Travels in DC: Obama Inauguration Week "Operation Catch the Moment"

Ok so this is the first of many (at least once per day) entries that I plan on doing while I am here in Washington DC for Obama's inauguration. I spontaneously bought a flight ticket online two days ago, and, after waking up at 3:30 am and taking an early early morning flight, here I am in DC.

I'm going to lay out my impressions in point form since, the actual inauguration events start imminently and we'll have to get down there.

-The first thing you notice upon arrival is the Obama parephenalia in all the airport stores, t-shirts, pins, stickers, magazines, its all there. (The photo above was not taken at the airport, it is instead a street vendor). The District of Columbia (which apparently 93% of the population voted for Obama during the November election) is literally basking with pride of his impending inauguration.

-I had a chance while waiting for the luggage at the baggage claim to talk with Alan Carter Global News Anchor. He was telling me just how phenomenal this whole event has been planned. The inauguration website has all the information anyone attending the event could want, location of bathrooms, entrances, exits, schedules etc. It's very good at making people feel a part of the whole process, something which Obama perfected in his campaign to a degree that is light years ahead of Canada's politicians.

-In the airport, on the bus and the subsequent metro ride that I took to get downtown to where my friend is staying, everyone is talking on their cellphones or to other passengers about what they are doing over the next few days. There are parties and balls and galas to attend, all somehow related to the inauguration.

I look forward to getting out there. There is a concert tonight (with Beyonce, L-Lo and a few others apparently) as well as numerous speeches that will go on. I will do my best to capture the series of "moments" in the build up to THE MOMENT (when Obama raises his hand and touches Lincoln's Bible and swears in) either with my observations or with my camera.

-On a comepletely other separate note, Zeke and Sara's apartment is situation in Dupont Circle and "granola" area right on the fringe of the gay village. This place is very liberal and fashionable and reminds me alot of Montreal. So far everyone I've met has been really nice. More to come...