A Rocky Road

The morning of Monday 18^th June began with a big apple. A Golden Delicious. A tasty brand and one favoured by my big brother, as it was he who kindly supplied us with them from the local shop round the corner.

The plan for Philadelphia had always been two-fold: the Liberty Bell and “the Rocky Steps” otherwise known as the Philadelphia Museum of Art. A quick scan of the local streets to see some Benjamin Franklin-themed buildings and plaques first thing, and then a wander to the main drag to see the Liberty Bell before lunch. It was nice and green, a far cry from the concrete jungle that is New York. The Liberty Bell was good to see, although I kinda felt me and James should be keeping our heads/voices down as it was all about “long live America” and throwing off the shackles of the oppressive regime lead by the evil British tyrants.

A big bell

So that was point 1 done, and now for point 2 – the Rocky Steps. As it was still relatively early we grabbed a cup of hot brown and headed to the North West corner of the city. Having been advised by Shaun at work that it was a very long trek we did think about bussing or taxiing it, but then we thought that we are the Gray Brothers and we can make it there and back no problem! And also, we kinda had nothing else to do either. The obligatory run up the steps, posing for pictures at the top and wander round the (outside of) Museum was enjoyable, and that was that really. Philly done!

Rocky...?

Or was it? Well, on heading back to the ranch we stopped off for a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich, and boy did it hit the spot! Definitely glad we tried one in Philly, and hoping there are some more available in the other states. It did remind me of a doner kebab, and that was no bad thing, as I felt much more comfortable (and less drunk) eating this than the last time I had a doner kebab and chips in Leeds.

Back at the Society Hill Hotel we managed to catch a bit more football, a bit more sleep and look at planning a few other things for the trip. After realising that we wouldn’t be able to get the Greyhound bus from Washington straight up to Toronto, and that it may be a struggle to get from Buffalo to Niagara Falls some work was needed to ensure the next leg would be viable. Many options were discussed and we are now booked on an overnight Greyhound trip from Washington to Niagara Falls direct, which will take a hefty 14 or so hours. But we will save money on accommodation so that’s a positive thing......right? Two more nights booked in the Crystal Inn (I think) in Niagara Falls with a double bed each will be a delight to catch up on the sleep we won’t get on the overnight Greyhound!

Our last night in Philly was a reasonably quiet one – a few more sights in the local area, a Monster Burger and (proper) French Fries, a couple of buck-a-beers and we hit the hay ready for the trip to Washington DC. Only two days/nights in Philly, which was enough I think, but a bit weird when you just start to get to know the place and then you’re off again! But that’s something that we will have to get used to....