Countless celebrants went to sleep last night in Washington DC not clear on just how challenging it would be to get a firsthand look at the Obama inauguration — or how early to start their trek. By 6 a.m., the subway was already so full the doors weren’t even opening after the suburban stops. Major streets were closed off and turned into charter bus lots. We left the hotel at 7:30 and hiked for 75 minutes, crossing under the Mall through the Third Avenue tunnel. Generally thundering with cars, the freeway was a river of dark-clad people all marching in the same direction.
We had “blue tickets” and followed the sign, shuffling for two and a half hours in a solid mass of people to the “blue gate.” Given the occasion, everyone was extremely polite. It seemed potentially dangerous…but people — cozy and even finding warmth with complete strangers — sang “Lean on Me” and shuffled slow and steady under the gaze of sharpshooters on federal building rooftops. Two hours into the line, I looked behind and saw no end to the crowd. We began to wonder if we’d even make it for the swearing-in. Some of those around us arrived two hours before we did. No one knew how to best play this thing.
Finally through security — and just in time — we joined the crowds on the Capitol building’s front yard. But, it seemed, everyone stopped first at the long battery of blue port-a-potties (urine on ice in a plastic box…without paper). Hearing Yo-Yo Ma stringing his cello while in line waiting my turn was exasperating.
The Capitol building was decorated with dignitaries and festooned in red, white, and blue as the chilly masses, warmed by their enthusiasm for the new President, stretched as far as the eye could see. Helpful strangers boosted me, Anne, and our daughter Jackie over a stone fence as if into a life raft, and we spilled into a fine space directly in front of the proceedings. Early birds had shoveled together little mounds of wood chips to create their own mini-viewing stands. With the announced arrival of each VIP, my world was filled with the muted sound of mittens clapping. Fwap fwap fwap. Then, with the arrival of the President-elect, the grounds erupted. Yes we can!
It was good to hear perfect silence among the million-plus gathered as Rick Warren (the controversial-to-liberals conservative evangelist) kicked things off with a beautiful prayer. I feared a couple of angry people (disappointed by Obama’s efforts to reach out to the right) could mar his prayer with catcalls. But, marking (I hope) this new political era, Warren’s words were inclusive, reminding all that God loves everybody — implying gays and straights — the same. It seemed nearly everyone said, “Amen,” and together he and Obama moved us not left or right but one step forward.
Obama’s speech was, as expected, a hit. In fact, it was such a hit that everything after that was anti-climactic. It seemed no one around me even listened to the poetry reading or the benediction.
The crowd, which had entered as if a precious drink funneled drop by drop into a big decanter, dispersed like a liquid spilled — coursing into the empty streets of a cold and happy city. Pausing at the JumboTron on our way out (with Seattle P-I political cartoonist David Horsey and his family, whom we just bumped into out of the huge crowd), we watched former President Bush and his wife escorted down the Capitol steps and into their helicopter. Then, instinctively, we all set our eyes away from the huge TV screen and onto our nation’s Capitol building. It stood gloriously in the sun, capped by a saint-like statue of Lady Liberty — smiling at another peaceful transfer of power (and also, I imagine, ready for change).
Then the chopper rose over Washington to the happy if impolite cheer of the shivering masses. As if swept away by an electoral broom, it careened with a former President into the distance. Then, startling many, the chopper came back for one last swing around the Capitol, engulfed in the crowd of people. While I wondered what former President Bush was thinking as he looked down on us…I knew what the crowd was thinking: This country is moving ahead.
Even watching this wonderful event on TV brought chills to me, just hopeing that our society can make a big shift with this new president. I am so impressed how so many people just want to pitch in and help one another. Of course you have the Rush Limbaugh’s who already proclaim a disastor. We can’t listen to those, I believe in the law of attraction and we don’t want what they attract. I do feel bad for the Bush’s it must have been hard listening to Obama’s speech, and I did feel relieved to see that helicoper take off. Hoping for a new begining!
Thanks for your witnessing of this historical event. I believe everyone in Seattle was glued to television and radio as the inauguation unfolded. President Obama’s words have given us hope!
Wow! You made it feel like I was there up close & personal. Thanks for the wonderful narrative. However, I will diagree with you on Rick Warren. I didn’t like the hypocrisy of his prayer. Actions speak louder than words. We will move forward. Love, peace and cheers to all!
Thanks for the fine, first-hand description of your experience at today’s monumental event. But I do wish you could have resisited taking that last, cheap shot at George Bush. We are well aware of how you feel about him, and, frankly, that kind of spoiled a beautiful day for me.
