The DC Traveler

There’s so much hullabaloo and disaster mongering going on about the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama. The list of potential things that “might” happen is getting longer by the day. 
If half a million people show up, the infrastructure should be okay, except for major issues such as transportation and dining near the mall.  But if a couple million people converge on the Mall, the infrastructure, along with the food service industries will be pushed to their limits.
So here’s a few of the potential “disasters” that might occur due to massive crowds attending the inauguration celebration, and my estimation of …read more

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The U.S. Capitol Police just posted the list of items that can not be brought to the inauguration in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2009.  These items seem to apply only if you have reserved tickets, inside the security perimeter.  The DC Traveler is attempting to get clarification from the Capitol Police.
If you are not inside the security perimeter, these rules will most likely not apply.
Note that strollers and chairs are on the list, so ATTENTION PARENTS with small children and people who may need to sit during the long wait.
Prohibited items at President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration …read more

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If you have a hundred grand (or four) to spend on a hotel package to attend President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration in Washington, DC, here’s a few of the “Fat Cat” Presidential suite packages and some of the highlights of what’s included.
One might make the perfect last minute stocking suffer.

The most expensive inauguration package I found was the Omni Shoreham Hotel’s staggering $440,000 Commander-in-Chief package. Located near the near the National Zoo, it includes a $44,000 jewelry shopping extravaganza, and a private in-room dinner with a performance by well-known political satirist, Mark Russell.  Get to and from Washington, DC on …read more

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District of Columbia city officials, Metro officials, and the national news media are all changing their estimates as to the number of people who are expected to attend President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration on January 20th, in Washington, DC.
I’ve seem estimates ranging from about a million to over 5 million.
So what do you think?  Take the latest poll and tell us…
How many people will attend the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama in Washington, DC on January 20, 2009?

Less than 500,000
500,000 to 1 million
1 to 2 million
2 to 3 million
3 to 4 million
4 to 5 million
over 5 million

For some …read more

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Initially, Washington, DC’s Metro system announced that on January 20, 2009, Inauguration Day, it would charge riders the lower, off-peak fares all day long. 
It seems like the initial thought was that since Inauguration Day is a work holiday for Federal workers in DC, and parts of Virginia and Maryland, Metro would charge the lower off-peak fare.
But I suspect Metro financial troubles has caused Metro officials to rethink (and I believe correctly), to charge peak rates all day on Inauguration Day.   The higher fares are based on a high price it will cost to keep Metro running with lots …read more

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Here’s a quick update to a the local party-related issue that’s been big local news around the upcoming inauguration in Washington, DC (and the most recent poll on The DC Traveler).
A little over a week ago, I posted a new poll on the The DC Traveler, regarding if people thought that the city should allow bars and restaurants to remain open until 5:00 a.m. during inauguration week.
The votes so far…

23% – No, it’s a horrible idea.
27% – Yes, let people party longer.
50% – If people can’t get drunk by 2:00 a.m., another 3 hours won’t help them.

Sounds like a resounding…NO!!  …read more

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Here’s the second part of the listings of official and unofficial Inaugural Balls in Washington, DC, that will be celebrating the inauguration of the 44th President of the United State, Barak Obama.
Here’s the list for January 20, 2009 Inaugural Balls, the first list of inaugural balls, (on January 19), was posted on The DC Traveler, yesterday. Click here to link to the other post.
Again, the availability of tickets may change daily.  Even if inaugural balls are sold out, waiting list or returned tickets may be available.

American Indian Inaugural Ball    Hyatt Regency Crystal City 2799 …read more

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There are at least 8 official inaugural balls and 13 unofficial Inaugural Balls in Washington, DC celebrating the inauguration of President-elect Barak Obama as the 44th President of the United States.
So many, that I am splitting up the information I have been able to find into two post, one for January 19, 2009 Inaugural Balls, the second (tomorrow) for Inaugural Balls on January 20th.
Ticket availability changes by the day.  Some ball tickets will be available online from the inaugural ball committee.  Other inaugural balls are sold out, but check the ball sites as they may have a waiting …read more

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It time for a new poll on The DC Traveler, but let’s recap the last poll. First, the last poll asked…
Will  you be attending the Inauguration on January 20th in Washington DC?
Here’s the results:

Yes, wouldn’t miss it!! – 32%
No,  I’ll watch it on TV. – 32%
Planning on it, but still working on details – 18%
I’m going to Disneyland, no crowds that day – 18%

So it looks like a good number of people who voted (50%), have plans to attend President-elect Obama’s Inauguration on January 20, 2009.
And here’s the new poll…. and in
Should Washington, DC officials allow restaurants, bars and night …read more

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Historically, the inauguration of a new President includes many events seeped in tradition.  On January 20th, 2009, the list of inaugural events include:

Morning Worship Service, a tradition started in 1933 by Franklin D. Roosevelt
Motorcade Procession to the Capitol, where President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush will accompany the President-elect Barack Obama and his wife and Michelle to the Capitol for the swearing-in ceremony.
The Vice President’s Swearing-In Ceremony happens before the President is sworn into office on the steps of the US Capitol.
The new President’s Swearing-In Ceremony follows and has occurred 54 times, for 43 presidents, in 10 …read more

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