Philadelphia, PA (USA)

Before the Detachment began, our travel office had scheduled me for a flight from Italy to Norfolk (via Catania, Rome and Philadelphia on US Airways).  However, the airlift we got last night required a complete change of plans.  Home base wanted me to take a flight this afternoon but I managed to convince them (last night) that a rental car was much more cost effective.  Also, I prefer driving to all day in the airport...  They approved my request, so I got up early and headed (with a duty driver) to the Philadelphia International Airport.  I picked up my car at the Avis counter at 0755 and headed towards Hampton Roads. Traveling down the Eastern Shore (mostly via US-13) was quite pleasant - the weather was great and there was no traffic. Just before I got to the Virginia border, I stopped for a nice lunch at a Friendly's (always a treat!). The Chesapeake Bay Bridget-Tunnel was not busy and I was able to return my car to the Avis counter at Norfolk International Airport by 1320. The drive was a good way to finish off my travels!  Despite this fact, I was very glad to get home to see Nicky and the kids...