I sure hope he can live up to the Hype the Left has raised about this guy. He has done nothing and said nothing. He has a long uphill battle ahead of him. 170$ million dollars to party THATS A WASTE OF TAXPAYER’S MONEY
A quick google on cost of inaugurations will show that Erik’s $170 million is a bit of glib statement. First, it’s not all being picked up by the taxpayer. Second, a lot of it is for security. When the real costs are compared it comes out that the difference between Bush’s inauguration and Obama’s is $13 million. And how many more people attended this inauguration vs Bush. So, hmm, let’s think about the $ per person on the mall and I bet you find that it’s cheaper. I guess he could have closed down Washington and told everyone to stay home, but the point is to include people not exclude. Erik, you’re clearly not listening if you think he hasn’t said anything. Let’s rejoice and enjoy the day.
Last minute restaurant recommendations for Rick Steves in DC… Pizza Paradiso in Georgetown. Best selection of Belgian beer on tap in DC. Bistro du Coin on Connecticut Avenue near Dupont Circle. Great French bistro food, and moderately priced. Best fois gras west of the Dordogne. Finally, about 50 feet away, The Russia House for the best borstch west of St. Petersburg. PS- When you visit Andy in South Bend, if you haven’t eaten at Papa Joe’s in Mishawaka yet, you might want to stop in… if it’s still open…
Thanks for the account Rick….. I spent the day on the golf course and had as enjoyable time as you did!
Sincere thanks to you, Rick, for sharing your perspective and experience about this momentous day. I was only able to catch bits and pieces at work, but my DVR is ready to take me through the whole event.
What a great ocassion. I have to be honest, I wasn’t thrilled with the choice of Warren; regardless, his prayer moved me. That was the moment it finally hit me, the magnitude of what was happening and tears flooded through closed eyes. We should all cherish this moment, and understand the task that lies ahead for all us. And oh, Louisa, you should never let the truth steal your joy…..
Thanks for your thoughts on the day, Rick. It was a wonderful occasion. I agree with you, Rick Warren’s prayer was good. Obama wasn’t my choice, but he has my support and my prayers. Finally, I have to agree with Louisa, your last sentence didn’t sit well with me either. God Bless George & Laura Bush.
I was at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, BC, during today’s inauguration. The atmosphere was unbelievable as hundreds of students gathered by one tiny television outside of a cafe to watch history in the making and change. I’m excited for the United States and the rest of the world… and sure wish that Canada could have a leader like Obama!
Normally, I avoid huge crowds, whenever possible. But being a part of the crowd at the Capitol Mall when such monumental history was being made was one for which I willingly would have suffered hardship. Thank you for your account. It was a great day for the country and for the world, and there is good reason for hope and optimism, along with great celebration.
Rick thank you for walking where I could not, yet my view of this epic day’s events was good too. How it will it turn out no one but God knows. All presidents are humans with rainbows in their eyes and warts too, like us all. They are chosen and will serve in mild springs and cold winters. Some make history and others just ride the waves. Some like nixon fall from their own ego, and others like kennedy are taken by another’s ego. How we view those president’s efforts can be debated as good or bad. But none of us knows the future, presidents included. Our hope was best put by the benediction speaker in words from (I believe) a song of past years seeking a time “…when yellow can be mello, and whites know what’s right…” It is time to dream of the best times and help by our own actions to make them so.
I found the “…white knows what right comment” very inappropriate and divisive and if I’d been Obama, I’d have turned my back on him.
all parties are expensive, like the ones the CEOs of major companies going down the drain financially, are enjoying. A new president deserves an inaugural ball, and remember, that employs a lot of people!
Rick….. you left out the part where as Bush was flying away, you all starting singing “Ding, dong the witch is dead” and frolicked around like a bunch of litle munchkins!
The CNN Facebook camera caught a grimace on President-Elect Obama’s face when Rick Warren was giving his hypocritcal prayer.
Good point Greg
No, Rick mentioned the “happy but impolite” cheer of the crowd. And I’m sure Republicans didn’t celebrate at all when Clinton left office! Bush deserves to go to prison for war crimes. He should be happy if all he gets is booed for the rest of his life.
