There's a famous country song "I'm Proud to Be an American" and I live by this sentiment. At every sporting event, I still get teary eyed when the large American flag is raised and some singer belts out the national anthem. In all my travels, I've found nowhere else I'd rather live. Tomorrow Barack Obama will officially be sworn in for his second term but the pomp and circumstance for the public will occur on Monday, the official Inauguration Day. The city is fully decorated, waiting for the mass crowds to arrive.

1. It will be impossible to get near the Capitol on Monday, so I ventured into the city today on a very sunny afternoon to check  it out. Already there are huge fences blocking off access as all of the stadium stands and private seats are laid out on the grounds. Mostly VIPs and celebrities will be sitting here, with a prime viewing spot for all the festivities. You can only shoot from a distance. 



2. Many people wandering around, taking photos and viewing the decorations. Real sense of patriotism. Wayne's World, Wayne's World. Party time, excellent. Great hat! :) Very cute and nice couple.


 
3. Animated and smiley youth.



4. Mad scientist walking toward Capitol. Reminds me of Doc from Back to the Future. Strange thing on his head. What is it?


 
5. Oh, but his dog so cute! And patriotic, wearing military badges.



6.  More dogs! Everyone in great cheer. This little boy so funny and very excited to pet the dog.



7.  Tomorrow his football team, the New England Patriots, play for the national championship and a Super Bowl spot.



8. These pedicabs everywhere! This driver lazy. Usually they're like street actors, trying to get people into the seat. Almost all drivers are foreign.



9. Souvenirs. The official Inauguration festivities coincide with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday. Very fitting that America's first black President will be ushered into his second term on the day one of America's bravest civil rights leaders also is celebrated. And when will America elect its first female President? I hope during my lifetime.



On Monday, I'll view the Inaugural parade from a suite at a posh DC hotel that my work rented for our top clients. I'm not expecting to see much with the mass crowds but if anything interesting happens I'll be sure to write another post.