I started to write a more detailed description of our weekend, but I think these notes and observations are shorter and more concise.
Post DS departure
- Super Shuttle from airport works great - $80 for 3 people in town car (tip included).
- A last minute night addition - $80 Marriott, priceline. At check-in, we upgraded room for $20; 5th floor with view of the dock. Marriott was great, especially for proximity to Gate 1 and food. Stored luggage with valet after checkout (had to switch hotels).
- DS believes he’ll find out everything he needs to know during NASS – not interested in any tour with mom & dad.
- Planned on attending an admissions brief only to find out it is what we saw in Milwaukee and DS would see again as part of NASS. We did however meet an admission officer that was nice, approachable, and willing to sit and answer any question we had.
- DS originally planned on entering about noon, 10:59 he entered the doors. Very nice mid basically told us to say goodbye and have a safe drive home. Very hard on one parent – didn’t bother DS.
- So, as non-military people, first time to Annapolis, we learned nothing about NASS or the USNA as part of this experience.
Post DS departure
- DW and I went to the Visitor’s Center multiple times during the weekend each time spending only a little more money (trying not to go overboard in the event things don’t pan out).
- We took a paid tour. The insight the tour guides provided was wonderful. Our guide was a graduate of 63 years and a day. The Chapel was closed all day due to the five weddings.
- Women of Annapolis wear really big shoes (maybe it was due to all the weddings).
- The museum in Preble Hall was amazing… for me. DW enjoyed the rest. If you have ever built (or thought of building) a model this an amazing display.
- It was exciting to see the sea wall and green torpedoes, but don’t recall seeing any green benches.
- A jogging mid (assumed) politely asked if we needed help. We must have looked lost.
- The pool is a sight to see. Two Olympic sized pools end to end with seating over the middle.
- We visited every store on Main Street spending lots of money.
- We were amazed how many people had dogs with them.
- Some people have a lot of money tied up in boats.
- Coming from the Midwest, food was good, but different (and expensive). Crab cakes taste like a tuna fish sandwich. Drydock turned out to be good comfort food.
- Two additional nights spend at Loews (100/night). The room was fine, but there were no upgrades and we stayed right on the street. It was a longer walk to Gate 1 (via Main Street shops of course which means more shopping).
- No contact with DS except a 2 minute call to report his CFA results. I wonder if his GF is also in the dark.
- Annapolis is wonderful in the morning; crowded by noon; insane at 5pm.
- $80 cab ride back to BWI. Concluded that there was no need for car staying in DTA.
- Looking forward to hearing what DS has to say about his week, but knowing him,” it was fine” is all we’ll get.