I actually really enjoyed the closing prayer and thought the fellow did a good job. I overlooked the white comment; it was divisive and childish and harkened by to a time that does not exist any longer…so a thorn was found on the rose, but the rose held my attention and admiration. What has surprised me most often is the number of times Civil rights leaders tell people that the election of Obama is not a sign that racism is dead; that one black man lifted up is not enough; that all black people must be lifted up for racism to be dead. Frankly, that is like waiting for no more hate to exist in the world. Sorry, but that will never exist and that pipe dream needs to be forfeited for a dose of reality. Reality is that this country is one of the few in the world where hard work will yield prosperity. If we don’t work hard, we don’t deserve to be prosperous regardless of color. I think of myself as a social conservative, but I would really like to see 1) most drugs legalized, but taxed heavily by the government, 2) all annual incomes over $1 million taxed at 100% until the national debt is paid off, 3) all students given a great education with affordable college education available to all, 4) Outstanding Vo-tech schools more integrated in our high schools for those not interested in a college education, 5) a nation that is 100% energy independent, 6) a nationalized health care program that pays 100% of all catastrophic and chronic illnesses and one that promotes preventative care for all. I’ll step off my soap box for now. Oh, btw, really enjoyed the Iran show last night Rick. Thank you again for going and sharing that nation with us.
I’m with Louise and Susan on the catty Bush remark. I was stricken watching the whole thing just how crassly the crowds behaved. My thought was “no wonder Europeans think of us as “ugly Americans”. You are always preaching to us to watch our “P & Q ‘s” while in Europe. I would have hoped you would have taken the opportunity to remind that crowd as well. After all, good manners start at home.
I salute all those who braved the extreme cold and the ultra security that caused alot of headaches for many of you. I am glad you made it in. Many, even with the special tickets and passes were denied entrance due to the areas already being completely filled. The diversity of the crowds was very compelling to me as no other inauguation has had that mix of so many Amercians from so many different cultures and areas.
I read many accounts of this happy day, but I must say yours was the best. I feel as though I was there too. Thank you!
I woke up at 3:30 this morning and could not go back to sleep, went to my computer, typed in “Bush Inauguration 2001 and 2005” on YouTube.com, and there were a lot of protesters on the streets, Bush did not/could not get out of the limo to greet his fellow Americans…we were in an era of divided country, and for 8 long years!! It has been a long time coming for this new post-racial era…I feel relieved that our country is moving towards the right direction under the Obama Administration. I am optimistic that he will get things accomplished providing we ALL pitch in and help this beloved nation of ours. Thank you Steve for sharing your first hand experience.
Am I suffering a brain spasm or has Rick added something to the last sentence of this blog?
Louisa….. I think he added “This country is moving ahead”.
Thanks, Mike. Actually, I was being a bit sarcastic. Maybe our comments about Rick’s dig at George Bush suggested that he elaborate on what he really meant. Much more like the gracious Rick we know and respect.
If I recall correctly, that sentence “The country is moving ahead” was in the original post.
I don’t think the last comment was in the original blog…..Let’s get on board with our new president and do what we can to make our country better. Get along with each other.
What an amazing (truly once-in-a-lifetime) experience – and leader. I sincerely believe you’re right and that the US is moving forward. Good luck – we Canadians love your new president :)
Thanks for the eye witness reporting, Rick! I so wished I could have been there and taken my two children but I just couldn’t swing it. I may always regret it. I’m not sure why others are so offended by your last sentence. That’s a pretty tame shot at Bush if that was it was. He was a true disaster of a president, with the lowest approval ratings in history. I think people were pretty respectful for the most part as he left Washington on that chopper. He could have gotten a lot worse.
Let’s all remember that when Harry Truman left office, he was one of the most vilefied presidents ever. Yet, now, he’s everybody’s favorite–democrat and republican alike. One hears politicians described as “Trumanesque” and that’s a compliment. Perhaps we should give history some time to evaluate the presidency of George Bush. Eagerly awaiting Rick’s next post about coming home and his further thoughts on the momentous events of Jan. 20.
Surely, certainly and definitely we can take this special event as a positive and joyous time for the majority of the American people! Everyone deserves to celebrate for the moments of joy, hope and yes, CHANGE! So let the cynicism go for a change.
Getting back to the original Rick blog -we had the inauguration on at work, and as it came to the swearing in, the crowd gathered around the one tv in absolute silence as we watched this important moment in our history. Those watching included McCain and Obama supporters (and a few Hillary ones!) We were gathered together in support of our country. Both camps expressed the need to embrace the positive hope Obama brings – we are all eager to do our part to bring about the change our country needs.
This is a new year for our country and this blog. Rick’s topic was the inauguration and reactions to it. His blog rules state: Stay focused on the blog’s topic. Conversing back and forth with another individual will almost always lead you off topic. Don’t post more than two comments to a single blog entry. If you feel you must do so, first ask yourself: Am I really adding something new to the discussion? So back to the blog topic – this is the first time I actually stopped to watch an inauguration.
