My Spring Break --- Transportation Experience in Norfolk, Virginia

In this spring break, Margaret and I visited Norfolk in Virginia and Washington, DC. The reason we chose Norfolk, the city which is not so famous, because it is the home of world’s largest naval base; I love navy and join navy was my dream. As for transportation, we had three options: driving, Amtrak and Greyhound; and we’d like to ride Greyhound because we thought Greyhound is one of symbols of American culture.

Like Big Hook?

In this trip, we had a bus tour in Naval Station Norfolk, enjoyed cherry blossoming beside Tidal Basin in Washington, DC, and visited Smithsonian Museums, such as National Gallery of Art etc. All of these make the trip full of exciting; without exception, transportation experience is a very important part, especially in Norfolk.  

Norfolk's Darkness

When we arrived in Norfolk, it was getting dark, and no cabs were waiting outside. We tried to look for car rental service and failed due to there wasn’t any service networks around Greyhound station. We also stood at the bus stop but no bus arrived. Fortunately, a cab came to pick up us through the help from customer service desk. I inwardly felt transportation might be the main issue throughout the trip in Norfolk. At the hotel reception, I asked the question on car rental service and was told that it was only available at airport and downtown, where both far from our hotel. It seemed we only can place the hope to HRT (Hampton Roads Transit) which provide light rail and bus services, like MTA in NYC.

The second day, sunny day, beautiful beach, peaceful city… everything was satisfied; we went to Norfolk Naval Base according to our plan. The bus stop was easy to find, but the same thing was happened like the day before, i.e. no bus came to the stop. We decided to walk along the street and enjoy the beauty of the Norfolk landscape. We passed by three or four bus stops, there still hadn’t bus and also without people at he stop. It was hardly to learn the reason because seldom had I seen people on the street… Finally, we went back to the hotel and asked for cab service. Later, we knew that the bus service only run one time per hour in Norfolk and people living in Norfolk are dominated by automobiles. Gosh… US is called the country on the wheels, I really understood it at that time.

The rest time in Norfolk our transportation depended on the cab. We were very happy because we can go where we want to go and the transportation cost also under our control; at the same time, we got to know Valerie, our exclusive cab driver, have stayed in Norfolk for five years. She is a black lady, warm and friendly; we chatted in the car from her job to her children etc. She knows this city very well and then she had another role, i.e. our tourist guider. 

The view of waterfront

When we talk about transportation in Norfolk, the paddlewheel ferry is really worthwhile to experience; and I think it helps HRT saves the faceJ. It is fast, economical and offers a unique view of the Elizabeth River and the waterfront.

Norfolk isn't like the metropolitan city which has completed and concenient public transportation system; but from the other side, it has less noise and more quiet, less dirty and more cleaning, less chaos and more peaceful. Just one tip: if you want to enjoy the life in there, please have your own car or you can fly...