6 p.m.: It’s like all of America is converging on Washington D.C. While in the Metro from the airport to a family friend’s apartment, I’ve talked to six or seven people who are all from different states: Alabama, New York, Texas, Wisconsin, Idaho, California. All the locals are really nice too. One lady asks me which station I’m going to and gives me directions. Funny thing is, I didn’t ask or look confused. I wonder how she knew I was a tourist. Later I realize my dad is wearing a cowboy hat.

12 p.m.: I’m on the slope of a hill directly in front of the Washington Monument. The concert on the mall is a huge mass of energy. People are crowded between the Lincoln and Washington monuments to watch the celebratory concert. As it starts, I can barely see the huge screen behind all the heads. It’s cold, and since we’re in the middle of a field, the sound from the speakers isn’t very good either. Sounds bad, right? But I’m having a really good time. I’ve realized that being here is not necessarily about going to the specific inauguration or having a ticket; it’s about being part of all the energy.

9 a.m.: The line to get into the yellow section, where our seats are, was long, even though we got there at 6:30 a.m. The hour and a half in line was freezing, or maybe I’m just a wimp to East Coast weather. Once the music started though, and the San Francisco boys and girls choir started to sing, it all went away. Just sitting in the crowd and looking up at the podium as our new president was sworn in was worth it all.

11 a.m.: I was surprised at how partisan it was. I naively expected the atmosphere to be subdued and respectful, but the crowd cheered loudly for certain senators, was quiet for others, chanted “O-BA-MA” and even started singing “Na na na na/na na na na/hey hey hey/goodbye,” when former president George W. Bush appeared.

2 p.m.: The Metro back to our friend’s apartment was crammed. Everyone was sitting or standing as close together as possible—sardines in a can doesn’t even begin to describe it. But the mood was cheerful, happy and even excited. I think most people, myself included, were just basking in the vivacity of the city and the historic event that we were all part of. People were looking out for one another. When a man pushed someone else and cussed at him, I heard a lady yell, “Hey! Mr. Obama would not like that attitude!” Amen, sister, amen.