What was the carbon footprint of the 1.5 million people on the mall? Did they all walk from their homes around the country? I guess the Libs get to deside when it’s O.K to leave large carbon footprints? Just questions’
As one of the thousands of travel agents who tried to book rooms in D.C., starting back on the day after the Election. I thank them for their expendatures. The travel business is very slow right now. If you got the bucks, go take advantage of historically low hotel rates and ever dropping air fares. Enjoy your trip, and give thanks that you can still travel.
Good point Steve. You are right, now is a great time to travel. Hotel rates in Europe are 50% of what they were last year at this time.
This is beautiful! I was in the blue section with you, in the Steelers hat leading some songs! Wasn’t it wonderful?
I enjoyed the whole, inspiring event…..EXCEPT for the Rick Warren thing. What in the world was that ??? I squirmed like a worm on a hook and couldn’t get away. He is clearly a few chapters short of a full bible. I haven’t read any of his books and now I have no need too. Holy Mackeral!!!
Just caught the show of Rick’s tour of Iran and wanted to say thank you for such a wonderful program. I am in comnplete agreement with you, its time we break down the walls that seperate us and start learning about, and from, each other. re: the Inaugeration Blog I’m amazed that so many misunderstood Rick’s comment, “happy if impolite cheer”. By using the term “impolite” Rick is acknowledging his disapproval of the crowds reaction. Though he too may have been happy to see Bush leave he was still polite enough to be respectful. When the minister said “when white will embrace what is right” he was not making an inappropriate comment. He was actually anticipating the day white people put away racism and bigotry and chose to interact with non whites in a respectful manner. I thought it was a wonderful speech.
I’m with you, Jeff. That old black minister stole the show as far as preachers go. Truth is sometimes hard to take, but he spoke the truth with a bit of humour to help the message go down a bit easier.
I noticed you omitted the boos reported when President Bush arrived. I guess you were too busy peeing in your pants over Barack Husein Obama. The reports on the Obama speech were mixed. Certainly not in the most memorable catagory.
Yes we can … tolerate Iran, but not Rick Warren? Yes we can … save the whales, but kill the babies? Yes we can … pontificate about the First Amendment, while telling those with conservative views to shut up? There are of course exceptions, but as a general observation “liberals” are perhaps the most intolerant group in our society. America voted for “change,” and now we are going to get it. But not all change is good change. President Obama is the President, not a messiah as many friends on the left seem to believe. Government is not the answer, it is the problem. Europe is a great place to visit, but I wouldn’t want to live there. Now we won’t have a choice, as our country will begin to look more and more like those socialist democracies with the same destructive tax policies, endemic high unemployment, and soul-less post-Christian culture. Times like these call for a true leader. Where are you, Ronald Reagan? Now there was a President and a leader. Perhaps in four years the country will be ready for another change, just like we were in 1980 after four years of Carter.
Thanks for your comments, Rick. But I saw the event too, and really, all I can say is God bless George Bush. And God help our country now.
You’re right, Rick. The inauguration did give me chills. The kind you get when watching a horror movie and you know what is behind that door the unsuspecting victim is about to open. Congratulations, America, we’ve collectively opened that door.
We’ve used your tour books for years. Stick to travel and don’t get into political discussions. Just because you’ve traveled alot doesn’t mean that you have more insight than we do.
A bit of time has passed since the inauguration but it’s still fresh enough that this blog posting really brings it all back. I wish I could have been there. I thought the inauguration was very appropriate for our times and our situation. It is exciting to have a president who seems to be a man for the times…we have been very fortunate in the past to get through past crises through the great leadership of men like Lincoln and Roosevelt. Maybe President Obama will be such a leader. I expect his most valuable asset will be his decency…it is a trait we haven’t had in the White House for too long. As for George Bush, it is clear that decency was his fundametal failure. And I’ll tell you why. The one thing the Bush administration could never master was the idea of trust. Think about warrentless wiretapping: Congress and the courts are not to be trusted. Our European allies, statehouses, scientists, teachers, etc…it was an article of faith that anyone outside the administration would act only in narrowly-defined self-interest. It never occurred to Bush to trust anybody or seriously ask anyone for help, ever. Even when the incomprehensible Tony Blair stepped in as a key partner in Iraq, at great polical cost to himself, the Bush administration did not confide in him, did not help him, and never seriously consulted him. If there is anything we Americans have to come to grips with, it is this: we can’t live in a world without the goodwill and support of other nations. And when we reach out in diplomacy it has to mean something…namely we are going to have to demonstrate our willingness to sacrifice for our ideals. We will never succumb to foreign domination, but the best way to secure ourselves is to restore the trust that George Bush could never show. When people respond to President Obama the way they do, here in the U.S. and elsewhere, the reason is simply this: he understands and demonstrates the value of trust.
