Easter

I got up and had a much needed workout at the Sheraton Gym and I was to join with the Team to attend the Easter service at near by Church. (even tough I am a Buddhist I really liked the idea of attending the mass with the Team)
Gerry (a lawyer by profession) from Dover Downtown RC picked us up from the Hotel. We attended the 9am mass and it was well attended. I really liked the architecture of the church particularly the roof. We were taken for a drive around the downtown and it is a small town with 35,000 population.

Arrived in Philadelphia

After 30Hrs of flying and layovers we arrived in PHL international airport at 11am on Saturday 11th April. Quite an uneventful journey. At the airport GSE Chair Richard Harper and Jen received us. As planned we checked in to Dover Sheraton. After a quick lunch we set to Wallmart particularly to buy my Camera. Canon EOS (digital SLR). As it was not available there we moved to Dover mall by a taxi and cost us USD5. I bought a Canon EOS Rebel XSi and I was thrilled to own my 1st digital SLR. AJ too bought one and I'm sure he is happy too. We walked up to the hotel and the T around Dover is 2-3C. As we were tired( oh! all were really exhausted) we had a nap. Well when I got up it was 12midnight. Later AJ, Ash and myself had sandwiches at WAWA just across Sheraton.
I played with my camera till around 4am and went to bed.

Last Supper

The Team met at Clarence's place for a brief session. We finalised the gifts, meeting ourway to the airport etc. Had few drinks with Clarence and ended up at Moon River for a well deserved Dinner!

I need to buy few more gifts and also pack some loose Tea. The ceylon cinnamon will be in high demand!

Keep posted folks next 4-5weeks will be exciting!

5Days More

It is long time since my last post. Eventful weeks pass by and many preparations.

The Brochure prepared by the District 7630 is very descriptive. The Host family details and the daily agenda gives adequate info for my preparation. Did some shopping with Ruvini (mainly some gift items for each host family)

Presentation

To date the group has done 3 presentations to 3 different Rotary Clubs. The Governor Nalin was present at all 3 occasions. We got great feed backs from different individuals. The final presentation will look so good thanks to a Team effort.

Visit to Mahendra Tea Factory and Southern Tea Producers

Last Friday and Saturday I was at the Factory before the One month visit to the USA. This will be my longest trip since my marriage that I am going to be away from family and also from my business. (since the year 2000 when I started the business). We had a good Friday night dinner and a sing song and I will be back in mid May.

Dress Rehearsal

10 Days more.

Team Meeting

At 1pm we all met at Team Leader Clarence's Place. The team will do 8 presentations (20Min.) in Delaware/Maryland plus one at their District Conference (30Min.). A real Team effort produced a wonderful presentation. On the 23rd March 'Team Serendib' will have a full dress Rehearsal presentation in front of the Up Town Rotary club. This is the Club our Team Leader Clarence represent. The picture on to your R shows the presentation being finalised.

The picture on to your L shows The Team trying to fly to the US in a trishaw. Its true as it carries a US flag on the right and a Sri lanka flag on the windscreen.

We also discussed backpacking in NY. Sounds exciting!

Team will need to meet again before the 23rd and I reckon we badly need a chill out session for better bonding!

03/03

The attack in Lahore overshadowed the days proceedings. Good news is that the Sri Lanka Cricket Team is Safe.

Good news for the GSE 'Team' is that the Air tickets were issued and official Itinerary was released. Hats off' for the Delaware/Maryland GSE Chair and its team for tabulating, what it seems a wonderful Itinerary. The things are getting very 'official' now.

Had a chat with Ima, Ash and Clarence and everybody is quite busy with their work.