Incredible!

Its 3:30 am and I just got in - exhausted, sweaty, famished and hoarse. Several friends and I were at a bar for 6 hours watching CNN election results on the big screen, and we stayed until after Obama addressed us. Its pretty amazing to see history being made right before your eyes, no? Its surreal to be witnessing it from another country, surrounded by friends from around the world, who are just as astonished and elated as we Americans are. It was an emotional night and very meaningful to have these friends watching with us, and hugging and kissing all in congratulations. It seemed one giant group hug (and kiss, as this is Latin America). I forget just how big an influence the United States has on the world - for better or worse - until I get out of the country. This election had the attention of everyone, not just Americans, because everyone has a stake in the outcome.

By the way, Jeremy here with the flag, is from Cape Town, South Africa. He is a friend of a friend. He was so excited about this election, he bought several of us beers.