obama’s speech was truely moving, envoking a strong response from the entire crowd. He made it clear that he wants to make numerous changes for our distressed nation, but that others must give and contribute toward progress. During the election, I had my doubts as to whether or not our President would be capable of making such change; after experiencing such an occasion as yesterday, I am looking forward to seeing what positive results Obama will have on our nation.

The trek back to the hotel took much longer than anticipated. Chelsea and I were among the first to leave the area, but ended up wandering aimlessly through the city for a few hours. After waiting in a monstrously long line at L’Enfant Plaza for about half an hour, we decided to walk. Of course we ended up getting really bad directions that basically had us walk around in a circle. Almost at wit’s end, we heard a woman with a group of people who were walking over to Arlington metro. Although we knew it would be a hike, we just wanted to get out of the city as fast as our weary legs could take us.

We finaly got back to the hotel, after a stop at McDonalds, about 13 hours after we left that morning. Irregardless of how frozen, exhausted, and aching I was, I would not have passed up this opportunity for anything. I hope that I can be a part of future historical inaugurations. This was one for the records, and I can gladly say that I was there when history was made.

Tonight’s post is being written extra early, simply because Chelsea, myself, and Dee, our roommate, have a planned 3am wake-up call tomorrow. The Canadian Embassy is having an Inaugural tailgate party, and due to its proximity to the Capitol, we figured that it would be a great place to be a part of history.

This morning I headed off to Target to get a pair of gloves and a hat since I, being someone who would lose her head if it wasn’t attached to her head, left my gloves and hat at home. Of course, with my luck, Target was sold out. I went downstairs to Payless and Marshalls and unsurprisingly, both of those stores didn’t have any in stock. Almost giving up, on my way back to the hotel, I stopped at Macy’s and found some of the fuzziest gloves ever created.

In the afternoon, I headed over to Arlington Cemetery. It was so poignant to see the thousands of men and women who had died to protect our freedoms and the freedoms of others. My timing, for once, was perfect. I had made it up to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier just in time to see the changing of the guard. Such a moving experience is a great lead-in into the monumental events of tomorrow afternoon.

So today was probably the low point of my time here in DC. I was excited to go to today’s concert out in front of the Lincoln Memorial. Unfortunately when I got up, my knee locked, affirming the fact that there was no possible way I could stand in that insane crowd of people for upwards of 5 hours, just to claim a good spot. Luckily, they aired the concert live on HBO, so I watched it, in the toastiness of the hotel room, while icing my knee.

I thought that the concert was fabulous, and I really wish that I could’ve gone. Afterwards, I did a bit of packing in hopes of not leaving everything until tuesday night. I probably will anyways. Seeing that it was too early for dinner, I got some reading done for one of my classes. Around 7, we all headed up to the restaurant on the top floor of the hotel. Everyone raves about the gorgeous views, and I can understand why.

Tomorrow should be loads of fun. Hopefully I can get to the Library of Congress or the Spy Museum before the outdoor concert at 4.

So the first day in Washington that we had to ourselves was awesome, andat the same time, awakening. Our morning started off at 9 when we all met to go to the newseum. This 6 floor museum is dedicated to news history. The fabulous exhibits range from Pulitzer prize winning photographs to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Visiting this museum gave me a new perspective on journalism, and that it’s not just mudslinging.

In the afternoon, a group of us headed off to the Holocaust Museum. Of course it took us an additional 20 minutes or so because one of us (me) led the group in the opposite direction. Either way, when we finally got to the museum, we strolled around the smaller exhibits. We were then able to get into the permanent exhibit. Although it was difficult to get through because of the sheer number of people, the overall experience was fantastic. I honestly would’ve enjoyed spending the entire day in that exhibit, just so I can absorb all the information that lined the walls of this display.

I’m really looking forward to the next couple of days. The concerts should be awesome. I’m also keeping my fingers crossed that the toilet in our room doesnt blow up. My room is right next to Jenn’s, so I was dumbfounded since neither Chelsea nor I had known of the chaos in the next room.

Back at the hotel after the most emotional day thus far. Our final morning session featured speakers Steve Bell, Sam Donaldson, and 6 former Congressmen from both the house and the senate. Steve Bell’s speech focused, once again, on the role of the media and their involvement in the 2008 presidential campaign. Donaldson, of ABC News, followed. He delved into the interworkings of Washington, talking primarily about the legislative branch having the most power in our government system. This part was then followed by a Congressional Panel made up of Senators and Representatives from 6 different states, addressing issues ranging from the war in Iraq to crossing party lines, guarding one’s integrity to the food and energy crisis, and from the economy to internationl affairs.

