BACK FROM PIR 7/18/08 OUR WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE (Tips)

Hi Everyone:
We're so grateful for all of the tips received on this site, so I wanted to pass along our experience in the hopes that it may help you as well:

- Rented a car from Avis- easy in, easy out to and from airport.
- Traffic-- From the airport was a nightmare! There was an accident that shut down the highway, and we were literally stopped and people outside of cars talking. This took hours to reach our hotel. There is construction going on and it's only two lanes in one direction. I hope you have better luck than we did, and after traveling from 5 a.m. it was very frustrating.

- Where we stayed- We could do a commerical for the Residence Inn- close to the base, very comfortable suite, we got a room poolside. They even had a grad package made up for us complete with directions everwhere, rules of liberty, etc. The sailors are exhausted after PIR having been up for 36 hours with Battle Stations, so most just want to rest, hang with family, use their cell phones to call friends, Ipods for music, so this hotel was a Godsend. Free breakfast,complimentary dinner buffet the night before PIR (with unlimited wine/beer, coffee/soda), coffeemaker in room complete with packets of coffee, etc.. it was everything we needed and more. We went to Wal-Mart for food, but shouldn't have the hotel provides so much for free. They also had a computer in the lobby for use, so he was able to check his e-mails, banking, etc., catch up with friends, etc. Lots of naps that first day! The sailors have to be in uniform in public, but we brought navy bathing suit and white t-shirt for the pool area as it's close to his gym regulation clothing. He was thrilled to have his Ipod/cell phone, but we had to bring it home with us to ship to him later. Apparently they can't be on their cells standing still in public. There are many strict rules for liberty.

- PIR Day - We arrived at 6:30, but anytime before 7:30 is safe. You can be held up for a long time with parking, searches, the long walk to the hall, so be early. On a tip from this site, we parked in the Metro Lot (the first right after the gate, Ohio Ave?) $1, and we walked in and out very easily. The night before PIR we drove there first to find it. Wear comfortable shoes and pack an umbrella. They had sniffing dogs, cars were checked, have your I.D. out. Your bags will be searched. Once inside, there are videos set up overhead while you are waiting. Right before the ceremony they show a video of their bootcamp experiences! Set your cameras on inside lighting- it appeared very bright in that auditorium but some of my pix are dark; I forgot to set it. My big mistake was concentrating on taping it (I didn't realize Greg had ordered the video of the ceremony which will be mailed to us later, but it was fun to show him in the hotel room). I concentrated more on videoing than I did watching it. The huge projectors enable you to see it all up close. They were sellling t-shirts (each division designs their own), if you want, buy before because they aren't sold after. Stay away from the NEX store on grad day, it's mobbed, the next day it's much easier to shop. They are very strict on photo taking, especially around the gate area. We did find a wonderful Kodak moment in front of the NEX store after graduation- the window is hand painted "I am a United States Sailor" and it made a great backdrop! A very kind woman walked by and offered to take our family picture so we could all be in it, and we did the same for her family. First stop after PIR if they are coffee drinkers is Dunkin Donuts which is half a mile from the gate (in a gas station). We decided to drive away from the base after PIR for lunch as Finnegans was mobbed. At the Wal-Mart plaza there are a few great lunch places- we went to a rib and wings place (?name- sorry)

- Day Two- Greg wanted to see Lake Michigan and go to the Mall. It was a quick drive, but poured rain- fun to visit as we live near the ocean. The Mall was absolutely huge, hundreds of proud sailors everywhere. If you separate from your family without a cell phone, you won't be found for days! We had lunch at Rainforest Cafe inside the mall, took great pictures and got a seat in the bar (open to the mall) and talked to all of the sailors walking by (grads can't have alcohol). Greg told nightmare stories about the consequences of anyone caught coming back to the base during liberty that had been drinking.

- Where we ate dinner..The first two nights we took salads and pizza back to the hotel..from Tomatoes (Wal-mart plaza). Felt like we were stealing, as they allowed you to stuff all the salad and pizza you could into these big to-go containers- $12 each night for dinner, it was delicious. The last night for his birthday we went to Olive Garden. There was such a long wait we panicked he wouldn't make his curfew, so we ate in highback chairs in the bar. Not as comfortable as a booth, but we weren't taking any chances.
- No one is kidding when they say pack that Tide-to-Go pen for the white uniform.

- Once PIR is over, they have to keep their black raincoat with them at all times to protect their unform in case of rain, I think the rules are they are allowed a black packback, draped over one shoulder, we saw a lot of this at the mall.
- Great advice to stay away from shopping at NEX after graduation; too hectic. The next day was so much easier.

- There were masses on Sunday; we attended the 7:30; the priest was wonderful, blessed all the new grads and their families and all of the grads got up on the alter and sang "Anchors Away" It was as touching as the PIR and we're so glad we went.

- My apologies this is so long, but I hope I've helped. Please ask any questions! Best of luck to all of your future sailors!