My train trip to Obama's presidential inauguration!
Last Monday, my friend, Jane Heller and I, boarded a train to Washington DC for the presidential inauguration and to take part in some of the festivities. We actually booked tickets on the Acela, Amtrak’s sleek train that runs between Boston, Massachusetts and Washington DC, traveling at speeds up to 150 miles per hour. We departed Pennsylvania Station in New York City at 4:00 PM and arrived at Union Station in Washington at 6:54 PM. The cost of a round-trip first class ticket was under $600.00 compared to $1,100.00 for a first class plane ticket. The Acela got us to Washington in less than three hours. This is actually good time if you consider how long it takes to travel to the airport by car and any flight delays that one may encounter. The train ride was smooth and comfortable and quite enjoyable.
Our first stop was the Phillips Collection, a museum full of extraordinary art and exhibitions. We were there to attend a dinner hosted by the iconic American chef and writer, Alice Waters. This was one of a series of inaugural dinners Alice put together along with other great chefs, to raise money for Washington's soup kitchens and farmers’ markets.
After that delicious and memorable meal, Jane and I made our way through heavy traffic to attend the Pre-Inaugural Ball hosted by the Huffington Post at the Newseum. This incredible building is a museum of news history, from five centuries ago to modern instant technology. The theme of this ball was a “countdown to a new day,†with a direct focus on community service. There were several kiosks where guests were encouraged visit and make a personal commitment. Around 11:30 PM the entertainment began, with very moving performances by Sting, Sheryl Crow, and Will-I-am. Just a little fun after meetings and putting in a full day at the television studio!
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Thank you for this post. I enjoyed seeing another perspective of this historic event. I think that particular branch of Bank of America is one of the most beautiful in the country. Did you have a chance to see the banking hall at the Penn. Ave. entrance? The ceiling is stunning.
Posted by: Wayne M | January 22nd, 2009 at 2:48 am
What a wonderful account of the trip for homebodies like me!
I've lived in the same small town all my life and I just can't handle crowds like that - thanks for being there for me!
Posted by: TheCottonWife | January 22nd, 2009 at 3:51 am
How wonderful! Thanks so much for sharing this visit to Washington, DC. We live in NJ and I think I'll take the train next time we go!! I used to work on Capitol Hill and it is always exciting to see events in our nation's capitol. LOVE your blog Martha, and you always look fresh and stylish despite your busy schedule. Thanks again for sharing your very interesting activities!
xo
Posted by: Susan Raisch | January 22nd, 2009 at 3:58 am
The feeling of unity while watching President Obama during his oath was palpable, even here in Canada! My 3 year old and I were having lunch at our local pizzeria and the tv's were showing the inauguration. What a precious moment I had holding my son while President Obama was taking his oath. I wish him all the best in these very difficult days to come.
Looks like you had a blast, Martha! Great choice in transportation.
Posted by: Julie | January 22nd, 2009 at 4:40 am
Dear Martha,
You are the luckiest girl in the world! I had some friends over for a luncheon to watch the inauguration, but I would have loved to have witnessed it in person.
There is something very civilized about swanky train travel. My husband accidentally booked first class tickets on the Euro Train from London to Paris! I now know what I've been missing all these years.
Thanks,
Linda
Posted by: Linda Crispell | January 22nd, 2009 at 4:41 am
Martha,
Thanks for taking us along. I always enjoy and appreciate your take on what you see.
A simple hope, food kitchens and farmers markets will not need large charity balls and dinners to keep them healthy. Here's to the next inauguration when Alice Waters can host a function for her splendid school lunch programs.
Posted by: Margie | January 22nd, 2009 at 5:03 am
I love this up close and personal photo album of your trip, I feel like I was in Washington. Thank you for this, I love that you even took a picture of your ticket stub!
Posted by: Maria Killam | January 22nd, 2009 at 5:29 am
Your photes are awsome, our local high school marching band was in the parade. Sanford Maine.
It is amazing that a small town like this raised the money to go to Washington DC.
AWSOME DAY FOR EVERYONE.
Posted by: dolly | January 22nd, 2009 at 5:35 am
thank you for all the great photos Martha, it must have been electric being there and being a part of it. It was watching it from home on the other side of the country. Thanks for sharing. come visit my cake I made for the big day using the Shepard Fairey image and creating it out of royal icing. http://realnobodyslikeus.typepad.com/
Posted by: claudine | January 22nd, 2009 at 6:20 am
I think it would be great fun to go on a train some day. It's on my list of things to do!
I enjoyed the events as well, though it was from my English classroom and home living room
I thought the Obama girls looked so cute in the coats with big ribbons tied around them.
It's going to be a good year!
