Luckily, we were with Katie's aunt who works in D.C. and knows how to get around. We had to transfer and she had us get off a little early to get on the other line at a less busy station. We got off and immediately saw security and people everywhere. We went to the other line and walked down to the metro. As a train approached they told us we could not get on, because everyone was getting off. A woman was apparently on the track somewhere down the line (we found out later she was fine). So, now we had to walk like 20 blocks to our entrance for the ceremony. While it was freezing and we were running late, walking definitely enriched our experience.
This was a long line of people checking their bikes. This picture doesn't even begin to cover how long this line is.
Katie's aunt had an extra ticket at the last minute, so as we were walking she was looking for people walking by themselves who might want to go. Most people she stopped were on their way to work and could not go. She finally stopped this one guy who looked like he was in his early 20s. She asked him if he wanted a ticket, and his face lit up. He took the ticket which was in a different section from us and walked toward his gate. I hope he got in.
We seemed so close. We did not think it would be long before we were standing at the capitol. We walked toward the purple gate and suddenly saw a crush of people who were not moving.
We waited there for a few minutes and then went around to a different entrance. That one was pretty bad too. We got there somewhere between 10 and 10:30.
There was no one around to tell us what was going on. We just stood there. Every ten minutes or so we would take like 2 steps and get really excited. We finally heard someone on a bullhorn, but all she said was "purple tickets only." Everyone started holding up their purple tickets trying to get them to let us in sooner. The worst part was there were no jumbo trons or audio, so we had no idea what was going on. People started realizing we may be stuck out there when Obama was actually sworn in. Some left to find a place where they could actually watch the ceremony.
The strangest thing is people were not really upset. Everyone wanted to go in, but no one was yelling or angry. You felt safe too. We were all standing so close together that people could have easily pick pocketed each other, but there was no sense of distrust. Everyone was there for one reason and happy to be there. We had all come that far and were optimistic we could get in. People joked around with each other and helped each other out when they could. All of the tall people acted as look outs telling people around them how close we were. When I looked at the area later, we were actually really close to the security gate the entire time, but they were not letting people in very quickly. People would periodically start chanting "purple ticket, purple ticket," but other than that it was very peaceful. The time kept creeping by, and by now it was 11:30. The mass seemed to be moving a little faster. When we got toward the front people did start pushing a bit, but that was the only time. We finally got through at about 11:40. We rushed through and security went surprisingly quickly. We moved into the purple area and tried to get a view of the jumbo tron.
We got in just before Rick Warren's invocation. People were taking picture and softly talking, but when Obama stepped up everyone quieted down to try and hear him being sworn in.
After it was over everyone cheered, but quickly quieted for his speech. There were occasional bursts of applause, cheering, or agreement.
When it was over everyone was happy, but seemed just as excited to get out of the cold as soon as possible.
Right now I feel a little too close to the event and exhausted to properly reflect. I think in a few days it will hit me. This was an exhausting trip, but an amazing one. I can't believe it is finally over. For the last year so much time has been spent covering political events. I was at a rally with Michelle Obama and Maria Shriver right before Super Duper Tuesday, and on Super Duper Tuesday I was at the L.A. event for Obama. From August to November I ate, slept, and breathed the election, and often skipped the eating and sleeping. It is amazing to get to be here for the culmination of all of it. While it wasn't the smoothest day possible, it was one I could never forget. And it is something that will forever connect me with the millions of other people who were here.
