WASHINGTON — There are only a few things I'd get up early for, the Barney's Sale, a champagne brunch, and The President of the United States.
I left for the Inguration at 6 a.m. knowing gates would open at 7 a.m. My family was gracious enough to drop me off at a strategic access point putting me close to the gates. I was in good spirits until I turned the corner and saw a long line full of anxious attendees. All right, I guess even waiting in this Nile-long line is part of the experience so I queued up.
To my delight, the chaos from the line snaked around back to the beginning and at 7, they just let anyone funnel in regardless of what line they were in! I felt a little guilty getting through at the same time as others who had been lined up since before dawn, but not too guilty.
After passing through three checkpoints I passed through a thorough security scan and finally made my way into the viewing area. Designated "orange" for the day, my ticket also gets me to a closer spot along the parade route. I'm hoping to catch a closer glimpse of the President and the First Lady.
All around me, people seem to be in great spirits despite the cold and I am hoping they stay up as we all have to wait together for the next 3 1/2 hours until the ceremony starts.
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Maria Figueroa
