DNC Update About This Page:

[BostonTeaParty]

Paul reports smooth sailing so far. His train stops outside of Boston - and they take shuttle busses (with police escorts in front and behind) to South station. He had to go through a gateway, where they ran a strip the size of a bandaid all over his bag (sort of a canvas brief case) and stuck the strip in a computer. Apparently they were satisfied with the readout, as he was allowed to board the bus. Most people who can, have taken the week off, so travel is light, there's plenty of room on public transportation. There are police all over the place (including SWAT teams), tons of DNC people sightseeing, protesters (he says they are pretty mellow), and limos and celebrities all around town. The media is everywhere, "circus atmosphere" was his description. Paul told me he overheard a man talking about how Newbury Street (an exclusive shopping district on the idea of Rodeo Drive) is deserted, and the business owners are upset about it. Stay tuned for future updates all week long!

[vsonnier]

That is incredible...keep us updated!

[buzzspal2]

Thanks for sharing Nancy,
Is Paul allowed to take pictures?

[Joanne929]

It's definitely not been the mess (or the economy boon) that had been expected. I drove to my parents house (in Somerville) Monday @ 6:30 pm and went up Rt. 128 to Rt. 2 and I was there in 65 minutes - there was NO traffic!



And DH works at Logan (midnight shift) so has to travel Rt. 93N and he got into work quicker Monday evening than he has in a long time - we weren't quite sure if he was even going to be able to get to work this week!



It's too bad that the restaurants and stores are not seeming to benefit from this convention - where are all of these people eating? At their hotels?

[GoofyMom]

So I'm reading this thread and I'm thinking "What in the world is DNC?". Finally, I figured it out: Democrat's convention! Gee, I feel so smart now!



I heard on our national news that there's serious delays crossing the border (I think Niagara Falls is the crossing that made the news) due to increased security. First Canadian Customs stops all the cars crossing and searches them, then they drive into the States, and American Customs stops all cars crossing and searches them! No bad guys getting through there! First thing I thought of was "Oh, I hope nobody's trying to drive to WDW right now. It would be such a terribly slow start to the trip!" (um, obsessed with Disney much? )

[Teddysmom]

[ QUOTE ]
First thing I thought of was "Oh, I hope nobody's trying to drive to WDW right now. It would be such a terribly slow start to the trip!" (um, obsessed with Disney much? )


[/ QUOTE ]
Donna you are so funny.

Nancy, we went into the city on Sunday night for the Carole King concert and I was amazed at the number of police of every type. They were EVERYWHERE. The city looked nice all spiffed up for the occasion. I'm glad it isn't too much of a pain for Paul to get to work.

[BostonTeaParty]

Ooops! Sorry Donna, lucky for me your one smart cookie. Yeah, it's the Democratic National Convention that's come to town.

Tammy, a camera is a great idea. I don't know if he can bring one or not. Yesterday they actually searched through his bag before he could board the bus. Also, a security person completely inspected the bus before anyone could board.

A friend of mine works at the Fleet Center (where the convention is being held), as a security guard. She was telling me yesterday that they have snipers on the roof of the Fleet Center and secret service agents all over the place.

[loobyoxlip]

Sounds like an interesting time, Nancy. Can't say I wish I was there, though

[GATechGal]

[ QUOTE ]
It's definitely not been the mess (or the economy boon) that had been expected.

[/ QUOTE ] We found the same thing to be true here in Atlanta in 1996 with the Olympics. There had been all these reports about how bad traffic was going to be (it's ALWAYS bad), and how crowded the restaurants would be, and how much money the city would make. None of it came true! In fact, I even scheduled a C-section for DS on the opening cermonies day since I was sort of nervous about getting to the hospital. I would have needed one anyway, but I was glad to get it over with before all the ruckus.

[BostonTeaParty]

Final update, sorry it's late.

Paul's week went by almost without incident. He made it straight through until the return trip home, Friday afternoon. He arrived at North Station, which was operational by then. BUT, the switches for the trains had been shut off for the week, and when turned back on, didn't work. So, Paul ended up standing on the crowded platform for an hour on a hot and very muggy Friday afternoon, while trains backed up, and railroad workers tried to figure out how to work the switches manually. I was waiting for him at the station at our end, wondering what was up. I tend to be on the impatient side, but grabbed a free Metro newspaper and occupied myself until he arrived....which he obviously did. He wasn't thrilled with the delay, however, all things considered, it was a relatively painless week. We are glad it's over and donewith.