America

No one took long to eat lunch nor to pack their bags. They were now on the top deck to watch the ship dock in the Port of Philadelphia. Dave was there to tell them all about the port.

"This port is over three hundred years old. It was needed in order for people to get supplies from Europe. The port has been enlarged several times since then. Soon it became a place for our navy to build its ships; this place is named the Navy Yard. An airfield and an airplane manufacturing plant were added around the beginning of the Great War in Europe.

"The dock used for cruise ships is new. And Captain Moulin will have us there shortly. You should return to your cabins to be ready to leave the ship shortly after our ship is properly docked and secured."

Georg spoke for everyone. "All of us thank you for all you told us. It was very informative."

"I'm glad you enjoyed it."

Now the talk among the children became loud. They all spoke the same words. "I can't believe where we are!"

Then they and the others hurried back to their cabins to use its facilities. As soon as they had gathered in the passageway, Tony began to lead them back to the top deck. Their bags were taken by stewards to the dignitaries' exit.

Tony now heard the ship's horn for the second time. By the time the group arrived on the top deck the ship was being secured to the dock. Another blast of the horn signaled to the passengers they could begin to leave the ship.

Tony then explained. "The entrance to the dignitaries' exit is through a hallway accessed through a locked door. It's not very far."

Tony unlocked the door but Franz held it open; after Max exited Franz closed the door. This hallway was also nicely decorated. Another door opened into the reception area. Here Georg was greeted.

"Claude Swanson, Captain. Welcome to my country. A large bus is waiting to take you to my nation's capital."

"Hello sir. I must tell you neither nor the other navy men expected for your government to be interested in us.'

"All of you may know things you think are trivial but to my government they may be important."

Franz had heard the gentleman and told the group. "We need to follow Georg and this gentleman."

The group did follow them; they were very quiet. Soon they saw the large bus which had a compartment under the bus for their bags. Once they were loaded the compartment's doo was closed. They saw a man standing by the bus's door. Claude spoke to him.

"Walter, please take the scenic route to DC."

"Good idea sir." Then to the group he said. "You may board now. Everyone can have a window seat. The two little girls may need a lap to sit to be able to see out the window."

Once everyone was seated, Walter took his seat and drove the bus out of the parking area and then told them.

"This street will take us to a bridge across a river to the State of New Jersey."

"Father, what's a bridge?"

"Everyone, a bridge is a structure built over water so cars and buses can get to the other side. They also make bridges for trains."

Soon Walter had to stop the bus. He announced. "Every vehicle which uses the bridge must pay money to do so; it's called a toll. You will see several structures named Toll Booths. Inside the booths are people who collect the money. It won't take long."

In a few minutes the bus was at a toll booth and Walter paid the toll. A few meters past it the bus was on the bridge to New Jersey. And the bus was very quiet except for Kurt.

"Father, bridges are fascinating. I'd like to know how they are built."

Georg didn't answer Kurt, Claude did. "Young man, you should take classes to become an engineer when you're in an upper level school. The best way to get started is building with an Erector Set."

"Thank you sir, I'll remember your suggestion."

By this time the bus was already on the New Jersey side if the river. It had to slow as the lanes merged together to form a two lane street. They were in a city named Camden. In a few minutes the bus was out of this city and traveling in farm land.

Again Walter commented. "The State of New Jersey is known as the Garden State; almost every kind of fruit and vegetable is grown here. It's not bought just by the locals; it's shipped to all the neighboring states, including my nation's capital Washington DC. The letters DC are an abbreviation for District of Columbia. George Washington, our first president, selected that name to indicate it wasn't a state but was a place which belonged to the people of the new nation."

By now Walter had driven the bus to the southern end of New Jersey. "People, we will be taking a boat named a Ferry. This kind of boat carries cars, busses and trucks to the State of Delaware.

"You will be able to get off the bus and enjoy the scenery which includes three lighthouses and maybe see Dolphins which like to follow alongside of the ferry. When the bus leaves the ferry, it will travel on to DC."

The group was silent as the bus drove onto the Ferry. Once it was aboard and parked Walter invited everyone to join him on deck. In twenty minutes the Ferry left the dock. Everyone watched in awe as it traveled further from land and was now surrounded by water.

"It's a little scary, Father."

"I suppose it is Liesl. For me it's just like standing on the top of my submarine and enjoying the peacefulness."

The ferry soon passed the first lighthouse and here a school of dolphins came close to the ferry. They put on a show for them by doing flips out of the water and making funny noises.

By now everyone was tired of standing. Walter took them to a place where they could sit and enjoy something to drink and have a snack. When they returned to the deck they had about thirty minutes before they took their seats on the bus and waited for the ferry to dock.

After the bus was off the ship Walter told them. "Washington DC is about an hour from here. Sit back and enjoy the scenery."