Our trip to the U.S.A. (22) -Going to Washington DC

We woke up very early on July 8th.
Marabeth took us in her car to New Haven to take the train to Washington DC.
On the way she had very bad news. A family member had died after a serious illness.
We were all so sorry about the news.We had anticipated that something like that might happen while we were in the States. We are grateful that during those difficult times for Marabeth's family we were not in the way and were travelling to Washington DC as it was prearranged.
New Haven Station

New York skyline

 WiFi on the train!See Barca on my tablet?

 Arrival in Washington DC with a storm on the horizon!

 When I looked at this view I said "Yes I am in the USA"

 A quick glimpse of the city.

 And then the rain started.

 We arrived safely at the suburbs where my life long pen friend Sophie and her family live.
We stayed at her parents' house and loved their guestroom!

 We then gathered around the television and looked at old photos I had brought in a small USB from my mum's photo album.

 And then we had a great dinner cooked by aunt Julia. Although this family and I are not related the fact that we have the same roots from Istanbul and our families stayed connected for so many years makes me feel as if they are my family, as if we are relatives. We so enjoyed our stay here from the very first moment!

(to be continued)

Our trip to the U.S.A.(21)- Mystic Pizza in Mystic town.

After the Aquarium we went to the beautiful little town of Mystic.
Look at this long limo!

 We wanted to visit Mystic Seaport but it had already closed.

 So we went over the bridge to the town to eat something!

 We went to the most famous pizza place in the area Mystic Pizza. It was built by a Greek family and it became famous when in 1988 a film was shot there. Mystic Pizza with Julia Roberts (now that's a movie I still have to see)

 We loved the place.

 And the pizza was very very good.

 Then we walked a bit around town.

 We went inside a great store that sold glass ornaments.

 Oh I loved those vases.

 We also went and attended the opening of the bridge while a ship was passing underneath! Look at those huge concrete pieces.

Later we went back to Mystic Aquarium Olde Mistick Village.

 There was a Christmas shop open.Yes in July! It was called Sofia's Mystical Christmas.

 There were thousands of Christmas ornaments to choose from.

 And Jim Shore ornaments too.I bought the little boat on the bottom shelf.

And a silly necklace.Which I used this Christmas at school with great success.

 I would have bought a little dog ornament but they were expensive!

 After seeing some more shops from the outside we returned back home.