From Norfolk, England to a stone’s throw from Norfolk
Virginia, we (Sarah and James) have finally crossed the big pond and have begun
our American adventure!
After a journey of almost a whole 24 hours, our first day on
US soil was a very welcome “chill out day” before the serious business of
networking , idea gathering and note taking begins. We’re staying in
Williamsburg, home of America’s history so we did what any self respecting
tourist would do and we hit the attractions.
Having absorbed the historic side of Williamsburg (and
bumped into a guy who sounded EXACTLY like Joey from “Friends!”), it was time
to start investigating some retail establishments; after all this is the main
reason we’re here! Our first stop was “The Peanut Shop” in Williamsburg’s
gorgeous Merchant’s Square. We soon discovered we’re staying in the hear t of
peanut growing country and we suspect we’ll be seeing a little more of this as
our tour goes on.
Think of all the things you can do with a peanut and times
it by 500 and you’ll then get an idea of what the peanut shop’s really like.
But what really makes this shop something special is the whole “customer
experience”. A dedicated host greets you on the door and immediately thrusts
his free samples upon you, in this case his very best peanut brittle. Helping
yourself is far from frowned upon in this shop and our host soon brings our
attention to scores and scores of sample pots positioned throughout the store.
You cannot fail to leave empty handed (apart from one tight farmer from Suffolk
who was in our little group!) and a lasting impression that I hope gets
replicated as we visit many more retail establishments during our stay.
Back to farming, a few of us brave Brits and about to board
our bus with 40or so enthusiastic American farmers all desperate to compare
notes with us and (apparently) enjoy our wonderful accents! We’re told “musical chairs” is the usual form on these tours,
rather than getting comfortable next to your buddy you’re encouraged to sit
next to as many different delegates as possible and “network” away. There’s
also our tour guides and their activities to look forward to, in between our
many stops of course.
Its going to be a busy few days....watch this space!!!
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