Unbelievable Welcome back to Delaware!

DELAWARE: October 6 - 13
My visit to Delaware was a dream come true! The time spent there went by like a twinkling of an eye. I still cannot come to grips with the fact that I have return to Delaware and had the opportunity to meet so many of my special friends again after so many years and the unique thing is that I was able to meet most of them in one central location. I am yearning for a quiet moment to digest all that has happened, but no such luck, any way I must keep going, so let me leave you with some of my unbelievable moments in Delaware. There is a famous saying, "a picture is worth a thousand words", so I will let the pictures do the talking.

I arrived in Delaware form NY on the Amtrak train around 4:00pm on Saturday and Carol Stewart and Helen Saulsbery (two of my very special friends) were there to pick me up. Upon arriving at Carol's place a group of my close Friends were there to greet me:

Seated in front from left to right are; Bertha Lenoir, Annie Dillard, Helen Saulsbery, Sally Timlin, Carol Stewart and standing in the rear next to me is Sheila Wibecan. Later that evening I was in for a big surprise! There were at least another 50 friends that came over Carol's place to see me. It was amazing to see so many of great friends again in one location. Here are some photos them (too many to name):

I stayed the Saturday night with Susan and Charles (Carol's son) who live only two doors down from Carol's residence. Below are photos of Charles, Carol, Susan and me:

On Sunday morning, I visited the double Kingdom Hall in Pike Creek and attended the two congregations that had their meetings at the same time. For one I attended the public talk the other for Watchtower Study. In doing so, I was able to meet many of my close friends whom I would not have been able to see otherwise. Here are some photos at the hall:

Later Sunday evening Mike Hunter and Carol Hunter arranged a barbecue at their place where I stayed for the next couple of nights. Many at the barbecue are his family members. Mike and Carol also hail from Jamaica and we have developed a very close relationship over the years I lived in Delaware. Here are some photos of the barbecue:

On Tuesday, I made to brief visit to H.B. Dupont Middle School where I taught for 7 years when I lived in Delaware. I was thrilled to see some of my former colleagues again. Below are two photos of some of my former HB team members. I also stopped by Conrod Middle School and visited Carolyn Zogby (principal) and Gegory Blake two former HB staff members who are now working at Conrod. Unfortunately I didn't get a photo of them.

On Wednesday afternoon Michael, Carol, Rachael, Michelle, Craig and I went to visit the King of Perisa Mall (a mega mall) in Pennsylvania and unexpectedly came across a former tennis star, Billie Jean King. She was doing a promotion at the time, so we each received a free tennis racket and Michelle received a photo and an autograph from her. Here are some photos of our trip to King of Persia Mall with Billie Jean King:

On Thursday my adopted mother Helen had me over for TEA with the rest of her family and her only grand daughter Mia. Here are some photos of TEA at Helen and Sally (Helen's sister):

So much happened during the 7 days I stopped in Delaware that I need time to recount them all. However, I must jump to my final night in Delaware. This was just as remarkable as the day of my arrival. We were back at Carol's place for final farewell. About 45 friends came along, many of whom couldn't make it on the evening of my arrival. Again I was speechless! Among the Friends who attended were two of my former students (Sean and Andy) from HB Middle School. They are identical twins from a triplet. Here are some photos of the final farewell in Delaware:

Making some strides with my blog!

I am getting close to my final stop in America - Sunny Florida! I should be heading off for Florida tomorrow evening, but before I do, I must mentioned about my stay in NY and Delaware.

NY: September 30 - October 6

I arrived in NY about 6:00pm on Sunday September 30. It took approximately 2 hours to fly from Detroit to NY. I waited for about 4o minites before Claudette and her friend Heather came to pick me up from LaGuardia Airpot. When we arrived at Claudette's apartment, there was a group of friends there waiting for us. Some of them were old friends from Jamaica whom I hadn't seen for decades. It was a real surprise to see these friends again after so many years. There was also a spread of Jamaican cuisine, the kind of food for which I had a yearning for many years, and how delicious it was! Here are a few photos of the welcoming party in NY:

I bought a pass for a week to travel around NY via bus/train, this was quite helpful, as I could get off easily at any stop to explore and then jump on the next bus/train to my next destination. The weather was exceptionally warm for October, but I didn't mind this at all. One of the difference I noticed in NY is the number of police officers walking the streets and positioned at the various bus stops. This seem to give you a sense a security, but also makes you wonder if there is some kind of danger lurking around why such a strong police presence is necessary.

