Just another day in Manhattan

[Deleted]

Walked all over NYC today,got on a bus on 5th Avenue when everything came to a screeching halt. Traffic at a total standstill at 69th Street around noontime. Several riders opted to get off the bus and I decieded I'd rather be walking then just sitting there too. So, I get off the bus and I see a few blocks ahead,a gazillion NYPD 's,blue lights flashing like crazy and 65th Street barricaded with a couple hundred people standing there. I immediately think oh no,it's 9/9/9 and some whacko has gone even more whacko. I slowly approach,and ask a woman what is going on. She looked up at me and said,"in about 5 minutes the President of the United States is going to drive by".
I edged closer and there coming through Central Park are about 25 of NY's finest on motorcycles,followed by a black SUV and THEN,the Presidential limousine with not one but 4 American flags. There was a hush and then all at once everyone raised their hands up and waved as The President drove by.
Obama was in town to deliver a speech at Walter Cronkite's memorial service at Lincoln Center this a.m.
I can't begin to tell you what an incredible thrill it was for me. May sound silly to some but I have goose bumps sitting here sharing this.
Just another day in Manhattan...

[imec]

I know it's NY and big stuff happens all the time, but what are the odds of stumbling on this?! It must have been a very special moment - even more special because of the surprise. Good for you - what a great holiday highlight! Thanks for sharing.

[bixaorellana]

Did you see him? Could you actually see him inside the car?

That is BEYOND exciting. I am sick with jealousy. (but happy for you -- yes goosebumps!!!!)

[Deleted]

Yes,the road had been cleared and as he hit the crowd the window opened and he waved out to the crowd,5th Ave. runs downtown(one way) and 65th is one way Eastbound so he was obviously on OUR side! It was all very quick. And Bixa I REALLY, REALLY tried to get a picture,I swear. I had my camera poised and ready but I was trembling and it came out all a blur.

[bixaorellana]

Seeing him was more important than getting a picture! That was just the best luck -- congratulations!

[Deleted]

I'm glad you were thrilled but we residents of similar cities get so tired of motorcades! And just imagine when there is a major international conference with 20 heads of state. That's when I'm glad in live in the outer section of the city.

[Deleted]

I'm sure if I lived here it could get really old. I remember living here during one of the Democratic Presidential Conventions and it was a cluster f**k. In New Orleans ,the part of town where I live ,these type of things generally don't effect us.

[nic]

Well, I got to see Dubya -- twice. Back when Bookstar occupied a retail space next to FCUK, I got to watch his motorcade roll by. It was amazing at just how many police he had in his escort!

Too bad you didn't get any pictures, cas! I would've liked to see 'em!

[Deleted]

me too...

[hwinpp]

I once saw Gerhard Schroeder doing his shopping in Hanover. There were just 4 bodyguards, two in front and two at the back. They were so far away I saw him first then thought about looking for them. He's so small I think I was probably the only one in the street who recognised him.

I saw his wife all the time though. She always walked to the radio station she worked at. No bodyguard at all.

I wouldn't mind saying 'hi' to Obama, lucky you, Cas!

[Deleted]

it's blurry,but it's him I swear!

[hwinpp]

It's an action pic, Cas!