Unfortunately Bob Drouin and his wife Kati weren't able to attend our get-together on 6/02/01 here in New York. When I learned they would be coming from Toronto, Canada, to Philadelphia I wanted to take this serendipitous opportunity to meet them and extend the close friendship we started online. After winning both his local safe bus-driving contest and following that, the contest for Ontario Province, Bob moved on to the finals in Philadelphia on June 7 and 8, 2002. He had no time free on those two days so I suggested meeting them at the Greyhound terminal there on Monday the 9th at 6 AM and riding to NY together.
I went down Sunday morning and spent a marvellous day of good talk and good food with Marc and Elena Salz, seeing their art-filled brownstone in the Society Hill section, Marc's studio, the local gallery area and the first rate Philadelphia Museum. I revisited Elfreth's Alley, the oldest residential street in the US, where my uncle, Bill Reid lived in the 1950's above his antique shop at No.115.
Monday morning Marc drove me to the bus terminal so he could meet Bob and Kati too. We all talked for a few minutes and learned that Bob had come in 5th out of thousands of drivers. His bus company offered to fly them back to Toronto but they didn't want to miss our 'party'. They arrived home at 9PM, a tiring, all-day trip, so I really appreciate their effort. We had a wonderful conversation on the bus and in the NY terminal waiting for their 10AM connection, so it was a truly memorable two days and a fitting continuation of the spiritual high of the original Walls party.
Katie, Marc and Bob at Greyhound
Marc in his studio Marc's studio on 3rd Street No.115 Elfreth's Alley
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