Nikolai - coming to America

[Jet]

Arriving at JFK Terminal 9 via our alternate route due to the AA bump (because the flight was overbooked) we located our baggage (which hadn't been "bumped") and wandered through the maze to get to the AirTrain. We had a pleasant ride all the way to Howard Beach station when I misunderstood the muffled announcement about which stop to use for the rental car agencies. Upon securing a car, not the one we reserved as that had already been rented out, we headed to meet Nikolai at Terminal 4. Only problem was, contrary to what the JFK website stated, he was arriving at Terminal 1. We did in fact make it to Terminal 1 in time to see him emerge from Customs, toting his bags and really looking none the worse for wear - The time was 5:45pm and he had started this journey at 8pm (EDT) the previous evening. Hugs, kisses, and handshakes all around, a wonderful reunion.....until Lil asked her father "Hey, where's your coat?". Russian determination is no match for the mere mortals in those TSA uniforms A few moments after he blew past the first wave of security and headed back in through the "out" doors, he was escorted over to the customer service counter by 6 or maybe 7 TSA guards where Lil had to go translate his situation to these guys that had lost their sense of humor. After some time waiting at the service counter our problem was resolved and we were finally on our way...

Initial thoughts as we pulled the Chrysler 300 into the bumper to bumper traffic on the Van Wyke Expressway were that New York had the same traffic as Moscow, but certainly a more diverse selection of models clogging the road! As we made our way out of the city and on to PA, my F-I-L mused as to how the Port Authority was so easily able to extort $9 apiece to let cars out of NYC at the Varessanno Narrows toll booth. The rest of the drive was uneventful as all the passengers took a cat nap that lasted most of the ride. We arrived at my Parents' place around 10pm and spent some time around the kitchen table with coffee and snacks.

More to come...

[viking]

Oh man. I can only imagine the thoughts going through those TSA guards when your FIL bolted through those security gates. I am happy to hear that Lil was able to put her translations skills to work here. That by itself  could have delayed you a few days. And hey, if you are coming to NY at least spell Verrazzano correctly. Darn Floridian tourists.

[Jet]

if you are coming to NY at least spell Verrazzano correctly. Darn Floridian tourists.

Make a deal with ya: When you NY touristas can pronounce Kissimmee & Micanopy correctly, Ill start spelling Varessanno the right way 

[viking]

Hey I have been to Kissamememe.

[Jet]

OK, we've been kinda busy so I haven't had time to update this thread but I have a new batch of pics from the "hometown" portion of my F-I-L's trip. He's really enjoying Florida and the weather has been fairly cooperative which also helps!

A Seminole Indian chikie hut in our area


SHARKBAIT! 


Posing for a shot at Islamorada Fish Co. with a rather large Iguana looking over their shoulder


A nice evening at a place not far from our home called River Walk,
which we followed up with an IMAX movie which was way cool for everyone.


Nikolai was absolutely amazed with Home Depot, and we had to grab the camera so he could show his buddies back home.


FIL was not so impressed with the roller coaster ride. When Kolya suggested we "go again!",
Nikolai replied in perfect accentless english - "NO, not again"


Some SERIOUS competition at the go-kart track!
Relatives hell! nobody is being cut any slack this race day 


When I decided to take FIL sport fishing, I didn't count on the "sea-sick" factor 
For those that fish, the weather was ideal for sailfish w/ 20mph winds out of the South and a 3-4ft rolling sea
Here's Kolya filling his own chum bucket about an hour after we cleared the sea buey 


Kolya did manage to hook up with a nice king mackerel in the 10lb range



By the time we got back into the "inside waters" everyone was feeling considerably better (thank god)
Despite the sea sickness all stated they enjoyed themselves and would certainly go again of the seas were more calm.

[Kuna]

Jet,

That photo of your FIL and Kolya at the Go Kart track is a classic...  What a great shot the way they seem to be staring each other down.   



Kuna

[ScottinCrimea]

Hey Jet, can I be next to come visit you?

[Jazzyclassy]

Cool pictures

the best pic is in the shark mouth I liked it so much:))))

Of course all pics are great:)

fishing pics are cool ,  I like how little boy is trying to cope with the fishing-rod , looks so so cute:)

[catzenmouse]

Great Pics Jet! I still can't get over that big beaming smile! 

Ken