A crowd of over 2 million people

20.1.2009

 

Nice and early morning this morning. A group of us were going together, but with the few bathrooms available, some of us knew to get up even earlier so that we did get a shower - and a hot shower. So time we were up?? 4.15am! Ouch! Headed off into the night air at 5.30am, down towards the train station, just to check how busy it might be. It was pretty packed, but there was room for us, so in we hopped. That was just the start of the "packed".

 

Took hours to get into The Mall, so many people, and such poor crowd control and help from the officials and volunteers. Eventually we were in, sort of. Couldn't see the roof of the Capitol even, but wow, we were in a crowd of over 2 million people and so much closer than so many others could only dream to be.. Such an extraordinary experience. I really can't describe it. Photos do their best. The happiness of the people, amazing. I was just so lucky to take a photo that I did - the hug of a couple at the point the oath was completed. Sheer elation. It was a long day, not too cold, but tiring and ever so exciting. Rewarding.

 

Returned to the hostel and boy did we all crash and burn on the couch in front of the tv to watch the parade and talk about our amazing experience. Those that had stayed in just laughed at us!! Sascha the hostel owner bought us all pizza for dinner, what a champ! Not a late night for anyone, again. Absolutely knackered!