Posted by: Kari | January 22nd, 2009 at 6:27 am
Honest to goodness Martha, you get some great and unusual shots and one is the platform for the sharpshooters! We could see them up there on our TV screens and here you come all the way from New York to give us an aerial view of what they stood on. I love it! Thanks for the train ride, (a very nice train btw), and the trip through the barricades and streets of Washington including your snaps of so many elated people. Not to be remiss, thanks also for not leaving out the portable potties. No kidding, with that many people I really was wondering just how many were made available. (Yeah, I know – weirdo!)
Now wait a minute – are you telling me your nerve stops when you spot Robert DeNiro? Tsk, tsk. I’m thinking he might be feeling left out because you didn’t ask him for a picture! I mean, who wouldn’t want to be in Martha’s blog!
Alice Waters is a sweetheart! I always enjoyed seeing her on your previous show and now it warms my heart to learn of her hard work to raise money for Washington’s soup kitchens and farmers’ markets. And of course, you are also a sweetheart for answering her call for help!
Thanks again for all that you do for us Martha Blog lovers! Trish
Posted by: Trish | January 22nd, 2009 at 6:53 am
Wonderful photo memories of such an important day! I loved that Yo Yo Ma and Itzhak Perlman entertained at the event with the beautiful 'Simple Gifts'...one of my favorite pieces of music...rather fitting for this President and the times.
Posted by: Sherey | January 22nd, 2009 at 7:23 am
Thanks Martha for sharing your pictures from your trip to the inauguration. It is so great for those of us that couldn't make the trip but now we can get a feel for the vibe in Washington during this momentous event.
Posted by: Anita | January 22nd, 2009 at 7:42 am
Hello. I don't have a TV. Thank you for sharing your Inauguration Day experience with us via photos. In the mid-1980s I lived & worked in D.C. Sun. afternoons I attended concerts at/in the Phillips Collection. It's a small museum.
Posted by: Mina | January 22nd, 2009 at 7:43 am
Hi, Martha,
I enjoyed seeing the trip you and your friend Jane Heller took to Washington D.C. to see the inauguration. Amtrak's Acela looked quite comfortable. I would have enjoyed seeing the art and exhibitions in the Phillips Collection. How much good chef and writer Alice Waters and others are doing through their dinners to raise money for Washington's soup kitchens and farmers' markets! The Pre-Inaugural Ball hosted by the Huffington Post at the Newseum looked fun, too.
Thanks for all the photos and descriptions.
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | January 22nd, 2009 at 8:10 am
...ahhh, finally!...the pictures we've all been waiting for!...
Washington is so neat, isn't it?!!...so full of historical buildings and happenings. Knowing what the weather (temp-wise) was like, Martha, I've got to give you kudos for braving the cold and fighting the immense crowds and traffic jams. My home in Maryland is just about 1 1/2 hours NW of DC, and one would think I'd go there frequently, but we (some of us), here in my town, consider DC the "city", plus I'm a country gal (and am comfortable being one). I'll go, of course, if I'm a passenger with someone...I smiled once to somebody on the metro (subway) sitting across from me, and they looked away - folks aren't too personable/considerate in the "city"! [snicker] It appears like you had a birds-eye view of the parade route and were able to get back inside when you needed some warming up.
How neat that you took the train, and it was equally expeditious in getting you to your destination! (And) all your celebrity sightings!...do you think they, when they spot YOU, think "hey, there's Martha Stewart!"? I'll bet they do! I was wowed, seeing some other well-knowns, traveling right there in your same car! (I play violin, and CANNOT imagine playing outside in those frigid temperatures [omgoodness - poor Itzhak!] )
Onward and upward to a hopefully prosperous future for America!
=^..^=
"Good thoughts bear good fruit, Bad thoughts bear bad fruit ~ And man is his own gardener."--James Allen
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | January 22nd, 2009 at 8:48 am
Thanks, Martha. An interesting view of the whole event.
Great photos of the dinner at the Phillips Collection--looks like a lovely event in the charming original galleries. I love the Phillips; their permanent collection is wonderful and their changing exhibits often offer unique perspectives on familiar art periods.
The country is so optimistic about President Obama; let's hope he can offer workable solutions to our many complicated national issues.
I'm looking forward to your comments about the inauguration when you are back in the TV studio.
Posted by: MMC in San Diego | January 22nd, 2009 at 8:50 am
Hi Martha, Thanks so much for taking us along on this trip to an historical event. I absolutely love this fantastic photo collection and once again it feels like we are right there with you and Jane. I watched most of the event on TV and to see some of the behind the scenes actions was absolutely unforgettable. I was in DC in the early 80's and this blog certainly brought back memories. When I was there, it wasn't nearly as crowded and I don't remember seeing any of those portable potties. You look like you had a wonderful time. My favorite photo was the one of you and Dan Rather. Sure hope your cold didn't get any worse. Take care and stay warm. Thanks again for sharing this fantastic event. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | January 22nd, 2009 at 9:45 am
Well hello, Martha!
