New York to Philly

Well everyone, it seems like blogs are the “in thing” so this Philly team cannot be left out.  We are off to a late start since we left Trinidad on Friday at Midnight.  So, for those who don’t have a clue what’s going on…… Rosemary, Dow and Gina left Trinidad as the ‘Trinity TV’, team heading for Philadelphia and the World Meeting of Families. They are joined by Fitz and Kathyrn Tardieu and Damien and Suzie de Verteuil who will be attending the Conference as Participants.  Landing at JFK Airport in New York they were met first by our ‘Wanna be’ Trini – Cassie Schemmel.  Cassie first spent a summer with our Community in Trinidad a few years ago and fell in love with the Living Water and cannot stand being away from our Community.  We rented a 7 seater car and drove to a small and delightful town in New Jersey called Woodbridge, to spend the rest of the day and overnight at a Bed and Breakfast.

When you think New York/New Jersey, I bet you think – tall buildings, busy streets, traffic - but this town is about a 40 minute drive from JFK and a lovely scenic drive crossing the Verrazano  bridge and on through lots of green trees and beautiful scenery.  That day there was a Street Fair down the whole length of the Main Street.  Homemade baked goods and handmade craft. Families walking around enjoying the sunshine and meeting and greeting neighbours and friends.  Lovely atmosphere.  That afternoon we went to Mass at the Church of St. James (125 years old) and the atmosphere there was much the same.  Real Community spirit.  You get the feeling that the town grew up around the Church.  Every building around the Church seemed to be something Catholic – The School, Knights of Columbus, Kindergarden etc.. small houses with rocking chairs in each porch and pretty gardens.

We checked out at Noon and hit the road. Rosemary, Dow, Gina and Cassie.  Heading to Philadelphia with Rosemary comfortably at the wheel and Cassie navigating with the help of the GPS.  Lots of laughter and giggles along the way.  Again the scenery was amazing.  Small forested areas and lots of green and flowers.  Lovely homes tucked away in clusters behind fir trees. Absolutely beautiful.

We then checked in to the Best Western Inn. This is about an hours drive from the City Centre.  We used Sunday with less traffic and people to find our way about.  Drove to the Pennsylvania Convention Centre.  Located the Parking Lot that we will use every day and timed our walk from there to the Centre. All in all a day full of adventure.