The Raging Grannies opened the day's events.

I had the best of intentions. I was going to come back after each day of the Occupation of Freedom Square and blog.

But we spent 12 hours in the sun, took the wrong train, came back, finally arriving back in the room at 11 p.m. After I finished uploading my photos and finished sharing my excitement with my tripmates, I was done in.

As soon as I got to Freedom Plaza, I knew I was involved in something historic. Yes, the feeling was there when I stood with Occupy Asheville, but that was 150 people and this was 1,500 before noon.

And the crowd was peaceful and in great humor. People are angry, but there’s a sense that we’re finally doing something. We’re out in numbers large enough to be noticed. When we marched to the US Chamber of Commerce, we were 2,000 or more strong, and when we stood outside chanting, “Where are the jobs!?” you could hear us for blocks.

As we walked back to Freedom Plaza, we chanted, “Tell me what Democracy looks like.” “This is what Democrascy looks like!” Drivers honked their horns and gave us the thumbs up; pedestrians waved, took photos and flashed the Peace sign.

I did see one older, well-dressed man scowling and shaking his head. I figure he’s a banker.

I’m on my way back to the square now for Day 2.