“Fifteen Times…Fifteen Times…Fifteen Times,” a group of Diplomats chanted as they left The Escape From Pompeii water ride at Busch Gardens. At the end of the day, the crowds started to disperse, and the lines for the popular water ride shriveled down to zero, offering the Diplomats the opportunity to escape Pompeii repeatedly over the course of their final hour at Busch Gardens.

This eagerness to explore and bond with their fellow Diplomats was present the entire day. Over the course of the afternoon, the fellows have been racing across the park, from ride to ride, show to show, theme country to theme country. They traveled by foot, miniature train and skylift. Some, like Susan Eckman, were ambitious and brave, attempting to ride each and roller coaster. Others, preferred to stick to the less intense attractions opting to experience Busch Gardens 4-D attractions. Whether a Diplomat’s taste made him or her want to ride the Loch Ness Monster or hop aboard the miniature train, one fact is undeniable, no obstacle, whether it be the intense heat and humidity or the sheer exhaustion from touring Williamsburg and Jamestown for several hours, can stop the bonds of fellowship formed among the Diplomats.

“Quickly, Quickly,” I yelled as I looked down at my watch which read 9:50, “We have to get back to bus.” We all started walking to the exit, and I watched the fellows smile at each other over a day that they may not soon forget.