Obama!

After an hour of discussing our travel plans (now 2 a.m.) we came to the conclusion that we would rest for an hour then leave for D.C. When we got there we could already see massive amounts of people already on and waiting for the metro. Instead of waiting, we decided to catch the opposite train and get on at the beginning. It was amazing to watch the people crowd around each other, no one complain the other was too close or in their space. Old and young, black and white, all stood together and waited.

On the train a young woman almost passed out from being too hot. She had put on seven layers of clothing to prepare for the cold hours ahead and since we were stuck on a train with tons of people, she began to overheat. Her ears turned bright red and she became weak. The people around her, including myself became concerned. We assisted her in taking off a few layers; another passenger offered her some water; a poncho still in the package was used to help fan her. There was genuine concern from all those who were aware of the situation. After the extremely long train ride, we went toward the capitol in search of the area in which we were to set up. When Obama came out, every flag was in the air and the chant “Obama” came out of mouths for miles. The energy was off the meter, and the entire experience was unforgettable. There is no way to explain the emotion of being there and witnessing history. For me, I felt as if I was stepping into a new hope and Obama is my guide.

Taste of Philly

This morning we were exhausted from the plane ride and the shopping from the previous day so we decided to sleep in a rest before the inauguration. After breakfast and a quick nap, we went to visit Columbus University then head over to 106 and Park. The university was huge and had Greek philosophers and the buildings had a Greek and roman theme.

After the university we grabbed a bite to eat at this little sandwich shop, then headed over to 106 & Park. Once we were in, we were surprised to find that the studio is rather small, however the energy was enormous! During commercials people were selected to get on stage and dance, they played east coast music. I met an artist and unfortunately forgot his name, however I did manage to get a picture with him. He was amazingly talented and even had Obama sign his portrait. Once 106 &Park was over we took a very long car ride to Philly. Upon arrival we checked in, and went to get a Philly cheese steak sandwich from Gino’s, then went back to our hotel to discuss the next day - Inauguration Day!

Snowball fight

The day before we left was hectic. I couldn’t find my passport and still had to finish packing. Fortunately, I was able to use my other source of identification. My grandparents and parents congratulated me and let me know how proud they are. I slept both flights here, including the two hour layover. I have learned from last weekend that at some point sleep is necessary.

Once we got here we had to wait for our rental car and then we had to wait for our room. However, through it all, everything was worth it. After we ate at Pick-A-Bagel and got into our rooms, we headed over to Macyʼs. Suddenly, it began to snow! It was beautiful. The snow started gathering and on our way to eat dinner we had a small snowball fight. It was not as cold as we had anticipated, which was a relief. The snow changed the entire scene and made the cold and the long trip all worth the while.

Knots in my stomach

This past week has been very busy with interviews and training, not to mention last minute surprises. We leave tomorrow night at 12:30 a.m. and I still need to go shopping for some last minute items to keep warm. The excitement is building and knots are forming in my stomach. I only have one day left and a million things to do.

Today was CRAZY!

All of the excitement was overwhelming. This is one of those things where there are no words to describe the kind of feelings that are being experienced. Imagine your mind becoming more open and realizing there is so much more to the world as well as life then what you could ever imagine. Today I got the news that we will be flying out tomorrow morning to go to Washington D.C., to attend the dress rehearsal for the Presidential Inauguration, an honor that many will never have the privilege of receiving.

Several days ago, hearing my Vice Principal tell us that we have a great possibility to go to D.C. on Saturday and even have a chance at being there with the press during the inauguration brought tears to my eyes. I sat and looked at the other young ladies who will take this journey through history with me and felt something unexplainable. After we got the news we all went outside to scream, cry, hug one another and call our loved ones. We cried together, laughed together, and at that moment I knew that we were building on a friendship that will last a lifetime.