On Tuesday 2nd, I took the train to Newark New Jersey to meet my cousin Wendy, who lives in Newton New Jersey about an hour drive from Newark. The Town of Newton is located in the Northwest Skylands region of the State of New Jersey in rural Sussex County. Newton is located approximately 60 miles Northwest of New York City and 70 miles North of Trenton, New Jersey. The Newton area is very tranquil and pleasant. I could only spend a night with Wendy and her husband Kelly as I had to be back in NY the next day. I accompanied Wendy and Kelly to their book study then afterwards a few freinds came over their palce and I showed them a DVD about "life in Australia". I was so involved in showing the DVD that I forgot to take picture of Kelly and the other friends who came over. However here is a picture of Wendy and me before she took me back to Newark to get the train to NY:

After returning from New Jersey on Wednesday evening, I accompanied Claudette to her meeting (School and Service Meeting) and met many of the friends there. Their congregation is called Hook Creek. Here are some photos of the friends fromHook Creek Cong.

Its now Thursday and time to say goodby to Claudette and Mama Rose (Claudette's mother),

I had promised to stay a few nights with Leticia and her son Peter before I move on to Delaware. Peter lives in Buffalo NY, but was travelling down to NY - A journey 7 hours long so that I could catch up with him and his family. Leticia lives in Jamaica Queens, the same borrow as Claudette and Mama Rose, only about 15 minutes apart. Peter arrived around 2:30 am, while everyone else was asleep, so we talked until sometimes after 3 am. I stayed at Leticia's place until Saturday morning, when I was dropped off at Madison Square Garden to wait for a bus (which never turned up) to Delaware. Instead I caught the Amtark (train) to Wilmington Delaware. Here are some photos of Leticia, Peter's daughter, her mother and me. Some how I didn't get Peter in any of the photos, as he was somewhat elusive at photo taking times.

Trying hard to stay in touch!

Detroit - September 25 - 30
I arrived in Detroit around Tuesday evening around 7:30 pm about an hour behind schedule. I was picked up by my Cousin Ernie who waited patiently at the airport for me. I stayed with Ernie and his wife Harnetha in a very quiet suburb called Southfield located outside of Detriot city. My 6 days in Detroit went by very quickly as I was constantly on the move visiting family and friends as well as seeing some sites around the city of Detroit. The hsitory of Detroit, (the motor city) is reflected in its buildings, landmarks, statues and architecture. Many of these can be found downtown Detroit along the Hart Plaza River front, with a clear view of the city of Windsor (Canada) across the Detroit river. Here are some photos of Ernie, Harnetha and me visiting some of the sites in the city and along the river front. In one of these photos, I am pointing accross the Detroit River to the city of Windsor (Canada).

I was eager to visit a library while in Detroit and was told that Southfield Public Library was one of the most modern and dynamic libraries in Michigan. Since the library was only about 5 minutes from where I was staying, I was eager to pay a visit. The library's infracture and building amenities amazed me. They consist of fireplaces on every level, Imaginarium Garden, Reader' Tree House, Storybook Castle with Book Throne and dragon, Space Station Room, History Room, Two Computer Training Labs, Quite Study Room, Small Group meeting Rooms in Every Level, Auditorium and Large Meeting Room with Advanced Audio-Visual Capabilities, Cafe, Satellite Dish, Drive-up Service Window and Friends Used Book Store among other features. Here are a few photos of the Southfield Public Library:

The highlight of my stay in Detroit was catching up with family and friends whom I haven't seen for many years. Below are some photos of my relatives getting together at Ernie's and Harnetha's place:

I was looking forward to attend the wedding of my cousin Rachel, but I was unable to because my flight to NY was scheduled to leave on the day of the wedding. However, there was a Wedding Rehersal Dinner planned for the day before the wedding and I was privileged to be invited. Here are some photos of the rehersal dinner:

My last stop before leaving to the airport for NY was at the hospital to visit my cousin Russell (Ernie's father) has been ill for sometime. He has been a very special person to me, and I will keep him in my prayers as I travel around the world.

