Where Were You?
January 20, 2009, was one of those days not to miss because some day, someone will ask, "Where were you?" With no tv on our boat and only scratchy NPR reception, we set off on a mission to find a screen, some seats and a crowd of strangers. Although it would be watched in every Caribbean nation, we opted for the US Virgin Islands where officials predicted a day of so much limin' that they went with the flow and declared it a Virgin Islands holiday. Government was definitely closed but all the bars were wide open.
The nearest one to our anchorage was the center of the Coral Bay Universe, home of the island's best burger, Skinny Legs Bar and Grill.
Early on the big day we took seats at the bar before four large screens next to strangers who quickly became friends.
The CNN commentary flowed and everyone around us thickened it with insight and opinion. As the Inauguration stands filled with Senators and dignitaries, so did the seats at Skinny's with sailors, tv-less villa guests, campers and a random collection of tourists.
As if we, too, were freezing in the capital, our crowd clapped when appropriate, cheered politely, sang the National Anthem with Aretha and when the Chief Justice said, "Please stand," everyone shot out of their chairs.
We were there but not there. we were with the Obamas, the Bidens, the world, in our Skinny Legs way. We, the shady people on the sunny beaches.
The nearest one to our anchorage was the center of the Coral Bay Universe, home of the island's best burger, Skinny Legs Bar and Grill.
Early on the big day we took seats at the bar before four large screens next to strangers who quickly became friends.
The CNN commentary flowed and everyone around us thickened it with insight and opinion. As the Inauguration stands filled with Senators and dignitaries, so did the seats at Skinny's with sailors, tv-less villa guests, campers and a random collection of tourists.
As if we, too, were freezing in the capital, our crowd clapped when appropriate, cheered politely, sang the National Anthem with Aretha and when the Chief Justice said, "Please stand," everyone shot out of their chairs.
We were there but not there. we were with the Obamas, the Bidens, the world, in our Skinny Legs way. We, the shady people on the sunny beaches.
Comments:
<< Home
Oops - Aretha sang "God Bless America" not the national anthem!
# posted by 
: January 26, 2009 at 9:29 AM
: January 26, 2009 at 9:29 AM The doctor told me about your blog so I checked it out. Jan, you have a way of getting to the heart of things. Loved the piece on the school concert which I know we both hold near and dear. Chat with you later and don't forget the s before the l.
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home
Subscribe to Posts [Atom]