Philly, July 2009 - Heading back to Tripoli

Arrived in London around 11AM, went through customs, got my bag and headed to the buses. Waited forever for the right bus. Got to the hotel, checked in and had lunch. Checked emails then went to bed early. Received a message from Tracy, she made it back from her CA trip. She had started looking for things to do when we are in Paris.

Philly, July 2009 - Heading to the UK

Started to wrap up packing. Joe called and wanted to get together for lunch. I showed up around noon. I gave Gretchen one of my Malta glass globes. She was very pleased to receive it. Joe and I went to the Broad Axe Tavern. Then we went to a place at the Plymouth Meeting Mall. I headed home to finish packing and swung by CVS to get the last of my coffee and soap. When I got home, Tracy had replied to last night’s email. Tracy had sent a message saying she arrive in Anaheim with no issues and gave me an update on her day. In a second message she said, “That was a perfect night!” talking about Monday night. She ended the email with XOXO. Kindya makes me feel good. Her flight from CA leaves about the same time mine does. I left for the airport at 7:30PM, checked in with no issues. My bag weighed in at 43lbs. Nevertheless, there is no charge for envoy class. I headed to the Envoy club to relax until the plane started boarding. They called my flight and as soon as I reached the gate, they started the boarding process for Envoy class. We had clear skies and a full moon. The reflection off the water was beautiful.

Philly, July 2009 -

After getting home around 2:30AM this morning I ended up sleeping until 10:30AM. Started packing. I just watched TV and worked on the AECOM Email. I ended up paying for the DHL shipment it was $277. Apparently, I was over by $877 from the two previous shipments. I sent Tracy an email before going to bed

Philly, July 2009 - Dinner with Tracy

Did the DD thing, as usual. Washed cloths in the morning. Went to the Verizon Wireless dealer near the house. They did not have the small International cell phone I wanted. Therefore, I went to the store on Red Lion Rd. They did not have the small phone ether. I ended up getting a Crackberry with the $95/month charge. Got home and played around with the new BB. Got ready for my dinner date with Tracy. I headed to the Broad Axe Tavern around 5:15, I arrived at 5:45 and Tracy was already at the bar drinking a glass of wine. We had a few more then got a high top table for dinner (she likes the high top tables). Once again, we talked for about three hours. We decided to meet in Paris for her birthday and Christmas extending through New Years. We also decided to met somewhere in Europe in the November time frame. The tavern was dying down so we wanted to go somewhere else. I suggested the Valley Forge Park. She drove to the park as I navigated. We got twisted around inside the park mostly because it was dark and some of the roads were closed. We drove back around a found a parking spot. We walked over to the large monument, could not believe all of the deer we saw. We sat on a bench and she cuddled next to me. After a while (hours I think). I said lets go for a walk. We walked up the trails for a mile or so holding hands. We stopped at the GW statue and glazed at the moon, it was a full moon. She hugged me from behind and never let go. We walked back to car and drove back to the tavern so I could get my car. We hugged for a long time again, she said she did not want to let go. She was leaving on a trip tomorrow and we would not see each other until November

Philly, July 2009 - Lunch with Tracy

Got up had my DD and prepared for my trip to Media. Just before noon, I arrived at Brodeur’s in Media. I was a bit early and sat at the bar near the front door. Tracy came in I recognized her immediately, she had not changed much in 15 years. We sat at a table outside on the patio. We talked for over three hours. It was just as if we never drifted apart. She was married for number of years of which only a few were good. She had kept her married name,  but was thinking of changing it back to Blithe. Afterwards we went riding around in her convertible. She dropped me off at my car we hung out for a while and made plans for after work Monday. She gave me a big hug I did not think she was going to let go. She said that if I ever need a travel companion in Europe to give her a shout. I sent her an email tonight saying how much I enjoyed seeing her again and suggested a place for tomorrow night. I suggested that she open a Skype account so we could talk when I go back to Libya

Philly, July 2009 - 4th of July!

Made plans to hang out with the Slapinsky’s all day. After morning coffee I went over around 9ish. We picked treats at DD and went over to Mike & Carol’s. Once we gathered everyone, we walked a few blocks and pick a good spot for the parade. I took many photos and had a good time. It started to get warm so we headed back to the Slapper’s pad. We BBQ hung out a chilled the rest of the day.

Philly, July 2009 - Visiting the Slapinsky's

I took the trains down to the airport to pick up my car rental for the rest of my stay. I went to the General for a few brews. Then we swung by the store and pick up meat for BBQ. In addition, picked up a few cases of beer. Hung out at Joe & Gret’s the rest of the day.

DC, July 2009 - Full day of sightseeing then back to philly

Last day but a full one. I had to check out at noon so I had to plan accordingly. Started just walking around the city looking for interesting places to go next time I’m in town. Started the picture taking at the Holocaust Memorial, walked over to the Jefferson Memorial, which I have never visited. Next was the FDR Memorial, another place I have never been. Wrapped up with the Lincoln, Vietnam and WW II Memorials. The Vietnam and WW II Memorials were also first time visits. Back to Philly on the 7PM Amtrak. Made the R7 connection and got home around 10ish.

DC, July 2009 - First day back in DC

Going to DC for a few days. I took Amtrak, a short hour and a half commute. I checked in to the hotel, it was only a few subway stops from the Amtrak station. Headed over to the HRC for lunch, it was near the Ford Theater. I walk around the area to the monument mall. Went into the American History Museum. Went to the Capital Brewing Company for a few brews. I was actually carded, Ha! Don’t recall what I ate for dinner. I went back out at night to take photos of the area monuments lit up. There was a lot of security around because of the 4th party. A lone man with a camera at night walking around the Capital building is pretty suspicious.