Where to Watch Barack Obama’s Inauguration in Europe

Friday, January 16th, 2009

Yes, we did!
It’s our time! Photo courtesy of an agent

Yes, we did!

On Tuesday, January 20th, 2009, Barack Obama will be sworn is as the 44th U.S. President and the world will be watching!

We’ve put together a list of places - that we currently know of - hosting inaugural day events in Europe. Fortunately, for all Europeans, the inauguration should be available in high-def at many locations.

We’ll keep adding to the list as Tuesday approaches. And, let us know - Do you still need to find a place to watch the event? Do you have another idea for a city we haven’t covered or an additional location in an existing city listed here? 

Signed, sealed, delivered!

In Paris: The American Church in Paris hosts a prayer service at 7:30 PM followed by a viewing of the inauguration (one hour behind the live events) and a wine and cheese reception. Stop by and you might just see our Ed-in-Chief Tom Meyers! More info is here. You can also email Arlene Gross, the coordinator of the event, at arlbru2004@yahoo.com

For more ideas on where to hang your hat on inauguration day, check out this great forum on the Fodor’s Paris site. Other ideas include the Havane Cafe, at 70 Bis, Boulevard Auguste Blanqui (near Place d’Italie).

According to the Paris Expat Meetup group, the American Library has inauguration events planned. More info here.

In Berlin: Our friends over at BootsnAll first broke the news that Berlin would be partying down on inauguration eve. As they so aptly reminded us, it was Mr. Obama himself who said, “People of Berlin, people of the world, this is our moment. This is our time.” Rock on! Head to Goya Nightclub for an evening of celebration or head to the Amerika Haus, where they’ve been celebrating Black History month for weeks already. Check out what they have planned here.

In London: A host of events are planned in Her Majesty’s great city. For a list of a bunch of them, visit Time Out London’s web site. Might we recommend the “Bye George” comedy celebration at the Southbank Centre on the evening before Obama takes office? By George, now that’s a pleasant thought!

For a real down-home feel, check out what the Chicago Rib Shack has planned. Just for the record, this is exactly where the other resident Cheapos would be if on the other side of the pond next week! They’re in Knightsbridge, near Harrods. For more info, email info@thechicagoribshack.co.uk

In Amsterdam: One of our favorite places to catch great entertainment and share laughs, Boom Chicago, has lots of fun stuff on the docket Tuesday night. Get in the mood earlier with a comedy show called, “Bye Bye Bush!”. For more information on the inaugural fest, go here.

In St. Petersburg: Fellow Cheapo “Liz” suggests trying the folks at the Grand Hotel Europe, where events are planned. Contact: desk.concierge@grandhoteleurope.com

Other suggestions: Check out sites like Democratic Underground, your city’s local Expat Meetup site, or Democrats Abroad for ideas.

Where will you be?

Tell us where you plan to watch the inauguration and - Help! Do you know of places in Rome, Madrid, Barcelona and other major European cities where inauguration events are planned? Please leave us a message in the comment section below. We’ll be updating our results as next Tuesday approaches.

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London Spotlight: Alex dishes up the goods.

Thursday, January 15th, 2009

98-pence store 
If only everything in London could be so cheap! Photo by drinksmachine

Recently, Alex Robertson Textor, our awesome editor emeritus and current writer-at-large, spent a few months in London and reviewed a host of new hotels for EuroCheapo while updating existing hotel reviews. In addition, he scoped out and tested cheap eats (bacon anyone?), budget tips, and lots more.

Positively brilliant!

If you haven’t already, might we suggest his “Insider Info” interview as a starting-off point?  It’s chock full of fun facts and anecdotes. Next, move on to his newly updated “Budget Tips” article, and then browse listings of more than 70 budget hotels, from hostels to B&Bs, and more unique sleeps.

Alex even added new neighborhoods citing the fact that London is so expansive, but easily accessed by public transport. This London guide offers new locales like “The City” and “Southwark/Bankside” among others. For help in choosing the right neighborhood, Alex lends helpful advice here.

Shout out!

And, as many of you dear Cheapos know, Alex also pens his own blog, “Spendthrift Shoestring.” Follow his travels here. In addition, he writes regularly for the New York Post blog. Check his latest dispatch out here.

Righty-ho!

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