OBAMANIA!!!

As everyone of you no matter where in the world watched the inauguration of the United States 44th President, a sense of hope, renewal, pride and oneness has over come this city and nation. As the Inaugural Balls unfold as I speak, I feel blessed to not have ticket for one of these events since I have been out in the largest and most joyful crowd I have ever witnessed for almost 10 hours. And I am exhausted but feel blessed.

And this is despite one of the most disappointing 4 hours I have ever had. Ironic that Pranvera, my Kosovar wife, has close personal connections with a US Congressman who gave us 2 tickets to witness today, up close. This was not to be. Not only was Pranvera in Kosovo watching the ceremony from a better vantage point than we had, we waited patiently to inch our way for 4 hours only to get up to the gate where they had collapsed multiple lines together and thousands of us ticket holders were locked outside of seeing or hearing anything. And sad enough were the tens of tens of unused security machines that the secret service were not letting people access. Sven (friend from Kosovo) and I finally gave up and could only feel that much worse all the people who not only waited several hours the day before to pick up their tickets but after countless hours of travel or flights, only to be turned away a stone throws away.

Somehow, we were able to break off from the main crowd to slide laterally and eventually get within site and sound of the Capital. To hear the powerful worlds from our new Commander in Chief along with the rest of the speakers. And here the power of millions of other people in celebration of what we have done today electing the first black American President came to light. But lasting for such a short time to leave mass confusion and many closed off exits which herded everyone through one gate and out one tunnel to finally not be nose to back for the first time in 6 hours. I would have called it a day here if not for the invitation I had to a private parade party on the 6th floor of a building directly on the parade route. And with no line or security check to fight, I was able to slide on in and enjoy plenty of food and drink with my college friend Carolyn and boyfriend Matt. And as you can see we were able to enjoy 'up close' the President and First Lady as they emerged from their car.

All and all, a day in DC, and a new dawning for America...World, we're back:-)