Inauguration Day

We decided to leave our hotel in Philadelphia early with new plans. We would make a 2 hour drive to Alexandria, Va., and then get on the metro to D.C. Trying to get on the train was the only problem. With camera bags and tripods to carry we were squished to the max, but ignored the situation by reminding ourselves of the cause and humming along to old Negro spirituals with other passengers. After arriving, we followed marchers to the mall only to find out it was full, despite having tickets. So we moved to another spot for people with tickets (right behind the mall) and set up our cameras. Some people were amazed to see four young girls taping and interviewing, while others didn’t take us seriously.

In the end, with frozen fingers and toes, we accomplished what we were determined to do. I can truly say this was a once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget. I’m thankful for the opportunity and encourage anyone else with an idea, no matter how big it may be, to do it because as evidenced by our journey, nothing is impossible!

Big city, bright lights

After a tedious five hour flight, we finally arrived in New York City. We were impressed by the big city, bright lights and despite jet lag we set out to explore. The prices of simple things, such as valet parking at our hotel and a ham sandwhich at a local deli were suprising compared to the California prices we are used to.

Through conversations with locals we learned that even a lot of people from New York will be traveling to D.C. for the inauguration. To end our day, we visited Madison Square Garden, the multilevel Macy’s, and showed off our youthly side by playing in the snow.

A blessing from above

Just when I thought things couldn’t get any better, I get news that not only will we be attending the inauguration, but there’s a chance we’ll actually be part of the 240,000 with tickets! Being pulled out of class to learn that people still have hearts and that Knights Armor, a student store run by Ms. Woodall and Ms. Karstetter, helped to get our group to Washington D.C. is still a shocker to me. So now, besides our normally planned trip, we will be leaving for D.C. this Saturday for the inauguration rehearsal service scheduled for 6:00 a.m. Sunday morning and coming back that same day. Details are very limited to us all, and yes, it’s short notice but accommodations have been made and everything has fallen into place. The thoughts running through my head are truly indescribable but despite it all I am nothing less than thankful to be in this position that others would die for. Back to my packing for now and thanks Josh, for giving me the time off of work tomorrow!

I’m Going To New York!

Mixed emotions . . . short notice trip, but I would never turn something like this down. It was an opportunity decided by our Cultural Diversity Club at school to head to New York, D.C. and Philadelphia to witness the Presidential Inauguration. If that’s not a once in a lifetime experience, what is? Now I just have to find a way to get over my fear of flying, but besides that my only other worry is the expenses . . . my next few checks, combined with school fundraising funds, will be going toward the cost of hotels, food and transportation. Let’s just hope things go as planned - updates soon.