WYD2002

Long, long day, lot's of fun though. the crowds are now here and it is simply amazing. There are flags from Japan to Malawi to the US. The Germans have distinguished themselves as the loudest of the bunch, but the Mexicans have been pretty vocal too. Of course, the U.S. groups are "slammin."

I got some great pictures, but I may have ruined them as I mistakenly opened up the camera before the film was completely rewound(sp?).

there is a vocation's exhibit where religious orders and diocesan offices are encouraging young people to consider the religious life or priesthood. I happen to know that the drool factor is pretty high because it should be a profitable time for them: so many young people on fire for the Church.

The opening ceremony was packed and very nice. All you see is a sea of people and flags, but even though there were thousands there, it wasn't bad for a claustrophobic like me.

Tonite, there's going to be many concerts: BTW there is music everywhere, groups from different countries and different languages can be heard all over the place. It is also not unlikely to find a group of pilgrims pull out a couple of acoustic guitars and start a mini concert.

Wednesday thru Friday will focus on catechesis in the mornings. So pilgrims will go to different catechetical sites around the city. Each site will have a Bishop who will do the catechesis.

You can find journal entries and photos at the USCCB WYD website.

Public transportation was covered in the registration fee so to get around, just hop on a bus or train and don't have to fool around with tickets, passes, tokens, etc. The official WYD food has also been surprisingly pretty good.

Tomorrow is also going to be busy for me, so if I get to blog, it'll be a late blog.