The Journey Begins

waiting for the inauguration to start, all bundled up!




the crowded metro




looking towards the capital


The aerial view of the crowd


aerial view of the crowd for the concert






Turned around looking towards the Lincoln

my favorite performance!


On my way to studying abroad I had the amazing opportunity to attend the 56th Presidential Inauguration of Barack Obama in Washington D.C. I went with a group from school and we all met in D.C. on Saturday January, 17th. Even flying to D.C. I could tell in the airports how so many people were on their way to D.C. with the goal of seeing the inauguration. When I got to D.C. there were people everywhere! It was just full of energy and people that were excited for the weekends events. We stayed in a hotel that was right by a metro stop so we were able to explore the city over the weekend. I learned how to use the metro and it was actually really easy to get around.
On Sunday we went to the "We are one" concert. I have never been so blown away by a musical concert. It was way better than I expected. Beyonce, Will.I.Am, John Legend, U2, Usher, Shakira and a ton of other famous artists were there and performed or introduced performers. President elect Obama and V.P. Joe Biden gave speeches. It was like a preview of the inauguration and it was all really good. The concert was at the Lincoln Memorial and it was really packed but we had pretty good spots for it so that was awesome. The theme was we are one and I loved it, it was all about loving and caring for eachother as one humanity.

Throughout the weekend we got to explore D.C. and I realized that even though it was really cold I really like D.C. I was blown away by the fact that there are so many important things going on in one city! The buildings were beautiful and the city had a real energy to it. Seeing all the supporters of the inauguration was really exciting too because people were so friendly and excited it was like a contagious feeling.
On the big day we got up and left the hotel at 6. We took the metro as far as we could and then got out and walked to the national mall. I have never seen so many people in one place in my life and it was incredible. The metro went smoothly and then we managed to navigate our way into the mall. By 7 we were planted in our spots and waited it out until the inauguration started. It was soo cold, I had become accustomed to dressing in layers and wearing multiple heating pads to get me through. The place got packed. I couldn't see how far back the crowd went but the aerial views kind of blew me away. As the ceremony started I began to think less of how cold I was and became more excited about the event happening. I couldn't believe that it was really there. I was witnessing history and it was happening right before our eyes. Rick Warren started it off with a nice prayer and Aretha Franklin did an awesome rendition of my country tis of thee. I kept getting chills and goose bumps throughout the whole thing especially during the Presidents speech. He is such an amazing speaker and it was incredible how the entire mall was almost dead silent while he was talking with cheers going up when he said inspiring and powerful statements. I loved his speech. I honestly think it was one of the best speeches Ive ever heard in my life. I don't know if its because he is such a powerful and good speaker, because I liked what he said, or because it was so historical. I think its a mix of all three. Our spots were pretty good actually considering we didn't have the actual tickets, we were able to watch the first or second jumbo tron and I could see the capital too. It was awesome seeing all the people and just really feeling connected to so many people as we witnessed the historical event.
I loved the speech, especially the motivational parts and the parts that were blunt about the situation at hand. My favorite is that he spoke about our relationship with other countries and the need to have peaceful relations and just relations with others. Now it's time for us all to do our part as Americans to make our country a better place and as a country to respect others. We all have to realize that change isn't going to happen quickly or easily. It will be a process and will take time and effort.
D.C. this weekend was an amazing experience. Seeing the pentagon , and witnessing a session in the U.S. house were also highlights of the weekend. The energy was contagious and was just moving through the people it seemed. We randomly met so many nice and friendly people and I was really inspired by the whole thing.
The inauguration and the events around it really inspired me and was a really positive experience. I loved looking at how the world viewed the inauguration too. I think its so awesome that so much of the world is looking at this and appreciating it too. I am really excited to go abroad and see what peoples reactions to it are too.

Now that I left D.C. I'm looking forward to going back someday and exploring more. Its such an intriguing city!

For now, its Charlotte, NC and hanging out with my sister for a week of fun!

I attached a bunch of pictures that my friends took or aerial views from the news that are awesome and my videos from the inauguration.