Presidential Inauguration 2013

I planned and attended The Second Inauguration of President Barack Obama just as I had four years prior in 2009. This year however the forecast predicted weather at least 20 degrees warmer in the nation's capital and crowd in the hundred-thousands instead of millions - so we opted to leave Ebby's 9am instead of 5! We gathered the crew of last year's able participants and headed down to the National Mall (most people from the city consider this act foolish and watch it from their televisions right along with the rest of the viewing world) - but alas, we again opt for the adventure, and boy did we get it.

Ebby & I in Metro at 2009 inauguration

This year we took the boys (Davaughn, London, and Garrett)  as they are teenagers and should be able to fully receive/interpret the symbolism of the moment. Well, the first contrast noticed  between this year's inaugural festivities and the priors was that the closest exit on the subway to the grounds was L'Enfant Plaza! All other stations were closed off as a crowd control measure (this was truly surprising as the crowds were said to be much smaller). Last year we exited at the Smithsonian exit and merely walked across the National Mall to our designated spot on the grass where we felt we had optimal viewing. Now, that since this discovery, we were pushed further from our destination (but only if we knew how far). The atmosphere remained was electric and the actual inauguration speeches weren't slated to begin until 10:30 or 11am, so I used the opportunity on the train as a time to teach my son and nephews a lesson on chivalry and had them offer their seats to older ladies who suspiciously took them, but obviously had never experienced such a thing on the crowded DC Metro by a young man in skinny jeans...lol

DMV - Metro Map - What a difference one stop makes!

The exit of the Metro was "interesting" (an escalator was broken, typical Metro) and an presidential impersonator was causing a stir with photo ops. We literally stood on the platform for another 20- minutes simply attempting to exit the underground station. We had to hold onto each other to stay together. It would have been beneficial at this time to have color coordinated hats like many groups opted (I held Gar closely). The view upon exiting the subway was euphoric and historic, once again!

President Obama look-alike in center

View upon exiting the Metro

But then, it was put aside as we were herded down barricaded paths in the wrong direction! We could clearly see where we wanted to go (it was directly in from of us - The National Mall grounds) The Capitol Building immediately to the right, but that it not the direction to which we were being funneled. We were being pushed to the left in the completely opposite direction!!!! We were being pushed towards the Washington Monument, closer and closer it appeared and as we looked back we could only catch a glimpse of The Capitol Building. We could not cut across due to the barricades of steel and tunnels that guided us, we were literally cattle, not even being allowed to stop and graze for fear of being trampled. People were growing angry, disgruntled, you could feel the mood shifting from one of excitement to frustration and ambivalence. We had no idea where we would be let out on The National Mall or when, if ever this endless walk would stop - it finally did after about another 45 minutes (not kidding - 45 minutes). We were able to make a left, finally! We entered The Mall, only to be bombarded with the propaganda of the day - fliers, pins, cups, pendants, even Obama condoms! They had everything. I planned on buying things for my friends back home, but I surely didnt plan on carrying things all day - so this aspect f the day ould have to wait.

We were truly far from our designated area - about twice the distance further back than 2009, we were just about to be relegated to acceptance when the crowd then again shifted, You cant be serious! It was moving again!!!We began walking now towards The Capitol Building, down through the grass of The Mall this time (crowd control) I said to myself after I few choice words to others after Garr got separated and  was unable to get his way back to me and pleading desperately with his eyes (he can be so shy at times, I have to remember he's only 13) - I could see him, but he couldn't see me- and grown behind adults through my pleads were not being moved by "friendly tones"(I guess my newly adopted Southern home was not working in my favor) - I had to take it back to my Northern origin to get my point across - all was eventually remedied and I had my Garr by my side.

Me & My Garr

Not too bad, for our pilgrimage...

Crowd Control...It took us twice as long to get out of the area and even longer to get home to due to a subway train breakdown and several other closed stations. Ultimately, the last go around, with less "crowd control" the situation moved much smoother and we got home smoother when we had to walk the highway (I-395 which they closed) to get home, it stayed open this go around. I literally considered walking it this time!

"Crowd control" ruined some of the events significance for me. I was spent by the time we carved out an area for ourselves and finally realized we had no essentials: water, chairs, blankets. We had none of that last time but we had not exerted all of our energy either. Food and drink was to my right (a mere 20-feet away), so was a toilet facilities - but I wasn't in the mood. I just needed to hear the President speak and go home. I had enough already.

"Crowd Control"  - in the form of "snipers" (just imagine the ones we couldn't see)

And then the cold hit, I didn't feel it at first...but it came. It started with my hands and I had no gloves or pockets, then my feet. It literary felt as if I didn't have on shoes or socks. I borrowed gloves from Janelle (Praise Jesus) and began moving around. I'm in it now, Lets get this thing going - at that moment it was truly decided. That although I was in my hometown, I was never to live permanently in the DMV (DC, Maryland, and Virginia) again - I need temperatures that do not dip below 50 degrees in daytime hours.

Janelle, Garr (hiding by Nell), Ebby, Davaughn, Me, and London

Ebby & I

Garr & I

And through all of that, although in my opinion, the events of the day did not capture the sense of euphoria of the first time around. When the President appeared, it was all worth while; the crowd erupted!!!

President Obama

Former President Carter

President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama (behind him) and Malia (to his right)