In the afternoon, we headed over to the recently renovated Smithsonian. While all of the exhibits I saw were spectacular, the military one was by all means the one that hit home the hardest. In one room there were two massive blocks, remnants of the Berlin Wall. But as I turned into the next room, my heart fell into my stomach because in the room were remnants of the steel columns from the 7oth floor of the South Tower of the World Trade Center. I know people who lost loved ones on September 11th, so the second I saw these columns, my insides were ripped apart just as they had 7 years ago. While the pictures are moving, the emotions can only truly be felt when you’re a foot and a half away from a scrap of metal that represents so much.

Well, I may make this a bit shorter, simply because I’m not feeling 100% and should’ve gone to bed about an hour ago. Anyways, today had its ups and downs. The morning session was lackluster with the exception of the Pakistani Ambassador. In the afternoon, our group took a trip to Capitol Hill, and in the evening, attended a performance by political satirist Mark Russell.

The morning session opened and closed with Faculty Director, Steve Bell. Mr. Bell addressed bias in the media, showing clips from the View, SNL and various other tv programs. By showing both McCain and Obama on the View, one could blatantly see differences in the ‘interviews’ of the candidates. Any statement to the contrary is erroneous. Ross Baker, a poli- sci professor from Rutgers gave his opinions about the challenges that President-Elect Obama will face during his presidential ‘honeymoon’. Our Scholar in Residence, Dr. Genovese focused on Congress in his speech. He touched on areas including the workings of the legislative branch, and its relationship with the executive branch. His Excellency Ambassador Hussain Haqqani mixed humor with global ideas to help us understand what an important power player the U.S. is in the international arena. He emphasized that we, as a nation, must respect the sovereignty of others. He also quoted an advertisement, saying that “Hope is not a method.” The U.S. and other nations cannot and should not sit back and crossing our fingers that something may actually get accomplished; no, it is imperative that we, like numerous nations do need to step in every so often.

I had been looking froward to visiting the Capitol for quite some time, yet was rather uneasy about how mundane it truely was. That problem was easily fixed thanks to Mark Russell. This man is absolutely HILARIOUS!!! Honestly, you just needed to see the show to understand how truely fabulous this performance. One of my favorite parts was when he mentioned Buffalo in one part, and all us Bona’s students begin to cheer. Mr. Russell, being from Buffalo then made a joke about what else… wings, claiming that you can’t find good wings in D.C.

Tomorrow should be a good one; we have a Congressional panel of former political officeholders coming to help us better comprehend the role of Congress during Obama’s transition. Should be interesting, but as I am slowly becoming a zombie, I must call it a night.

Today was the best day by far, and I hope the upcoming ones will be just as awesome. This morning, once again, C-SPAN’s The Washington Journal Live aired from our session. Afterwards our speakers were the legendary Ted Koppel of Nightline, and columnist Clarence Page. After a short closing from Steve Bell, our group headed out to lunch at Ella’s, a fantastic Italian restaurant/ pizzeria. We then arrivedat the Algerian Embassy for a personal meeting with Ambassador Abdallah Baali.

The guest of today’s Washington Journal was White House Press Secretary, Dana Perino. Topics touched ranged from the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict and Darfur, to free trade agreements, and to teen drug use. She answered almost every question thoughtfully, with the exception of the motives for entering Iraq, and her distasteful comments about 9/11. Ted Koppel, while somewhat dry, provided us with so much insight into his coverage of overseas conflicts. His answers really reflected a more worldly view than those of our other speakers. The final speaker of the morning session was Clarence Page, a writer for the Chicago Tribune. His part of the program, combining facts and humor, focused on the transition from the Bush to the Obama administration, and the evolution of race relations within the United States.

My favorite part of the day was having the opportunity to meet with the Algerian ambassador. Mr. Baali was the Algerian representative to the United Nations before coming to D.C. Our meeting was set up similar to a board meeting, where we were all on an equal playing-field, not where one person was standing at the front of the room simply preaching. I found it almost inspiring to listen and understand what those who are not American-born feel about situations that our nation and other nations are involved in. The Ambassador openly discussed Algeria’s relations with the U.S. and on the evolving conflicts in both the African and Middle Eastern World.

Tomorrow we have a persentation from the Ambassador to the United States from Pakistan, whuch I am greatly anticipating, along with a visit to Congress in the afternoon.

So back in my room, settling down before bed… another exhausting day in DC. Before starting our morning at UDC with an introduction by Steve Bell, we entered the auditorium to see that it had been transformed into the set of         C-SPAN. Three sessions were filmed, the first of which was shown live on television. For the afternoon session, we met with the 501 advocacy organization, NDN. In the evening, we had a reception at the US Chamber of Commerce, where our Guest of Honor was the legendary journalist, Bob Schieffer. Yet I remain irked… apparently the members of our group were the few who had not received the memo that today was rude student day in DC.

