JessicaRulestheUniverse.com

0930. You know things are getting serious when the number of big black Chevy vans in the driveway triples. Lots of beefy security men in dark suits who will become more and more invisible in the course of the day. I’m in van number 12 with John the embassy press rep and Harold the official photographer, who expects to get a good cardio workout today. He should wear skates.

0939. “Better buckle up,” says John, and voom! We’re off. Van 12 zooms off after the lead vans, and you’d better have your seatbelt on.

So this is why people want to be President: The Convoy! People staring from the roadside, trying to figure out who’s in the car. We hurtle through traffic. I am totally into this. I feel that Clint Eastwood should be running alongside the car. Well maybe not Clint now, but Clint 40 (50?) years ago.

Harold is by far the most fair-skinned news photographer I’ve ever worked with. True, I know some pale press photographers, but that’s because they’re alcoho. . .

0951. We’ve stopped. One of the vans has overheated.

1010. Airport. A couple of hours to kill before The Arrival.

1107. A very nice guard in the hangar allowed me to use their power outlet and a chair so I can go on blogging about. . .waiting. The Secretary’s plane was due to arrive at 1250, but there will be a 30-minute delay. Meaning more pointless blathering from this end. Upon her arrival we motor to Malacanang where she will meet with Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo.

Clinton is accompanied by members of the traveling press from AP, AFP, Reuters, Voice of America.