so when i watched the acceptance speech by Obama in Chicago and saw the million or so people in the park, i thought to myself "there are going to be some great parties after that" and kicked myself a little, since Chicago's an easy drive, i got peeps there to crash, and why the hell am i not there to play with my fellow Americans when they are all in such a good mood?!? made a mental note, a deal with myself, and, when he won, got a ride through Craigslist (which is an amazing story all unto itself) and went forth. transportation the day of was a mess, so we headed from Baltimore with a stocked backpacks the day before and miraculously caught the calm before the storm. no lines, no security craziness, normal crowds, easy walking. right up to the steps of the White house. and bonus- surprisingly enough, the outdoor ice scating rink in the square (where in a few hours there would be millions of folks) was open for the last night before closing for the next few days due to the inauguration masses. so of course we skated.