17th Feb 09

6:30am - Driving to Naples

After dragging myself out of bed at 5am I was in the car and on my way to Naples via Alligator Alley.

In the back of my mind half expecting the 100 mile run from coast to coast to be littered with Alligators at the side of the road snapping at the car. I was met with a very long, straight and generally uninteresting road. So why do I mention it here?


Well, whilst driving I spotted a sign prompting drivers to tune into "Everglades Information Radio" and thought, why not!


Until that moment I hadn't really fiddled with the radio but Spanish country music wasnt really doing it for me so figured whats the harm. Having tuned into Everglades Radio, I was pleasantly surprised that it was the radio equivalent of the Discovery Channel talking about the places you were passing as you drove and it was this that made the whole experience a lot more interesting and so felt it was worth sharing with you.


Off to the Bank -

In prep for my training I knew I really would benefit from having a US Bank account. The only problem is you need to be an American with a social security number to qualify. Strangely enough I am not and after speaking with several banks on the phone I had almost given up. After speaking with Naples Air Center (NAC) I was recommended to try Orion Bank in person. I walked into the bank which looked like a set of offices and had to ask the guard behind the desk if this was a bank or just a banks office. The guard assured me I was in the right place and pointed me in the right direction. I walked into the branch which looked more like a hotel lobby and was surprised, no wonder Americans are getting big, every desk and counter was littered with complimentary fresh cookies and chocolate bars. After speaking with the clerk I was passed onto the Assistant VP who helped me get around some of the restrictions such as no SS number but it was concerning that he couldn't pronounce Torquay and couldn't spell Kingdom!


Money, Money Money

I had spent a few hours sorting thing out at NAC when I went for my FAA medical, surprised by how easy it was in comparison to the UK medical after 5 minutes I was done and it was time to pay. I handed over my card and BEEP! failed, tried again BEEP! failed tried another few times but no luck, even after telling the bank that I was going to be in the US they had done the unthinkable, and blocked my account for security reasons!

After using cash for my medical it dawned on me, I still need to check in to my hotel! I phoned home and explained the situation, Dad wasn't please and after 5 minutes a shell shocked woman from the bank called me to apologise and confirm that my accounts were all active again, apologised again then hungup (by the sound of her voice probably to go an lay down or cry).