Americans Away From Home

Richard Melville Ballerand, a European American and, finally, once again a proud American, resident in London. I am celebrating with friends and champagne in front of our widescreen television ... an excellent speech, an imposing start ... We are flying the Stars and Stripes from our Chelsea top floor window. The President is installed, now the work begins ...

Dear Carole / I watched first class coverage of the inaugural day on C-SPAN (streaming) until 4 am on Wednesday morning Australian eastern time from my home City of Brisbane. Then was up again at 7am. The TV coverage included mobile reporters wandering among the crowds on the National Mall asking questions, showing all the Obama outfits, people in sleeping bags to shelter from the cold, giving viewers the feeling that they were also there walking around. C-SPAN provided access to vision from helicopter shots and high pre designated broadcast locations which meant great and varied pictures through their telephoto lens. And I was able to enjoy all of this from the comfort of my desk. Of course nothing could capture the feeling one would experience from attending such an historic and important event. Especially so if one happened to be an American citizen. The whole thing was fantastic. I began watching from the time The Obama vehicles were proceeding to St John's Church (a private service) before emerging an hour later to head to the White House for coffee with the Bushes prior to departing for the Capitol. Watched all the VIP's and dignitaries as they walked through the Capitol and waited, even noticed Jimmy Carter intentionally snub the Clintons, (remarked on later in the press) to eventually reappear in the open air of the Western elevation facing down the National Mall from the VIP seating area surrounding the inaugural podium. I loved the shot of Barack's youngest daughter Sasha giving him the thumbs up with a big grin after he finished his address. I nearly collapsed with laughter. Sasha was the one who in referring to his upcoming speech the previous day had reportedly said, "It had better be good, Dad". I stayed up long enough to see Barack and Michelle leave their car twice ( they must have been glad to stretch their legs after sitting in the car which travelled ever so slowly for the benefit of the crowds) prior to arriving at the White House reviewing dais. I felt sorry for both of them when on top of everything else they then had to review an overlong yet enthusiastic parade before facing the marathon evening of attending 10 balls. Obviously I have forgotten what it is like to physically feel like someone in their prime of life. I read where Barack was at his desk by 8.30 am ready to work the next morning. All in all it was a wonderful thing to see. / Best Wishes from Australia / John Hay / www.tellingthoughts.com