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I've started this thread as a general one for people who have been to inaugurals before (or 4th of July or other large celebrations on the Mall) and wanted to pass along some advice to folks coming to visit. A few things I could think of to add would include:
* It's going to be cold. Even if it isn't cold, spending hour after hour in lines or in crowds is going to be cold. That wet damp cold that really gets under your skin. Long underwear is great, as our layers outside (so you can add or subtract if needed).
* Once the parade starts, the city is 'cut in two'--there is no going from one side of Pennsylvania Avenue to the other in the middle of the parade, short of looping around the White House or the Capitol (a hike of over a mile and a half). If you are meeting someone or want to go to see someone on one side or the other, plan on getting there early.
* It's very very difficult to get a taxi the day of the Inaugural or more importantly, that night as many of the cabs in town are pressed into service delivering people to the different 'Balls' around town.
* Sometimes the nearest Metro station to where you are is not the best option. Walking to a station a few blocks further from the Mall may allow you to get on the train before others and have less of a line than the ones nearest the Mall.
* Enjoy yourselves. I've been to three and had fun even at the ones for the guy I didn't vote for.
Last edited by PenguinSix; 01-12-2009 at 08:06 PM..
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