We Came, We Saw, He Conquered.

As most everyone has heard, we have a new president and vice president. A new era has arrived, bringing with it a changed approach to dealing with our nation's problems. And we were there to witness this monumental handover of power.

Dani and I were out of the house just after 6, and in true UVM Cross Country tradition we ran to our gate. With 4-5 layers of clothing on we arrived a bit sweaty but happy to be in line. But where was the line?! We were in a crowd of many in what appeared to be the line for our ticketed section; once they opened the gates we would be in great shape, possibly getting the best standing "seats" in the house. Well after about 45 minutes standing in this sardine can like line, a police officer informed the crowd that we were not in fact in line and needed to move.

The chaotic crowd at 6:20AM.

After plowing our way to where we needed to be, we dodged the many emergency vehicles that needed to make their way down the road. It was chaotic. Nobody, not even the police had a clue what was going on, and I wouldn't either if I was given the task to corral thousands of excited Obamamanics, including former Colts Coach Tony Dungy (who was just as confused as everyone else. It didn't help that everyone was screaming his name).

Finally, we made it into the gate and roamed around to try to find the best of both worlds; an unobstructed view of the Capitol and a view of the jumbotron. That was no easy task-- trees and people tended to get in the way. Our section may have been the furthest ticketed section away from the Capitol, but once a clear view was found, we had a great vantage point.

A view from the first of our many standing places.

The crowd behind us

Throughout the day the swarms of people would occasionally break out in chant. "Yes we can" and "Fired up, ready to go" were two campaign holdovers. Other times we could break out with an "Obama. Obama" chant, or simply turn to one another and say "we have a new president." One person we spoke to even said, "Jed Bartlett (President on the "West Wing") was my president the last eight years, but today I finally have a real president."

There was the occasional unfair jab at Bush. In my opinion, while I may not have agreed with him often, he is a man who served in toughest job in the American (if not the world) for eight years and we must thank him for his service and look forward, not boo him.

A close up of the stage.

To me the ceremony was almost anti-climatic. I mean, it just seemed like there should have been a shift in the tectonic plates or something. It was just too simple, the change in the leadership of our country was so huge. So many walls were fallen; the presidency is not a white male only club anymore; the Bush era is over, a sea of change has come; and trust in American government is restored. Yet, the earth did not tremble, just a simple oath was uttered. I guess that's why our country is so great. A change so complex, so powerful, and so meaningful can occur with one significant phrase.

Thumbs up Dani!

Following the ceremony, with smiles on our faces and a newfound sense of hope, Dani and I witnessed our President Bush make his first post-presidency flight over the vast and historic National Mall. One eagle had landed and another had taken off.

If you follow the pointed fingers you'll see Bush's helicopter.

We then made our way over to a nearby street corner to attempt to witness the parade. There was a whole side of a street barricaded, ready for a crowd of parade observers but it was not open. We waited for 2.5 hours just in case they opened it, so that perhaps, just perhaps we'd be able to see some more history. Alas, it was never opened, although it was most certainly our best shot at seeing the parade up close, as the rest of the parade route had been packed long before the Inauguration. It's ok because we still got to see some of the parade, including President Obama's limo, albeit from a far.

The parade form our vantage point. Not as good as TV, but at least we can say we were there.

It was eerie walking back up Capitol Hill. It was empty. The seats and open spaces that held 250,000 now laid empty. The security that was just hours ago tighter than a boy scout knot, was now focused on Pennsylvania Avenue. Officers literally lined the streets of the parade route, and had all but abandoned the sacred halls that create the laws that rule our great land. Things were already beginning to get back to business as usual. Another example of our seamless transition of power.

As we darted up the paths surrounding the Capitol, we walked with Abe Lincoln (well at least an impersonator) who perhaps showed up to hand over the great torch he carried through tough times to our new leader. It was symbolic of our day, and no better way to end our Inauguration, all eleven hours of it on foot.

After a much needed rest, we refreshed and went out to eat with our host Brittney and her boyfriend Rob on DC's H street. We enjoyed a delicious meal at a great Belgian joint then made our way back home to sleep, and sleep soundly.

Today we witnessed Barack Obama become president and a heavy weight fell off our shoulders. Perhaps, just perhaps, America will be reenergized and become a better people.