This was so exciting for you! You were still reeling from it on today's show, too. Great to see what your eyes saw and all of the happy festivities you were a part of. Glad that you made it in AND BACK...A little wind blown, but you radiated with the energy of the country. Many people are hoarse today (from all of the cheering)...Al Roker, for one.
What a time we're living in!
P.S. I'm wondering if the folk-art piece from the museum might be something made to transport and deliver eggs in/on. Or used by a florist to hold bud vases upright so that many can be made/delivered? I don't know but you're driving me NUTS with it! Please Martha, Do tell!
And lots of love!
Posted by: tinay | January 22nd, 2009 at 11:26 am
Ah. You and Dan look like a couple of sweet giddy kids
Warm California wishes, Sylvie
Posted by: Sylvie | January 22nd, 2009 at 11:48 am
Martha,
Very cool ride into DC! Love the photo of you and Dan! He's truly an icon!
Looks like you and Jane truly had a remarkable trip! Alice Waters is amazing too!
Itzhak Perlman and Yo Yo Ma's piece was amazing.
It had to be difficult to play in the cold weather. Did you get to meet Sting or Sheryl Crow too?
It had to be hard to play those instruments in the cold!
BTW...think you misunderstood about my question regarding your rose photo shoot. Though I know you can't control the weather, I just wondered if they shot on the cloudy day intentionally. BUT....just in case you do have an "in", thanks for the gorgeous sunny day for Obama's inauguration! ;-D
What a momentous day in history!!
Can't wait to see more!
Thanks for sharing,
Paula M.
Posted by: Paula M. | January 22nd, 2009 at 12:04 pm
Martha, it was a pleasure running into you on H Street NW in DC. I was the guy with the beagle who you commented on. You made my day!
Thanks, hope you had a great trip.
Jason
Posted by: Jason Denby | January 22nd, 2009 at 1:01 pm
Thank you for the wonderful photos. I love how you get that many of us live vicariously through you.
Posted by: rur | January 22nd, 2009 at 3:27 pm
I'm so jealous of the people who got to go. Thanks for sharing the pictures.
Posted by: Mel | January 22nd, 2009 at 3:40 pm
Hi Martha! I started to take the Acela, but it was going to be more expensive than flying from Boston. I was fortunate enough to watch the festivities in a Senate hearing room, thanks to Senators Kennedy and Kerry. I had a great time, too, but not as many pictures! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Tina in Boston | January 22nd, 2009 at 6:04 pm
Well done for taking the train - it's the greener way to travel and how fascinating that it is also cheaper...And for such a historic occasion and in such style!
Posted by: Elisabeth | January 22nd, 2009 at 10:04 pm
martha, your pictures of your trip to the festivities in washington, d.c were terrific. it was like i attended with you to see barack obama become our president. thank you for the trip.
Posted by: marty dayton,ohio | January 23rd, 2009 at 4:39 am
I love this photo, you look so happy.
Posted by: Keri Carter | January 23rd, 2009 at 8:28 am
You and Dan make a REALLY cute couple.
Posted by: Mike | January 23rd, 2009 at 10:04 am
Fabulous photos Martha! What I find so captivating about that day is how everyone was just a "normal" person and we were all bound together through this historic moment. When you see the likes of celebrities such as yourself, Beyonce and Oprah taking pictures of others at the event, you know something special is taking place! It's so exciting!
Posted by: Adrienne | January 23rd, 2009 at 10:33 am
I Love Acela! It's by far the most civilized way to travel from Boston to NYC or Washington.
Posted by: Phyllis | January 23rd, 2009 at 1:04 pm
Hi, Marta.
I am Emanuelle, from Acre, Amazon, Brazil. I love your blog and your site about wedding.
Thanks for sharing your ideas w/ us.
Posted by: Emanuelle | January 23rd, 2009 at 8:28 pm
Hi Martha
I am from Canada and have a question.
On your recent show you were deonstrating two new punches for cardmaking. scallops and holes.
Where can I purchase these? I volunteer with a church group and at a Senior's home where we make cards. These would be a perfect addition to our stamps.
I also knit and have a story for you. I recently heard from a friend who is a teacher that several of the students in one of our grade 2 classes would come to school with no socks in the dead of winter. I make socks for my grandchildren and had recently been given a bag of acrylic yarn mostly light grey and beige. I decided to use this yarn and scraps from my collection to make stripes socks for the. This Tues, I am taking 21 pairs of socks to this class. The teacher is reading a book called smelly socks as an intro. Should be a fun time. Thanks for your time.
