It took me a record 3 planes to get to Rhode Island! It was bad enough queuing for over an hour to get through customs in Philadelphia, but to then have to get another 2 planes?? OK, so I love flying, and I got window seats for the other two flights, so it was no mean feat :)

The reason I was in Rhode Island was my friend John Paul was getting married. I'd met him through his mother, Martha. She was searching the web, came across this humble abode, and signed the guestbook. JP was in the USAF and based near my parents' place, so Martha put us in touch. We'd meet up every month or so. It opened his eyes to the rest of England as before that, he, like so many others, didn't realise England stretched beyond the base where he lived and worked! (OK, so I'm exaggerating a little, but the truth is pretty close!) Anyway, I met two of his four brothers when they came to visit, plus his then girlfriend and her sister briefly. Happy days! :)

Martha had told me her and her husband Roy would be meeting me at the airport. Imagine my surprise when I heard a "JULES!" coming from the mouth of non-other than Andrew, one of JP's brothers I'd met before. I must have walked right past him! So unexpected. Anyway, he dropped me off at his mothers, and stayed a while before going home to bed.

The wedding was obviously the main feature in my stay. I even had my nails done for the event!!

While in Rhode Island, I went along the coast (as we were staying in Narragansett) which was amazing to see! (The picture to the right is me with the Narragansett Towers in the background.) I was introduced to "Chowder" when we ate at George's of Galilee, and I also went into Newport to see the mansions . The only one I actually visited was Marble House which was pretty amazing none-the-less, not least because of it's English connections! We also drove past St. Mary's, the church where JFK had wed; and saw Fort Adams.

It's hard to find souvenirs whilst in Rhode Island 'out of season', but the airport does the small state proud there. It may be the smallest state, but it's well worth a visit.