THE JOURNEY

The waiting is over, travel arrangements made & hotels booked.  Karen & I flew from London Heathrow to Philadelphia, as the Tropicana Hotel Casino in Atlantic City where Jeep was to be viewed was not available until  17/04/00,  so we stayed at the Hampton Inn just 10 minutes from Philadelphia Airport from 13/04/00 until 17/04/00.

Good landing in Philadelphia, but weather not so good

Whilst in Philly we took in some of the sites (Liberty Bell etc) & did some shopping, although not too much shopping as we planned to visit Woodbury Common when in New York.  We decided at this stage not to hire a car but try the local transport system.  It was only a short walk and one road to cross to reach our nearest train station which was Eastwick.  Market Street East was the stop for Philadelphia City Center which was a pleasant 15 minute journey.  We did this daily whilst in Philly just like we were locals, even getting to know the times of the trains!.

Just came back from another day in the City

Again we used Public Transport to get from Philly to Atlantic City namely "The Greyhound Bus".  They do lay on a special Casino service but we did not fully understand at the time the advantage of getting a return ticket which would of been in our favour as you get money back to play the slots and we would of been in pocket even though not returning to Philly within the time allotted on ticket (know better next time). 

Less tiring than driving ourselves

A pleasant surprise when we arrived at the Tropicana Hotel Casino as we had VIP Check-In and our room was beyond our expectations (thanks Paul).  By the way, Paul is the guy that we were buying the Jeep from who also works as a Limousine Driver for the Tropicana.  The hotel has around 1,400 rooms and a Casino like we have never seen before.  One is not allowed to photograph the Casino as I found out after taking a Picture.  We did not need to venture too far as obviously the Boardwalk is where it all happens (we had a fair mix of weather) and needless to say lost a good few dollars in the slot machines.

Just part of the Hotel Casino and Boardwalk

Two days after arriving in Atlantic City Paul bought Jeep to the Hotel.  After approx 2 hours of general chit chat (Paul does like a chat) I thought it time to take a look at the Jeep so I rudely interrupted the conversation that Paul and Karen were deeply involved in and went for a guided tour of Atlantic City and I am sure another couple of towns (thanks for the tour Paul). I must now know where everybody who is anybody lives in Atlantic City.  Yes the deal was struck the waiting was over, well for now anyway. 

Paul with one of the limo's, must admit he looks different in jeans & sweat shirt

Next on the agenda, I must drive Jeep to Newark for shipment to UK.  Set off at 09:00hrs to allow plenty of time for the 100 mile journey.  

On route to Newark

Made one stop for refreshments on route, with no problems we got to Newark then the headaches started, could not find the shipping office or anyone that could direct me to it, we contacted shippers by phone with more directions in hand, we set off again but with no progress.  I believe we managed to get further away from our destination than before we telephoned the office.  At this point I telephoned them again & asked if they could phone a cab to meet me & lead the way to the office, as time was running out & the following day was Good Friday & everything was closed, they said  to leave it with them & to stay where we were.  Approximately 15 minutes later Sue from the shipping agents arrived to lead the way.  We went to her office & sorted out the paperwork, then with Sue on to customs & then to the docks for shipping, all in about 25 minutes.  (Thanks Susan).  The ship should sail on the 3rd May & should arrive UK 20th May, So another wait.   

Taking a break for refreshments