We had lunch at Ri Ra, an Irish pub. And not an "Irish" pub, the kind that serves Guinness and fish n' chips and calls itself Irish, but a proper one. The kind of pub with steak pie and mash and hand cut "chips" with mayo gravy on request. We were informed that Ri Ra's, along with every other bar in town, will remain open late, until 2 a.m., all week. This was confirmed by the hotel bar, who will also be keeping their kitchen open until 2.
Even though it's Sunday, and no events have yet begun, there are media swarming. MSNBC and CNN are both set up, as far as we can see. The Rumors (that deserve a capital letter) are swarming, too. Where the "Daily Show" will be set up, which celebrities will be here, which Republicans will try to crash the party... the topics of gossip are endless. The various delegates and volunteers have been very friendly, as have the citizens of Charlotte.
The Occupy Movement set up downtown today, not far from our hotel. Around 4,000 police officers have been called in from around the country to help with this thing. They are everywhere. Every street corner anywhere close to the buildings hosting the events, in front of the Bank of America corporate offices, the hotels, anywhere any dignitary may be at any given moment. They have been very friendly, but getting to a drug store was impossible after lunch: we literally couldn't cross the street to reach the Rite Aid, or turn down the street where the Walgreens is, as both were blocked off for the protestors. I'm not too upset, they're just doing their jobs and protecting us and rather important people. And the protestors. But the people of Charlotte don't seem to be upset either. They've been very welcoming and uncomplaining. Southern Hospitality FTW!
After changing and freshening up, we headed to the first of two parties tonight. These were the welcome parties. The first was just for the Illinois Delegation at the Blue Restaurant and was hosted by Speaker of the House Michael Madigan. (Don't say his name too often ;) ) Scott and I met him, who seemed a bit distant but pleasant enough. He walked in, everyone started whispering, he took pictures, shook hands, walked down to the yet unopened food (which magically was ready when he was), and then posted himself by the front door to say hello to everyone as they arrived. Also at the party was Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, who is either much more outgoing or a much better politician: she made point to walk up to everyone in the room and introduce herself and shake hands.
Also at the Blue Restaurant, Scott and I met Nicole, a delegate from the 1st District, and her mother, Maureen. We instantly bonded and I have deemed us Delegation Buddies. The four of us have become friends and are sort of sticking together throughout this process.
As the four of us wandered out to the street to head to the second party, we met Carol Marin and several other reporters who interviewed us from WGN Chicago and the Chicago Sun-Times. They asked us what we thought about youth turning out again for Barack Obama, and a little about ourselves and how we felt about the convention. I don't know what turned up on the news, but I'm excited for it!
We headed over to the Mint Museum of Modern Art for the DNC's welcome event. The museum had most of their exhibits open, and we were able to vote on several of their pieces on loan. They would take our votes on what to buy for their permanent collection. There were Charlotte-area schools performing there, and a DJ. And an open bar at both events. This event was for the delegates of five states. I don't remember all of them, I remember Ohio, Hawaii and Delaware. They were very random. We didn't stay too long at this one, though we did go upstairs to see the exhibit of Madeline Albright's pins on display. That was cool because she's awesome.
On the walk back, just standing on the street, Scott recognized John Nichols, a columnist of the magazine, "The Nation." He was very friendly and Scott has not stopped talking about it since. He has declared that the entire trip is worth it because he met John Nichols. Forget the president, he met the columnist that covered the failed Walker recall.
We met a few more Illinois delegates for drinks in the hotel's bar. One was a woman originally from Sri Lanka, another a Louisiana transplant. Yet another was a young black medical engineer who got involved in politics to change the family law system after a divorce. We met State Senator Link, from up in Lake County. I just can't see the Republicans having so diverse a group in a five foot radius.
In the morning is our first meeting and we get our credentials! CharlotteFest is tomorrow, but no convention, so it should be a reasonably relaxed day.
Night!
Sarah
Oooh... so tired.
Our hotel room, as we get settled in.
Speaker Madigan
The absolutely spectacular food at the Illinois Delegation party. Prosciutto-wrapped scallops? Yes, please! Lobster and crab cakes! If you insist!
If anyone knows the name of the other reporter here, who's not Carol Marin, that'd be great.
The Mint Museum.
....I totally met her.
The kids at the Mint Museum, performing.
John Nichols and Me. He said he liked my tattoo and told Scott not to let go of his "beautiful girl." I guess I'm going to have to start reading his blog. :)
No comments:
Post a Comment