Monday 6th September

Labour Day holiday in the US is most closely akin to May Day holiday in the UK. However the holiday is now largely seen as a celebration of the end of summer and for most students it marks the return to school. Americans celebrate in a variety of ways including parades, picnics, Days Out and BBQs.

I spent the day in Annapolis, the capital of the state of Maryland. This beauty city is steeped in British colonial history and was, I learnt, the capital of the US for a short period from 1783-1784.
On our walk around the city, we visited the Maryland State House, the Thurgood Marshall Memorial, The Kunte Kinte Memorial (of Roots fame) and, last but not least, the US Naval Academy, based in Annapolis since 1845.

The tradition in these parts is to feast on steamed crab, crab cakes or seafood of some kind. I am saving that pleasure until Wednesday evening when I will have the pleasure of steamed crabs!

Departure from LHR on Saturday 4th September

BA0229 took off nearly an hour late from LHR. After all the planning I was finally on my way to Baltimore in the US, on the first leg of my Travelling Fellowship. The flight was very pleasant. The 8 hour flight soon passed as I chatted to my neighbour and then spent time reading the in-flight magazine, newspapers, the latest WCMT newsletter and planning notes.

I landed at Baltimore’s Thurgood Marshall International Airport around 2015. After the full 10 digit finger-printing and photograph, my passage through immigration was made very easy after the officer was shown my letter of introduction from the WCMT.

I emerged from the baggage area to warm greetings and a bouquet of flowers from two young ladies whom I have mentored over the years. My heart was truly warmed to see how they had both blossomed. My visit to ‘charm city’ had started. I plan to spend the next couple of days gaining my orientation and preparing for my meeting with Professor Epstein on 7th September. .

Reflection

"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give" Sir Winston Churchhill

This is one of my favourite Churchillian quotes. I have been reflecting on this as I prepare for my journey.

Less than 2 weeks to go!

With less than two weeks to go, the trip is now a reality and I am filled with excitement tinged with a little anxiety as I contemplate the number of things I still have to do at home, work and putting the finishing touches to my travel plans.
It's been really helpful reading the blogs of other travelling Fellows, as well as the blogs of friends. I have particularly enjoyed Terry's witty blog charting his and Lorain's cycle ride from Land's End enroute to John O'Groats.