Good Things Come to Those Who Wait (a.k.a Our Crazy 4th of July Story)
One of the things I love most about living in Washington is that there are so many things that you just can't do anywhere else in the world. One of my greatest frustrations when we live here, then, is when we don't take advantage of living here and doing all those things. We didn't take advantage enough during the 2 years we were here before, and I am determined to not make the same mistake this time around.
This year, we decided (meaning I decided) that we were going to take advantage of the fact that the fireworks show the rest of the country was watching was taking place in our backyard. Robbie was pretty excited about it, since it's the first time he's ever lived here for the 4th. Brian was much less excited, but was informed that he really didn't have a choice this time around, since his complaining about having to brave the crowds had kept us from going in the past.
We (again, meaning I) packed up a great picnic for us, and we set out from Arlington to stake out a spot on the West Lawn of the Capitol to watch A Capitol Fourth, the concert that airs on PBS every year. We took the Metro to Capitol South and hiked up the hill to the entry point where you have to wait in line until 5pm to get in.
The "line" was actually groups of people spread out all over the grass, picnicking and relaxing in the shade.
It was a beautiful day - sunny, breezy, and about 80 degrees. We got there around 2:00, found a nice shady spot, ate lunch and hung out until 4:45 when the Capitol Police let us all start lining up in front of the security checkpoint.
When we did finally start to line up, we were the very first people in line! We even made friends with some of the cops and got the scoop about where the best places would be to sit (on the Capitol steps for the best view of the fireworks, close to the ropes on the grass for the best view of the concert), and Robbie and I split up carrying everything so Brian could be the first in and run to get a good spot.
Then, the most frustrating thing happened. At 5, when we were supposed to be able to go through the gate, all the cops walked to the other side and huddled. Then they came back and told us that we had to wait to see what the weather would do before we could go in. It was starting to get windy and cloudy, but there was no rain yet, and we hoped there wouldn't be.
About 15 minutes later, the huddle formed again, only this time as they came back, they started putting equipment into bags as one of the cops announced that everyone had to evacuate the area because there was severe weather coming (rain, hail, wind, etc.). All that waiting to be first in line, for nothing. I was so annoyed.
We debated for a minute whether to follow the crowd to the Rayburn parking garage to wait out the storm, but decided to go home and watch the news to see what happened. We wandered around looking for a cab and eventually bribed a DC cab to take us to Arlington. Driving back was crazy - there were cars parked all along the freeway by the river and people tailgating on the side of the road to watch the fireworks!
We eventually made it back and got up to our apartment just as it started pouring rain. We turned on the news and watched as the weather guy pointed to a bright red blotch on the satellite that was heading straight toward the Mall, and collectively congratulated ourselves on our good decision. Ten minutes later, the weather guy announced that the weather should clear up in time for the show to start on time at 8:00. So we packed up a bag with the tarp and a blanket and headed back out. This time though, we really did have to brave the crowds. It seemed that every person in northern Virginia had the same idea that we did, because the Metro was already full when we got on.
As we hiked up the hill again, I got a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach as I saw the line of people waiting to get in to see the concert - stretching all the way along Independence Ave. almost to the Library of Congress. It was moving, though, which was encouraging.
We started standing in line at about 7:45, and didn't make it to the front of the line until about 20 minutes after the concert started at 8. Along the way, we asked several policemen whether there was any way to get in sooner after what happened to us, and every single one snapped back at us to shut up and get back in line. Needless to say, we were not happy campers.
As we finally got to the gate, we saw one of the cops (who shall remain nameless) that we had made friends with after spending 3 hours waiting to go in that afternoon. He recognized us and said hi and asked how we were.
"Well, that whole evacuation thing really didn't work out so well for us."
"Did you guys have to wait in line this whole time?" he asked.
"Yep, kinda sucks since we would have been first in line to go in before," said Brian, somewhat jokingly.
To our great surprise and relief, he was actually apologetic, and pulled us aside after we went through security.
"Come on guys, I'll make this right."
He then proceeded to personally escort us to the priority seating at the very front of the stage! With chairs and everything!! He also asked our names and told us to be sure to call him personally next year to make sure we get good seats!
By the time we got in, the show was about halfway over, but the part we did get to see was awesome, and our seats were amazing!
At the end of the concert, we got to watch the fireworks show over the Washington Monument to the sound of the National Symphony Orchestra playing the 1812 Overture and various Sousa marches. It was an experience I know we will never forget, and it definitely made the entire ordeal worth it.
So cheers to our Officer friend - we are forever in your debt. You single-handedly salvaged the reputation of every other Capitol Police Officer that was out there that night in all their rudeness and power tripping, and you made a few kids from California very happy.
No comments:
Post a Comment