Obama in Hyde Park

On our way home last night, Liz and I decided to swing down 53rd street. We had heard President Obama was in Hyde Park, hanging out until his farewell address at 8:00 PM (at McCormick).

On arriving at street level, we were surprised to find the street cordoned off. I guess – not surprised, since it’s the President. But we were unprepared for the degree to which traffic/people were kept at bay.

In an immediate one-block radius around where the President at First Family were at (they were inside Valois), there was a fence along the street. Local shops were all still open, but you had to speak with security personnel to get by.

This is what the street looked like, at 53rd and Harper. I saw at least one camera crew stationed on the SW corner, and lots of folks were beginning to gather – hoping to catch a glipmse of the Obama family as they departed.

Around here, Liz and I parted ways. It was funny in that, we both had really mundane errands to run, in the midst of the President’s visit. I was going to get a haircut, and she went across the street to Bonne Sante, the health food store, to get some protein bars.

In order for Liz to cross the street… she had to talk with a security guy, and had her bag searched. She then got to walk across the street (which was entirely closed off), which was crazy because there were literally no people/cars at all there. Kicking myself for not getting some photos of this.

Later at home, I learned that there were lots of other folks hanging out at the health food store (which, incidentally, is located right next to Valois). According to Liz, several folks were just in the store, lingering by the front window… hoping to run out, when the first family made their exit.

In the past, I’ve always wondered about Obama’s visits to Hyde Park. Though we’ve been here a few years, I’ve never really seen them – and was curious if maybe they were low key about things.

Given the security I saw in place tonight, I don’t think I’ve ever been near the President before now.

Who knows – after January 20th, perhaps we’ll be seeing more of them in the neighborhood.

Related:
Breakfast at Valois Cafeteria, Hyde Park
A Lot of Black Cars, a Lot of Guys with Guns