Excitement is high for Obama Inauguration

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Source: CCTV.com | 01-20-2009 09:13

Over in the US excitement is high on the National Mall in Washington ahead of US President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration.

The swearing-in of the country's first African-American president has attracted millions of people from around the world.

The Capitol is illuminated the night before the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama in Washington January 19, 2009. (Scott Andrews/Pool/Reuters)

Hundreds of people braved freezing temperatures to get one glimpse of the US Capitol early Monday morning.

Tourists were getting a look at the scene of Tuesday's inauguration.

Somewhere between one million and two million people are expected to make their way to Washington for the ceremony and parade.

Nearly a quarter of a million tickets have been issued.

Tourist form Puerto Rico, said, "This is historic, and I had to be here. I just had to be here. I'm here with my daughter, and we've been here since Sunday and we're going to be here tomorrow. We don't have tickets, but I'm going to try to get as close as possible."

Along with the US, Kenyans are also preparing to celebrate, with Obama posters being seen everywhere.

The president-elect is the son of an economist from Kenya and is widely popular across Africa.

In his hometown of Kogel, villagers sang traditional songs, hailing Obama as their own.

Many people hope an Obama presidency will help the vast continent to develop into prosperity.