4 MORE YEARS

Monday 21st January 2013 - An interesting day spent with 800,000 others (or 500,000 depending on source) watching the Inauguration of President Obama for another 4 years.

We went in by Metro rail from the Pentagon – OK going, but a touch more crowded coming back – think football crowds x 10.  Same souvenir sellers the world over – tacky Obama t-shirts, badges, hats, scarves, etc.  Same queues for rubbish food and drink and same smelly portaloos – the joys of a big event.  But a few dinner party points to say “we were there”.



This line up of Obama supporters welcomed us on to the Mall – bit like our Olympic volunteers – and then others came around giving out flags – so we got our very own to wave at appropriate moments – each time Obama, Michelle or a Clinton appeared.   And got to boo a few token Republicans, not many of them in the crowd!

Lots of black Americans with “Amens” and “Praise the Lords”, but all very friendly and out for a celebration - their equivalent to our Royal occasions.  The same but different.

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As you can see, we were halfway down the Mall – Capitol piccie is on zoom!  you had to pay to be up front – see previous posts for genuine close ups.  But had a big screen nearby to catch the speeches and VIPs (and younger daughter giving a big yawn during her Dad’s speech!) plus Beyonce lip-syncing the Anthem - pathetic! 

Good Inauguration speech, if a little predictable and safe,  and hope he gets to make some of the changes he wanted to do over the last 4 years.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!