toTheir Arrival

The day began early for Georg and Maria. Their time of closeness had been postponed. They held their first kiss of the day a long time and remained in a hug as the others emerged from their cabins full of excitement and anticipation of arriving in America. Finally the couple decided it was time to dress and join the others.

"Mom, Dad, I still can't believe we will be in America today."

"It's an awesome thought, Friedrich. Once everyone is dressed we can go watch the sunrise before having breakfast."

By now most everyone was in the passageway. Katia and Isabel were still helping the girls get dressed. When they left the cabin they both ran to Maria shouting, "Mommy, mommy."

Maria had stooped down to hug both of them. "That sounds so nice, girls."

"Are we really going to be in America today?"

"We are. We need to stay busy so the day will go by quicker."

"The first thing we need to do is eat."

"Your mom and I heard you Kurt. Where would you like to eat?"

"The All-American restaurant, it serves food quick."

"I see." Georg could hardly contain his laugh. The others didn't try and soon laughter filled the passageway.

"Come with me Kurt, you and I can take the lead."

Kurt was all smiles as he and Stefan led the group. They were the first customers there. Their favorite waitress wasn't there; still they received a friendly greeting.

"Good morning, everyone. Did you wake early in anticipation of arriving in America this afternoon?"

"Yes and my youngest son wanted to come here for breakfast because you prepare food quickly."

"Then take a seat and I will take your orders."

Everyone knew exactly what they wanted to order and the kitchen had their food prepared for them in about fifteen minutes. Maria said a quick blessing. And like before, Kurt was the first to finish his meal.

Today he waited patiently for the others to finish. "Dad, can we go the game room?"

"Great idea, a good way to pass the morning."

This was a huge room which contained an indoor shuffleboard court, a place with a net for playing badminton or volleyball. It also had tables for playing ping-pong and two allies for the game of bowling.

They played in there until Franz noted the time. "We should have lunch and then return to our cabins to pack our things so we can go topside to watch our ship pull into port."

They went to the main dining room because they knew that the tables were still available to seat them all together. And it wasn't very busy so their orders were taken quickly.

After their food was served, there was little talking. They were eager to pack and watch the ship pull into port.

No one took long to pack; although each cabin was checked twice to be sure nothing was being left behind. Their bags were left in the cabin; an attendant would take them to the debarking area where they would retrieve them as they left the ship.

Georg led them to the bow of the ship. "This is where Maria and I were married. We'll have a perfect view of the Port of New York City."

"Do you think we will wait long?"

"Not too long, Liesl. I think we are very close to America."

Georg's eyes were sharp. He could a land mass none of the others could see. When the ship began to slow he spoke again.

"We must be getting close to the entrance to the port. Davy will need to begin to turn the big ship towards the west. Keep looking straight ahead; I think you will see land very soon."

"Dad, look at all those buildings."

"I see them, Friedrich."

"And what's that tall statute on our left?"

"It's the Statute of Liberty, Louisa. It was a gift from France. I'm sure we will learn more about her."

"Georg, now I see many more buildings."

"Maria, they're probably in the city which is also named New York."

And now everyone heard a voice. "I'm Walter, Davy's orderly. He sent me to tell you to prepare for departure. I will personally escort you to the dignitaries exit. There's a bathroom nearby it."

Georg didn't need to repeat Walter's instruction; they eagerly followed him. He could hear many in his group say. I can't believe we are in America.

It took another forty-five minutes before the ship reached the dock and had been secured. And now Davy could leave the Wheelhouse and meet the group at the dignitaries exit.

"Good morning my friends, I know you are eager to learn where you will live. Follow me and I will introduce you to the men who will explain everything."

With Georg and Maria right behind Davy, the group left the bow of the ship and once more took elevators down to the deck with the grand staircase. Davy led them past those stairs to a private passageway; the door had to be opened with a key.

It looked like all the other passageways, carpeting on the floor and beautiful pictures on the walls. They could see light at the far end. As they approached the end, they could see two men. One was dressed in a regular suit; the other in the summer white uniform of an officer in the United States Navy.

The man in the regular suit walked towards them; immediately put his hand out towards Georg. Georg took it for a firm shake as the man spoke.

"I'm Frank Knox the Secretary of the Navy and with me is Admiral John Healy."

"Pleased to meet both of you."

"We are going to board a bus which will take us to the train station. From there we will take a train to the United States Capital in Washington D.C. It has a dining car where we can eat before we arrive there."

Georg smothered his thought about Kurt. He was sure he was relieved to know he would eat soon.

Instead he said. "We need to follow these two men."

The bus was a large one with the word TRAILWAYS written on its side. As the group began to go onboard, their luggage and Maria's guitar were placed in the belly of the bus.

Frank Knox and Admiral Healy sat in the seat directly behind the driver; Georg and Maria were in the one across the aisle. They could easily converse.

Maria spoke to Georg. "Now we know why we could see these buildings from the ship. They are extremely tall."

"I'm sure Kurt and Louisa are enjoying them."

Admiral Healy asked. "Are your children always so quiet?"

"Not really admiral, I think they're in awe of actually being in America; these very tall buildings probably have them speechless."

"They will really be in awe when we arrive at Grand Central Terminal; and we're almost there."

The admiral was right. The sight of the terminal had them all standing with their jaw dropped.

Georg reminded them. "Stay together please."

Frank knew exactly where to go. Soon they were at the correct platform for the train to Washington D.C. It was ready for boarding. And as soon as their luggage was loaded it began to slowly leave the terminal. It picked up speed as it left the city behind them and headed south.

It took them out of the city and quickly was on tracks which were almost straight. The train's conductor kept a constant speed. It made one stop, in the city of Philadelphia. And Frank commented.

"Philadelphia was the nation's first capital. It's also famous for the place where our Declaration of Independence was written and for the bell which was wrung announcing it, The Liberty Bell.

"The piece of land now known as Washington D.C. was purchased by President Washington. A large house was built for the president and his family. Today it's called the White House; it really is white. And a multiple of other government buildings were built nearby including one for the navy.

"Before we arrive there we should have lunch. The dining car is through this door in front of us. Georg tell your group and then follow me."

Georg no sooner had said dining car was Kurt out of his seat. With the help of all the adults the children walked on the moving floor between the cars. They were seated and handed menus.

They were surprised to find similar food to what was served at the cruise ship's All-American restaurant. They each ordered their favorite. It wasn't long before everyone was finished eating and now were eager to arrive in Washington D.C.

After another hour had passed, the train arrived at the district's train station. After leaving the train car, Frank led into the grand concourse. In the ceiling were two large skylights, they gave the space an ethereal feeling. And once outside they saw the building was constructed with stone and had columns and arches. It wasn't as massive as the New York City terminal; still they looked at it in amazement.