Keeping in Touch!

G'day Friends!

Sorry for the long delay in keeping you up to date with my whereabouts. I think all the energy I expended staying up late playing cards in Melbourne is now taking its toll. Now I don't seem to have the energy to say up to write my blog, I even find my self falling asleep on the train in NY, only to be awaken by an erie silence, then to the realization that I was the only one left on the train at its final destination. I couldn't believe that everyone disembarked the train without waking me up! This certainly wouldn't happen in Melbourne. Well, I must try to be more alert in the future! I am currently in Jamaica Queens (New York City) staying with my cousin Claudette and having a great time!. I have been here since last Sunday evening and I'm now preparing for my next move - Delaware! In my last blog post informed you about my brief stop over in LA. Now I will share a litte about my brief stop over in Dallas, Detroit and NY

Dallas - September 23 - 25
I arrived in Dallas about 4:10 pm on Sunday. After collecting my luggage I waited by the pavement outside the pickup zone (very humid) hoping the person picking me up would recognize me from the dicription I gave of myself . I didn't who was coming to pick me up. After a while I overheard a youngman speaking on a mobile phone close to me mentioning my name, then I realized he was there to pick me up. He informed me later that the person with whom I was going to stay (Raul) was unable to come and get me, so he was asked to do so at the last minute.

This is a photo of Eric and Raul shortly after I arrived at my destination. Eric in the forefront and Raul in the rear. Upon arriving at Raul's place, I was informed that in about 15 minutes we will be heading off to a gathering that they were invited to. Without any hesitation I assured them that I am always ready to socialize. So I stached my luggage in a corner at Raul's place and we jumped into Eric's jeep and headed for the gathering. The friends at the gathering were very kind and hospitable. There were lots of food too. Here are some photos at this gathering:

The nest day after my arrival I was out in the ministy with another Raul whom I met at the gathering. We went door to door in one of the poor neighbourhoods in Dallas.

Here is Raul and me in the ministry. Those to whom we spoke were very receptive to the message we delivered. After a few hours, Raul and I met a friend for lunch at a Mexican Restaurant. After lunch Raul took me for a tour through the city of Dallas. Here are some photos I took driving around the city of Dallas:

I had a very brief but enjoyable time im Dallas. Raul my host was very generous and kind, I appreciate his hospitality very much. Thanks to all the kind friends in Dallas. I will be keeping in touch!

Finally the journey has begun!

Friday September 21:
The journey has finally begun! Did complete the shopping and other chores I had to do before I left. Had a great game of Briscola with Sara, Paul and Robert in the airport departure lounge, was a very competitive one too! It was a draw despite what Robert may say. After about 14 hours of flying, I arrived at LA around 7:00 am and took 2 hours to clear immigration and customs. My friend Leo was right on time to pick me up. We travelled about 45 minutes to his home in Chino Hills, a beautiful suburb on the outskirts of LA.



Leo and me Linda and me

Shortly after I arrived at Leo and Linda's place I went striaght to bed and fell asleep immediately due to exhaustion from my staying up late the previous night playing briscola and also from staying awake listening to music and watching movies during the 14 hours flights to La.

Saturday 22 September:
Today Linda and I took a trip to down town LA and we walked along Hollywood Boulevard. Leo could'nt make it due to previous engagements.

We also visited Universal Studio briefly. It rained cats and dogs while we toured Universal Studio. We had an enjoyable time despite the rain.

Tomorrow my journey takes me to Dallas texas. Have to wake up early tomorrow, must go to bed now! Will talk with you again soon!