Hi Rick; I too, was at the inauguration. I stood in front of the Washington Monument in a sea of humanity. The energy in that crowd that day was so amazing, very positive and uplifting. As big as the crowds were, not a single person was arrested. Everyone was so civil and friendly to the person next to them. It was hard not to get caught up in the moment. I was really happy to there and to feel good about my country again.
Rick, when checking your blog responses over 10 days after the first viewing this reader came across a curious fact. Above are six responses. Five of those are quite critically negative about your inauguration thoughts and one very positive. Not exactly sure what prompted these last six, but let me suggest, my opinion only, as that is all any of us have, is these are late comers to checking your blog site. So, what does one conclude? Possibly these are busy folk, with much to do before checking their favorite blog sites? Anyway, thought it a curious ratio whatever that might mean. Any suggestions?
Ah Rick I am glad I returned as I forgot to thank you for your effort in improving relations with Iran. Their President has just agreed to talk with us if we apologize and retreat from the area. Of course we have to figure out how to deal with those pesky little Jews. Our President has named that giant of international relations, Hillary Rodham Clinton as Secretary of State to close the deal. We remember Hillary for solving the Northern Ireland problem and her contribution for Bosnia after dodging all those snipers. She was so swift in her contributions that no one remembers any role she played. Rick, you are not only a great travel writer but one of the better humorists. I will look forward to your return to Iran to plant some trees to end global warming. I do admire your supporters though. I can’t imagine writing an e-mail anywhere near 3:51AM as your pal Larry had done.
A post written at 6:51AM Eastern Standard Time would show up as 3:51AM Pacific Standard Time on Rick’s blog, I believe.
Rick, I think your political self-importance is going to hurt your company. Your clients embrace a wide spectrum of backgrounds and political beliefs. You are forgetting that to travel on your tours is not inexpensive and many of the people who can afford your tours will choose to to travel with companies who are not biased and think differently than you. Your blatant left leanings are narrow-minded and do not have a place on business. Maybe you can organize tours for people just like you. Remember, almost 50% of the population did not vote for Obama. Why don’t you continue to do what you do best….. provide interesting tours rather than try to teach/preach everyone a lesson in your politics.
Louisa, thanks for the support as your only criticism is that I did not account for the possiblilty that Larry might live on the east coast. I would still feel that 6:51AM is pretty early in the morning. Yup, the country is moving on. We have a tax cheat in charge of the IRS and another tax cheat being nominated to be a health czar. Also we don’t want to forget that our beloved Hillary, the smartest woman in the world, tried to write off Bill’s underwear and the compleat land payment, not just interest, during Whitewater. Beth, thanks for pointing out Rick’s guided tours are more expensive than the competition. You must remember though that Rick plants trees. Liberals never understand the effects of competition anyway. They would rather pass laws protecting their own turf from any competition. See unions.
I agree with those who suggest that Rick may be hurting himself and his business with his far left views. That’s his affair. I am more than willing to give our new president a chance to succeed. However, he does not walk on water, is not the Messiah and has made a few pretty bad choices in his first week as president. As for George W. Bush, please see my post about Harry Truman. And, Jim, lots of people around here on the East Coast get up at 5am because they enjoy the three-hour commute to their government jobs in DC.
I am glad you enjoy the commute. I am sure it is also a wonderful experience to deal with the weather. All that white Christmas and icicles forming those intesting designs. Don’t you also have the fun of things like black ice and other road hazards. Gee, look at what I miss. Sadly, I have to deal with the same 80 degree clear weather day after day after day where I live. One time, last year I cam close to having to turn on the heat in my condo. My place is all electric and I am thinking of asking for government aid to help with my electric bill which has increased from $28 per month to $35 per month.
The overall polls including http://www.gallup.com resulted overwhelmingly support President Obama. What he is trying to do is to unite this country, and most importantly, fixing the economy. If some of the bloggers here could not figure it out which direction the president is leading, then they are very very blind or in denial!!!
Sue, we are not in denial or blind. What we are saying is that impossibly high expectations for our new president are bound to lead to some disappointments. He is, as I said, only one human being and he is, unfortunately, having to buck the tired, wornout, out-dated, ultra liberal wing of his own party in the Congress. While we wish the president well, some of us are afraid he will be eaten alive by Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, et al. We all want a better America, but let’s not lose sight of reality.
I always think it’s a bad idea to banter around political talk in one’s business. I am new to Rick Steves and am enjoying his books on travel.
Yeah, perhaps this is a good time to stop all the cynicism even though our country is in such deep hole economically with two wars! Let’s hear from Rick talking about “happy travels” once again and keep the bloggers happy!!