What a day!

Hello everyone,

I had an incredible day yesterday. OBAMA WON! I think I will always remember the moment that they called the election...but I'm getting ahead of myself.

I got off of work at 1.20pm, and was in the pub by 1.30pm. I was feeling a bit apprehensive because everyone else wouldn't be off work until 5 and 6, but I grabbed a stool and tried not to worry about it. Luckily, I ended up meeting a friendly Canadian girl called Susan (in the green shirt above). For the next five hours we discussed the results, talked about our travels, and all sorts of other things (hey, we had the time).

At about 4 we got kicked out of the upstairs since the place was over capacity, so we headed downstairs. We found a booth with a TV facing it, and we were set for the big event. About an hour later, just as polls closed in the West, CNN declared Obama the winner. I couldn't believe it, and I still quite can't. It is just so fantastic. The pub went nuts, and there was cheering and hugs and tears...a wonderful moment.

My boss Michelle arrived just as Obama was giving his speech. Then Rory showed up, and then Nik and Sara, and then a few other coworkers...I felt so lucky to be sharing the experience with people from all over the world.

Fittingly, it was also Guy Fawkes night, so there was a huge fireworks display about 9pm. Rory and I had some lovely Italian food and then grabbed a spot near Oriental Bay. It was so beautiful reflecting off of the Harbour.

So all in all, I had a truly great day. There will be more pictures coming tomorrow, as one of my friends took some photos, too.

Love you all!
Amy