In the morning sessions, while Washington Journal Live with Steve Skulley, and Q&A with Brian Lamb, a number of students from other schools found it necessary to play on their cell phones, play video games, and even intentionally sleep. Although many were being disrespectful, I really enjoyed Washington Journal Live. The answers given were very insightful with regards to the president elect, and the transition from Bush to Obama. I was unfortunately underwhelmed with Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler, the guests of the Q&A section. While providing information about their work with Obama’s campaign, they indirectly answered the questions of Brian Lamb, and those of the audience.

Having some time before the afternoon session, Chelsea and I headed over to Union Station for lunch, and a bit of aimless wandering around the stores within the Center. We truly learned how important it is to know the street layout in DC as we made our way from the metro station to our afternoon site. Listening to NDN founder Simon Rosenberg. I was very displeased with his presentation, Mr. Rosenberg seemed to have better things to do as he repeatedly pulled out his cell phone to check the time. He proceeded to basically bash the Republican party for being racists and intolerants. He claimed that “Not all Republicans are racist, just the party is.” I found this statement to be absolutely appaling.

What should have been a great reception that all of us from Bona’s had been anticipating was ruined by childish behavior from students from other colleges and universities. Three times during his speech about his work in the field of journalism did CBS News Chief Washington Correspondent have to ask the crowd in the back of the room to quiet down. I can’t believe how ridiculous people can be.

Hopefully tomorrow shall shape up to be much better. Our group is lucky enough to have the opportunity to meet with the representative of Algeria. I cannot wait, as I hope to one day work in the international political arena.

Well, I guess I didn’t get lost in the chaos on the metro today (Thank goodness!). Anywho, we started our morning session listening to speakers David O’Connor, Marc Pachter, Cal Thomas, and Bob Beckel. Mr. O’Connor is a Special Agent with the United States Secret Service. His presentation highlighted the early years of the Service, and what today’s agents are responsible for. Mr. Pachter is the Director Emeritus of the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery and National Museum of American History. The slide show offered different portrayals of the past presidents, using heroification in many in order to depict the man as someone greater than he truly was.

The lecture of Mr. Thomas, a Republican, and Mr. Beckel, a Democrat, was the highlight of the morning session. The two Columnists for USA Today alternated speaking, both focusing on the idea of finding common ground between opposing political parties. Their projected concept is crucial throughout the upcoming presidential term and beyond. We need to recognize that we are Americans first, and foremost, and that party boundaries need to be crossed to improve our current government.

Later in the day, we visited the nonprofit lobbyist organization, NORML. They are working to legalize the use of cannabis, better known as marijuana. I knew that there were groups whose aim was this type of reform, and I found it insightful to listen and learn where they were coming from. Although I personally disagree with the goal of the group, I enjoyed hearing how passionate these advocates were about this cause.

Tomorrow should be exciting. Our morning session is going to be turned into the set of C-SPAN. Yep, tune in to your television as the show will be live from 9 to 10 am. They’ll also be taping their Q&A session to be aired later in the week. I can’t wait!

Hey everyone! So, first full day in DC, and I’m absolutely exhausted. The morning was spent at the University of DC auditorium. Here, we heard from prominent speakers including Dana Bash, the Senior Congressional Correspondent for CNN, Dr. Michael Genovese, the Scholar in Residence for our program, and Steve Bell, a former news anchor on ABC and an award winning journalist who has covered major events such as the Vietnam War, and the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. I really enjoyed that much of the time was allotted to students to ask questions of these presenters.

The focus of today’s lecture was the idea of public profiles of government officials that are, often times, blown out of proportion by the media. Citizens begin to see these people as celebrities, rather than as policymakers and enforcers. Sarah Palin, for a most obvious example, was seen more for her verve than her background, as she became an overnight sensation to the American people.

Later in the day we had taken a bus tour to a plethora of famous sites around the city. Visiting the Washington, Jefferson, and Lincoln Monuments, and the memorials of FDR, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and WWII proved for simply breathtaking  photos. Having finally visited these principal spots in our nation’s capital, I begin to truly value the sacrifices that people have made so that we may live as freely as we do.

As for tomorrow’s activities, I’m really anticipating the “Common Ground” lecture from Cal Thomas and Bob Beckel. I’m hoping that the winds aren’t nearly as frigid as they were this afternoon; it felt like I was back in Buffalo (without all of the snow, thankfully), and that my camera doesn’t die in the middle of taking some fabulous pictures.