Today's opening ceremony is free and open to the public, as is the swearing in and parade. You may be a mile back, but you can go. Again, while tickets are tight, there are always some that turn up as spares. This is the time to pull in those favors from GOP friends. Your celeb emcees are husband and wife Gerald McRaney and Delta Burke.
Most people leave as soon as the president departs.
The lines are very, very long for everything, starting from the coat check on. The bar is cash. Don't count on food, although organizers say there will be something to nibble on. Eat before you go, or make reservations at a restaurant for a late-night snack. My girlfriend is wearing a shorter dress to the Black Tie and Boots ball.