Thousands of tour buses have replaced the masses of cars that usually flood DC streets.
The pedestrian sidewalks are similarly transformed, as masses of inaugural attendees have overshadowed the remnant of professionals who still had to work today. Instead of irritated people lost in their own little cell phone-induced trances, seas of visitors are looking to get a small taste of history.
Fur coats have replaced the bland winter coats, as people try to stay warm. It's pretty remarkable to see the full spectrum of the fur offerings in the city, from the full-length mink and fox coats, to the fur-lined hats and faux-fur jackets. I've been to several ski towns, but never before have seen so much fur in one city before.
Even the heated Pentagon City Mall was filled with fur-clad customers. Tour buses from across the country have brought crowds of potential customers, and mall traffic rivals the day after Thanksgiving. Unfortunately for the store owners, though, the kiosks and vendors selling Obama-related items were the only ones who really look like they're making money.
Swarms of people were down by the food court looking at the diverse offerings of pins, books, buttons, or hats. Most seem happy just to be enjoying each other's company and meeting people from around the country who had come to take part in tomorrow's festivities.
Of course, there's no comparison with those crowds and the ones on the National Mall.
I met a man who was 84 years old who flew in from Los Angeles with his daughters and grandchildren to be part of this event. He was involved with the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s, and thought maybe his grandchildren would see an African American president, but he didn't expect to in his lifetime.
I talked with someone else who is bringing her claustrophobic grandmother to the inauguration tomorrow, so she can be part of this historic day.
It's been amazing just to get a glimpse of all of the diverse visitors who are so honored to be a part of the inaugural activities. While it's impossible to predict how Obama's presidency will shape up, for one week at least, it's refreshing to see so many people optimistic about the future of our country.