The Metro was a mess. Erin had to wait in line to get passes, only to hear that 4 or 5 trains had already passed through the station, not stopping and not letting anyone on. We bailed on the trains. Because EVERYTHING was happening in DC that day (the rally, Howard U's homecoming, Halloween, preparations for Sunday's Marine Corp Marathon, Battle of the Bands, and road works), a majority of the streets in DC were closed. We decided to chance it and drive as far as we could and then walk to the Mall. We got to 9th & H Streets, NW. We went over to 7th, and walked down. As did several thousands of others.
We were near the National Gallery of Art and no where near the stage. I don't think that Stewart & Colbert expected *that* many people to come, so there were only a few jumbotrons and sound systems.
We were packed quite tightly in place for 4 hours. The signs were the best to see. Mike, being 6'3", was able to at least see the screen and let us know who was on stage and the ridiculous matching flag sweaters that Stewart & Colbert appeared in.
But, for the most part, we stood, semi-hearing to the songs and speeches. Brock's favorite: Ozzy guest appearance. As a drummer, Brock can appreciate the nuances of "Crazy Train" much better than we non-drummers.
We were amazed at the people climbing trees and light posts and traffic lights. The politeness of the crowd was also quite surprising. When chants of "Louder, Louder, Louder" or "Please put down the yellow sign", the sound system got louder and the sign was put down.
Leaving, it was just as amazing to see the throngs of people walking back up into Chinatown. We wondered looking for a place for adult beverages and a bathroom, only to give up after walking around for 45 minutes unsuccessful. We had a slick ticket swap, preventing a $25 parking fine, and a nice snack of almonds and cola.
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