Monday, November 6, 2006

Recent travels, part one




So, a few weeks ago i went out to the east coast to visit Yan and Natasha, who live in Philadelphia. it was a great trip and i was really glad to see them both (it had been way too long.) Here's a bit about what i did while i was there.

I arrived in Philly around 9pm totally beat... flying always makes me feel a little gross. Yan picked me up at the airport, and we went back to the apartment. Once Natasha arrived, we went out for Gelato at Capogiro. OMG, it was AMAZING. I had Lime and Pineapple Mint. AMAZING. i wish they had these on the west coast.

Friday i got to sleep in, but Yan and Natasha had to head off to school. I woke up and watched Grey's Anatomy online... geeky, i know but i just couldn't wait another 5 days. Once that was done, i hit the road and went out walking all over Philadelphia. It was a little rainy in the morning but still bearable, so i walked to Rittenhouse Square, a really nice park surrounded by a pretty upscale neighborhood, the Shops at Liberty Place, which was just a mall, but was a nice place to get out of the wind and rain for a bit. Then I walked a looong way down to the Historic District and Liberty Bell Center, which had a crazy line. So i walked across the street to Independance Hall. Tickets were gone for the day, but i was albe to walk around the back and look around and take some photos.



My next stop was Ben Franklin's Grave, which was dotted with coins, which apparently brings good luck!. Then on to the National Constitution Center. I walked around the shop, but didn't feel like paying 9 bucks to go into the museum itself. Then I walked through the Independence Visitor Center on my way back to the Liberty Bell, which had a way shorter line than before! The exhibit was really well done - I actually stopped to read all the signs and look at all the little artifacts that they had displayed, instead of walking straight through to the bell. They had really cool old souvenier type stuff displayed, including a commemerative plate from the sixties that was awesome.



Of course, the Liberty Bell was amazing. There was a hysterical ranger there who kept encouraging kids to play games with him. it was weird since everyone was very quiet and reverential and he all of a sudden just started talking really loud.

After a long day i was ready to head back to the apartment, but didn't really feel like calling a cab, since walking would let me see a little more of the city. So i sucked it up and walked alllll the way back, with a quick stop at Starbs to refuel. I made it back about 10 minutes before Yan did, and when he got back we had a chance to talk for a little while, which was nice!
Yan and Natasha had made dinner reservations, so around 7 we were off to this AMAZING afghani restaurant called Kabul. The food was great, and we pigged out... but of course we left room for gelato (Chocolate Mint, Mojito, and Rosemary Honey Goat Milk)!

coming up next.... Saturday and Sunday in Philly!