Two more

Two more of my pictures have been selected for the annual World Bank photo exhibit. Here they are:

"Kinetic Botanics"

"Antelope Canyon"

Gaston

More prizes!

A few months ago I won my first photography prize at the World Bank/IMF International Photographic Society. Well, it's happened again! This time I got a 3rd Prize and an Honorable Mention in my category. That was 2 out of the 5 prizes offered that evening - something to definitely be proud of! Here are the images:

"Blue Lantern" - 3rd prize

"Evening in Chincoteague" - Honorable Mention
Gaston

Spring?

Since most of my family and friends live in cold climates, I apologize in advance for this posting. Even if it is only February, it feels like spring has arrived in DC. I went out for a walk on Roosevelt Island today, wearing just a light spring wind-breaker. There were millions of birds singing thousands of songs (or was it the other way around?). Red cardinals and orange-breasted robins were dotting the dull leafless forest with splashes of color. Hundreds of small woodpeckers, banging their heads on tree trunks, added rhythm to this avian symphony. It was a gorgeous morning to be out...

To crown the arrival of spring, I went to a Vietnamese shopping mall in Virginia, where I ate spring-rolls while watching the Vietnamese version of "Dancing with the Stars." Everyone around was Asian, I didn't understand any of the conversations and the posters on the wall revealed nothing to me. It is good to be back in North America.

Gaston

Back to School - Obama style...

Obama called on everyone in the United States to get involved in their community, to become agents of change, so, I decided to volunteer in a local school. It's not just because of Obama though, I had been planning to do this for a while, but it finally started this evening. I am now a tutor, once or twice a week after school, at the Maya Angelou Public Charter School in Washington, DC. It is a high-school for kids who were not successful in a traditional school, and therefore need the extra guidance. This evening, a young 10. grader did his homework with me, and, even if inside I was a nervous wreck, there are no mishaps to report... Stay tune for more stories of volunteering in the future.

Gaston

We Touched History

When I woke up at 6:45 this morning, I turned CNN on, just to see that the National Mall seemed already full of people. I rushed out of the house at 7:20. Seeing that the Metros were impossibly sardined, I was very happy that I could walk from my house to the Mall in just a few minutes. I tried to get as close to the Capitol Building as I could, and halted near the Smithsonian Castle. By 9am the Mall was stuffed at capacity.

It was cold... and I say this even as a Canadian... it was cold! Too many people there were dressed improperly, and I ended up lobbying on behalf of a trembling kid without a jacket. We found him a blanket to wrap around himself. I then lead him and his friends into exercises, since sitting on the ground shivering was not going to warm them up. Everyone near us were helpful, and in no time, the kid had a jacket, a scarf, gloves, and his friends were also warmer in strangers' clothes. I felt very touched by that, nobody ignored these kids, but sought to help.

When the dignitaries started to show up on screen, the crowd's mood was very clear. Anybody with the surname Bush was received very coldly, even with boos. When Bush Jr. came out, I saw a few people waving shoes in the direction of the Capitol. The elation was deafening when Obama arrived. Hillary Clinton also got a rousing ovation.

After President Obama stumbled through his oath, all 2 million spectators erupted. So many tears, so many hugs, and so many cheers. I have to say I was a bit emotional myself. Strangely enough, as soon as Obama was declared president, I felt a sort of weight lift off of the world. Bush was not there anymore, the world felt lighter. I don't know if Bush realizes that the euphoria surrounding this inauguration is not only because of the new president, but because of the relief at knowing that the 43rd president is now away from the commands, and the world's destiny is not under his control anymore...

Getting off the Mall was difficult. The crowds were funnelled through very narrow gates, and had to give way to emergency traffic once in a while. In many parts of the world, the tightness of the movement, and the constant interruptions might have lead to panic, trampling and stampedes. Today in Washington, every one around me was calm, cooperative, helpful, and nobody complained. It took nearly one hour to cover a distance I usually cover in 15 minutes, but everyone was safe, nobody got hurt, and nobody yelled or pushed. I find that amazing.

So, Obama is now walking down Pennsylvania avenue, but I am not attending the parade. I am home, resting my very tired legs. Let's hope now that the euphoria of the last few days carries us all towards more positive, constructive and happy times. - Gaston

The Eve

Lars and I went walking all over DC this evening. We swam through crowds nearly all the way, a very unusual situation for Washington. Everywhere we went, the energy was high. Restaurants were packed, sidewalks full, and peppered in the crowds were tuxedos and ball gowns rushing to one of the dozens of pre-inauguration balls going on around town.

On the U Street corridor, a vibrant DC neighborhood mostly populated by African-Americans, there were parties on many corners, with music and dancing. The biggest crowds were stacked in front of Ben's Chili Bowl, where Obama went to have a chili dog a few days ago. Everyone wants to try Obama's selection now...

I will now watch Jon Stewart, and go to bed soon. I have to get up early to make it to the Mall for inauguration morning!

Gaston

The Calm Before the Inauguration

Things I saw on today's morning walk:

1) A shivering CNN crew on the National Mall, with Soledad, Don and Roland. A few hundred people encircled them, trying to thrust their mug into the camera lens.

2) A few roofless double-decker tour buses, with parties under way on the second floor. As the buses drove down Pennsylvania Avenue, the passengers were loudly greeting the pedestrians, yelling "OBAMA!", and spreading cheer all along the tour route.

3) More media trucks, with satellite dishes, generators, etc., than I have ever seen in one place.

4) Thousands of people trying to get as close to the Capitol building as possible while they still can. Camera flashes popping non-stop, blinded all passing through.

5) A lot of motorcades, with police escorts front and back, speeding through town. Was Obama in any of them? I couldn't tell...

6) Police officers asking souvenir stand operators to get off the streets, since they don't hold permits. It's not hard finding Obama paraphernalia now, since at every 10 feet someone is trying to peddle some inaugural merchandise.

7) Long line-ups at all national museums. People are especially patient when they feel happy.

Everyone is energized, antsy for tomorrow historic inauguration. I'll be there too...

Gaston