Day 2 - We Are One Concert

We awoke this morning to plans for brunch in Dupont Circle. This required a METRO ride. We were pleasantly surprised, as the crowds have not yet amassed. We arrive in Dupont Circle and sit down to lunch. Between the seven people at our brunch table, there are two with apartments in the DC area - they each have between 4 and 8 guests staying with them the night before the inauguration. Bless them. They noted that the cafe was notably empty - signs of locals running for cover?

Our walk post-lunch takes us past Dupont Circle and Filene's Basement where both Bobby and Meagan stock up on gloves - the ear muff rack has been completely desecrated by the time we arrive. About twenty minutes later, we are all needing a post-coffee/tea pit stop. Conveniently our friend John granted us access to his office on the way. With our various and assundry layered clothing ensembles (Bobby has an honest to god union jack suit on), this stop takes approximately 15 minutes. The crowds are looking healthy as we emerge and head down to the Lincoln Memorial.



While there were lots of good feelings, there was also some scolding as people tried to cut one another in the lines to get through the security tents and into the concert area. Various techniques from Boo-ing the trespassers, to body barricading, to point blank yelling "PEOPLE, THERE IS A LINE HERE AND WE ARE ALL IN IT" (thank you MR. Australian man with the cohones for standing up to the mutiny) were employed. Much praise to the valient volunteers in the red ski caps who tried to keep order while the military patrols and police officers stood behind the barricades and away from the masses.



P.S. No bags or backpacks allowed, and open your coats wide for the officers at the table.





This is pretty much why I decided to come here. The energy was amazing as Obama and Michelle descended the stairs of the Lincoln Memorial.




Mary J. Blige sings "Lean On Me"



After John Mellencamp and the massive chior, we bolt for the nearest Metro to make it home in time for dinner in Takoma Park, just about our only quality family trip while we are on this crazy trip.