DC: Day #1

As we opened the church door we were blasted with Washington DC’s 13 degree weather. Getting dressed that morning we had no idea what we were in for and we knew it from the moment our gloved hands turned the handle.

First off that day was to do an introduction explaining where we were and what we were going to be up to for the next few days. We filmed it in front of Falls Church, our home, but it was slightly unsuccessful due to the fact that when we breathed in our whole body would freeze. Walking in the bone-chilling cold to the metro station was surprisingly entertaining, since we were constantly trying to keep our self warm, but to no avail. The day started strong when we got an interview with Eugene, a metro guard/ticket master. He had been working there for twenty plus years and was happy to help us get situated.

As the morning preceded we needed a short escape form the cold and Starbucks was the prime spot. A venti latte did the trick and we were removing layers within minutes. A call with Salude’s secretary and a few scones later, it was time to face the cold again.

From there we headed to Union Station where we were greeted with the beautiful pillars and architecture of their newly remodeled building. After more establishing shots and a few short interviews, Mark and Lucy Connolly escorted us to a private room where they gave us the “down low” of the building’s history. After mine and Sophie’s “frostbite” died down, Lucy told us about the Latino ball and how J-Leno and Mark Anthony were going to be attending. Lucy gave us her business card and told us she would call on Sunday to tell us when J-Lo would be in!

After the tour ended and we got a bite to eat it was time to head to the Capital where we would get another tour. On the way Harrison was challenged to jump the blockade posts that littered the streets, and of course he could not refuse. With Sophia’s amazing camera skills we managed to catch on video, Harrison running, jumping and then eating the concrete. Eventually he got it and managed to clear a pole without anything broken.

Finally we made it to the capital, and we had thought the Union Station architecture was amazing. We couldn’t take our eyes of the gigantic dome, topped with the statue of freedom. With a private tour taking us to the inside of the dome, we were able to get an amazing perspective of the Capital.

From there we moved to my favorite part of the day: Ben’s Chili Bowl. From the moment we walked in we were immersed in the busy, community-oriented culture that had inhabited it since Obama had gone there the previous week. As the others ordered Harrison, Sophie and I started a few interviews. Our first one Sophia had set up after the woman had let us all sign her “memory journal.” During the interview she told us of how she was keeping the journal because she always wanted to remember this historic time in history. After her, we had many short “yes we can” interviews and then it was time to eat.

I had chili cheese fries with John. They were delicious, and I gave them two extra points because I loved the atmosphere of the place so much. The finale came afterwards as Sophie and Sophia stood up on chairs in the middle of the restaurant and asked everyone if on the count of three they would say “yes we can.” The chef turned off the music and when three came everyone in unison boomed Obama’s slogan. It was amazing, a moment that I’ll never forget; a reminder of how lucky we are to experience this amazing turning point. So now it is time for bed and even though today was truly wonderful, I know that tomorrow will have some wonderful surprises in store for us.