My sister, a federal govt. employee in the DC area, said they can work from home this week, because of the expected traffic. We’re not catholic, but I did enjoy hearing him speak when we were in Italy last year. They had at least 6 translators repeating everying he said, so his 5 minute speech lasted at least 30 minutes.
I would take traffic backed up for the Pope over traffic backed up for the Chinese president like we have today.
It was an easy drive on I-66 going into DC this morning compared to the usual traffic since most government agencies in town are telling employees to telework.
My son has been chosen to meet Pope Francis, so we are very excited, but I am a coward and do not want to deal with the traffic, so I’m taking a vacation day and will spend it cooking! The traffic is going to be horrendous because the Holy Father is known to take walks and will be having an event in Central Park. Next Monday, President Obama, Raoul Castro, and President Xi of China will all be in Manhattan. I have never heard that any of them are prone to taking walks, so I’m feeling more optimistic!
I am not Catholic, but I absolutely admire this Pope! He seems to lead by example: eschewing the nicer papal vehicle, lesser papal residency, disciplining the German bishop who spent money on lavish renovations, etc.
^Second that! I’ve been fascinated by this Pope.
@zoosermom, how wonderful for your son!
H just left for the city. He has to be there until Saturday because of the visit. I initialy thought about going down while he’s there and spending a few days but common sense prevailed.
Sooo cool @zoosermom! Please let us know your son’s thoughts/reactions!
My D and roommates rented their Philly apartment for the two days the Pope is in town. They were all happy to have extra $$$.
I was in DC this weekend and nothing looked different. I then dropped my DD back in Philly, where she lives in the “Box” . There were already port-a-Potty’s lined up across the bridge and I fences everywhere. I live very close, but have no interest in dealing with the hassle of being there live, but of course I am not Catholic so maybe less motivated. I will be watching on TV though.
Philadelphia is basically shutting down- even for foot traffic. They are telling people to treat it like a blizzard- stock up on food! It’s starting several days in advance.
I remember during a prior papal visit, Father Guido Sarducci was selling “I Saw The Pope On TV” buttons.
My commute from a Maryland suburb of DC to Virginia was easier than normal. We’ll see how the trip home is.
Thank you emilybee and abasket! I will be sure to report back. Emily, I think you are very wise to have not come this time. It really is nuts in terms of traffic, but interestingly to me, people are pretty chill about it, which is a good thing.
I must win the prize for most poorly-planned trip to NYC. I arrive on a redeye Fri am to visit my niece who started at Parsons three weeks ago. Weekend chosen at random. Argh!!
I’m planning to go to the Madison Square Garden mass…along with 20,000 other people. I’m psyched!!! No banners or signs permitted, so you won’t see a “jonri from CC sign.” I am sending my sibling my seat and section number so sib will have a general idea of where to look for me.
For those who want to know what streets are affected, here’s a link to the official notice https://d24wuq6o951i2g.■■■■■■■■■■■■■■/img/events/2322773/assets/e05c.papalvisitcommunitynotice.pdf
jaylynn, the Pope will be in Philly by Friday so NY should be back to normal. Today may also be a lighter traffic day as it is Yom Kipper
I attended the Papal mass in Denver 22 years ago. It was a fantastic experience, and I don’t like crowds, getting up at 4 am, talking my way around a cop to park in a friend’s driveway (pre-arranged but cops had decided no outsiders allowed in the neighborhood even though I had a guest pass), and sitting on a dirt hillside for hours.
@zoosermom, yes made the right choice once H told me it wasn’t just the Pope but the Genersl Assembly opening, too. Too bad since it looks like it’s going to be a gorgeous couple of days and I have a long list of things I want to do. When I’m normally there I’m just in and out in a few hours.
@twoinanddone, he’s arriving in NYC Thu as I understand and will be there when I’m there, though he’s leaving Sat.
I like this Pope very much, but I liked St. John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI as well, though for different reasons. I do wish I could hear Pope Francis speak in person. He has mastered the art of projecting warmth inclusiveness while maintaining the moral absolutes of Church doctrine.
My parents are going on a bus trip (pilgrimage) to see the Pope. Here’s an example of the magnitude of expected crowds: On Sunday, their group will leave their hotel in Delaware by 6:45 am to get them where they need to be for Mass at 4pm. They don’t expect to make it back to their buses until about 2am. They’ll be shuttled to a parking lot then and have special tokens for the subway. AT that point they’re not quite clear if they’ll have to walk 3 block or 3 miles! They were even told to take pictures of the people they’re traveling with in case they get lost, etc. It’s overwhelming and historic. I had the opportunity to go, but was concerned that I would freak out in the crowds.
My daughter lives in Philly and they’ll basically be on lock down for the weekend+. The bridges and rails will be closed, so there’s really no way to get around. They’re making the most of it. Her church is holding a potluck dinner and they’ll watch the Papal Mass together. The students at the high school where she works made the cross that will be used at the World Youth Conference.
I can’t wait to watch some coverage when I get home; let’s hope the Pope’s message reaches many, many ears and hearts.