Well I finally arrived in Red Bank New Jersey which turns out to be a “Cool little town on the Jersey shore” just as Airbnb claimed.

But what a journey! 

The plane journey passed just fine - 7 hours but I have to say United Airlines looked after me well with surprisingly decent food, free drinks and a great selection of movies. 

That and my Bill Bryson book saw me through nicely. 

Customs at Newark Airport was a different matter however - 2 hours of mindless queing and tedium that I’ll never get back!

From there it was an interesting 1 hour train ride to Red Bank where I emerged into sweltering heat and found myself in every American movie I’ve ever seen - fab! 

Sadly I took a wrong turn and walked a mile in the humid heat before asking a local car repair shop to phone me a cab - they were great and gave me some much needed ice cold H2o while I waited. 

Google maps found me a few eateries within walking distance so I grabbed a chilli dog (had to be done) and a beer. 

My gracious host left a pot of coffee for me this morning and I’m off to wander around before catching up with the other 10 for 10 peeps for some barbecue this afternoon.

My host was fascinated at what had brought me some 3000 miles to attend a two day event

When I told her a little about it and SFM/DEA in general she was very interested and asked for a link.

Anyway - off to Casa Kuba for day one tomorrow - I’ll keep you posted. 

Cheers!