Posted by: CArol Cook | January 24th, 2009 at 5:24 am
To answer Carol Cooks question - You can purchase my craft products at Michael's Crafts and at Walmart. Good luck and have fun.
Posted by: Martha Stewart | January 24th, 2009 at 5:35 am
Hi Martha,
Thanks for the beautiful description of your train journey.
The trains are really an important part of any country, and its economy. These are iconic transportation mode for the common people in most of the countries around the world. But in US, these continue to be quite neglected. The main reason is the price of tickets itself - you were able to save some money as you compared to first class airline ticket. But for normal people, the price difference is not so huge so as to justify the use of train. And this ensures that trains run with such a low occupancy. We know that economy is not in a good shape, and everybody is cutting down on expenses. But as Obama said, "We need to choose Hope over Fear". This is really an important statement, and essentially summarizes what needs to be done to fix this economy. We again need to go out and start spending, even though cautiously, so that we can act as "stimulus" for the economy. However, people are cutting down on travel / vacation / holiday travel because of the rising plane tickets. And they end up either staying at home, or just going to some nearby places. To encourage them to again start travelling, it is very important to provide them with an alternate and cheaper mode of transport, and trains have to fit that bill. I believe, and hope, that Obama will take some serious steps around improving this long neglected area of economy. I am hopeful.
http://SaveFewBucks.Blogspot.com
Posted by: JO | January 24th, 2009 at 10:29 am
Thank you for sharing all of your pictures and comments. For the first time ever, I was able to feel as if I received VIP treatment for something as wonderful as this eventful day.
Posted by: Lewis | January 25th, 2009 at 2:46 am
Dear Martha,
You are just the best! Your photos and captions gave me a true feeling of how happy everyone was - except maybe for the couple sitting on the ground at the train station waiting to go home!
Robin
Posted by: Robin Holtson | January 25th, 2009 at 3:45 am
MARTHA, you are one classy lady, don't ever change.
I really felt bad when they made a example out of you because of the "trades". That was bs.
From one old man who, just stopped by to say HI
Posted by: Paul H | January 25th, 2009 at 11:30 am
HI MARTHA !
I was one of the ladies working at the check-in for the Huffington Post event( im' the 1 standing up "cheesing" next to the other 2 ladies lol)..I'm an intern for the company that did the planning for Ariana Huffinton and thought it was so nice of you to put us in your collection of "Inauguratio Memories", you were so nice and so nice to say hello to us ! Well hope you enjoyed yourself ! Take Care & God Bless 
Posted by: Karenia | January 26th, 2009 at 2:26 pm
From a family that is full of rail aficianados....what a beautiful and fun trip that must have been! For those of us that couldn't be there on that historic day it was nice to see photos of those that could be. Looked like a lot of fun!!
Posted by: Diaper Cakes Becca | January 27th, 2009 at 9:25 pm
Martha hi we live in Maryland ,my h work for Amtrak train in Washington at the train station he a Carmen,he worker there for28 year thank you for take the train.we hope more people do
Posted by: sandy jones | January 28th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Just want to tell you how much I enjoy your trips and pictures. Your trip to the inaugeration was so great. I really enjoyed the picture of you and a traveler on the train to D.C. because I find it so great that you are willing to share your time with strangers to take pictures. You are truly a wonderful person who always looks great and happy at what you are doing. I love you T.V. programs
Posted by: Sharon Fox | February 1st, 2009 at 3:35 pm
Look at you! Taking the train?? I never would have thought!
Posted by: Amanda | February 6th, 2009 at 11:38 am
I would love to share my pics with you, your staff and readers! It was a breath-taking experience being there... So wonderful in so many ways. I've never seen American people so happy, peaceful and in love!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=71621&id=531726979&l=653c1 (this is from the HBO We are One Concert)
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=71846&id=531726979&l=28409 (this was on inauguration day)
Enjoy all!
Posted by: Bren | February 19th, 2009 at 9:40 am
I think it is so wonderful; there seems to be more African Americans involved with the show since the election.
Posted by: Deborah Webb | March 4th, 2009 at 9:07 am
Martha, I just discovered your blog and I am enjoying it. I loved this blog and the picture of you with Dan! Thanks for sharing with us via your blog. I know I find so much enjoyment in doing my own blogging. I just started this year. I'll be back regularly to your blog.
Posted by: SassyGirlKitchen | March 5th, 2009 at 4:14 pm
I don't know If I said it already but ...I'm so glad I found this site...Keep up the good work I read a lot of blogs on a daily basis and for the most part, people lack substance but, I just wanted to make a quick comment to say GREAT blog. Thanks,
A definite great read....
Posted by: BloggerDude | October 8th, 2009 at 8:20 pm