Sunday 17^th April

An early wake-up call and breakfasted on toast and juice etc. before shuttle to the airport. There was a technical hitch before we got to fly! The views of the East coastline, river estuaries etc. were lovely from the plane window.

Naughty Nick left his passport on the plane in the seat pocket!! Delta staff not helpful and Nick not allowed back on the plane to find it.

We were met by our enthusiastic hosts, Tracy Frank (the organiser), Casey (our host)and Regula (Bruce and Sheila’s host) and after reporting the lost passport Casey drove us ‘home’. Our ‘home’with Casey , Marcus and Willy, a huge chocolate Labrador was lovely and the all made us feel most welcome.

The drive to Casey and Marcus’ house took us past Cornus florida, Magnolia grandiflora, Judas trees all looking great in full bloom. Marcus and Casey live in an orderly quiet, street with neat well kept gardens – quite large houses! Marcus cooked us brunch of tasty frittata, cupcakes and coffee – ate on the deck next the swimming pool, which looked inviting if a bit cool! We had a walk around the neighbourhood, Casey meeting and greeting all – reminded me a bit of CT suburbs before all the high walls and fences………..

After a nap and shower we went to USS Wisconsin for a tour of huge decommissioned Navy ship – very impressive.

Thereafter to a Reception and Dinner held at The Half Moon Cruise and Celebration centre. The dinner was good, followed by welcome speeches – the chief one from Vice Admiral Robert Cooling, UK Royal Navy. His present post is Chief of Staff at NATO’s Supreme Allied Command HG for Transformation in Norfolk, Virginia USA.

Sunday 17^th April

An early wake-up call and breakfasted on toast and juice etc. before shuttle to the airport. A technical hitch before we got to fly. The views of the East coastline, river estuaries etc. were lovely from the plane window.

Naughty Nick left his passport on the plane in the seat pocket!! Delta staff not helpful and Nick not allowed back on the plane to find it.

We were met by our enthusiastic hosts, Tracy Frank (the organiser), Casey and Regula (Bruce and Sheila’s host) and after reporting the lost passport Casey drove us ‘home’. Our ‘home’ for the next week lovely. Marcus and Casey have a great big dog, Willy, a huge chocolate Labrador and he made us feel welcome too!

The drive to Casey and Marcus’ house super – Cornus florida, Magnolia grandiflora, Judas trees all looking good in full bloom. Marcus and Casey live in an orderly quiet, street with neat well kept gardens – quite large houses! Marcus cooked us brunch of tasty frittata, cupcakes and coffee – ate on the deck next the swimming pool, which looked inviting if a bit cool! We had a walk around the neighbourhood, Casey meeting and greeting all – reminded me a bit of CT suburbs before all the high walls and fences………..

After a nap and shower we went to USS Wisconsin for a tour of huge decommissioned Navy ship – quite impressive.

Thereafter to a Reception and Dinner held at The Half Moon Cruise and Celebration centre. The dinner was good, followed by welcome speeches – the chief one from Vice Admiral Robert Cooling, UK Royal Navy. His present post is Chief of Staff at NATO’s Supreme Allied Command HG for Transformation in Norfolk, Virginia USA.

Norfolk, Virginia / New York City Trip – April, 2011

Sat 16^th April

Our day began early with a taxi to Norwich Airport around 5AM.

We met Bruce and Sheila there and negotiated the check-in, security successfully before the short flight to Schipol, Amsterdam.

Had a wander round Schipol, a coffee and bite to eat. Bruce had a fall on some shallow steps! The flight to JFK – NY left on time – quite comfy seats on delta flight.

We arrived at JFK at 13.25 – a bumpy landing in windy conditions.

Then we heard about tornadoes sweeping up the east coast – our flight to Norfolk was delayed, and then cancelled.

Luckily we had an experienced travelled with us – Nick and he knew what to do and managed to find us a room in a hotel on the airport periphery!!

We made our way there in the rain and wind – nearly lost Nick (when he went to ring for the shuttle to the hotel) at one point, but made it to the Hotel and had a good sleep. Rain and wind lashed against the windows, but the worst of the storm had died in the morning.

Norfolk, Virginia / New York City Trip – April, 2011

Sat 16^th April

Our day began early with a taxi to Norwich Airport around 5AM.

We met Bruce and Sheila there and negotiated the check-in, security successfully before the short flight to Schipol, Amsterdam.

Had a wander round Schipol, a coffee and bite to eat. Bruce had a fall on some shallow steps! The flight to JFK – NY left on time – quite comfy seats on delta flight.

We arrived at JFK at 13.25 – a bumpy landing in windy conditions.

Then we heard about tornadoes sweeping up the east coast – our flight to Norfolk was delayed, and then cancelled.

Luckily we had an experienced travelled with us – Nick and he knew what to do and managed to find us a room in a hotel on the airport periphery!!

We made our way there in the rain and wind – nearly lost Nick (when he went to ring for the shuttle to the hotel) at one point, but made it to the Hotel and had a good sleep. Rain and wind lashed against the windows, but the worst of the storm had died in the morning.