As predicted woke to a simply glorious clear day. And verrrrrrry cold. Still me no complain. First up let’s try the Septa bus service – which is a bit close to Septic for my liking. Cross country ski to bus stop and wait about 10 mins but all went pretty smooth and decided to get off at Rittenhouse Square which is the hip and happening place. It was closed apparently. Did not seem to be much life around the place and by now it was time for some breakfast so went into nearest bistro and had a ham croissant and pulled out the phone in the relative safety of a warm cafe to get my bearings. Seriously it was time to get a paper map like Grandma used. I had apps up the yazoo but don’t mean much if phone dies when I pull it out on the street. The phone that is….
Ok City Hall was nearby with a tourist info site. Lovely lady served me as is usually the case and enquired about tower observatory which had been recommended . Then she turned nasty and said where were you yesterday clod, we had 6 feet of snow up there. She didn’t actually but did say it was closed for now. Ok got map and headed out and there was Love Plaza and even the Rocky steps way off in the distance. Well why not, a brisk walk can’t hurt. Simply stunning day and even found a Rodin Museum along the way. At least I think it was that. Amusing to see kids using sleds to ride down the Rocky steps. So after good 75 mins round trip was back at City hall and lo and behold Tower was open so went up. Great views of the city indeed. Back down and asked my new best friend would I be able to walk back to South and Second Street and how long would it take. ” I don’t know you look old and overweight, maybe not. But I could do it in under half an hour and I am 75″ . She was a real Jekyll and Hyde I tell ya. So did the old trick of pretending to talk but only mouthing so she would start fiddling with her hearing aid. You take your pleasure where you can when OS
So started off on track but by now feet were killing as had walking boots on. I don’t know if I have gout or just arthritis in my toes but Piggy 3 and 4 on the right foot are not well. Stomping in freezing ice may not have been helping. So I hobbled home in a bout an hour so do know now that it is certainly walkable. A quick rest and then out for some lunch at Jims Steaks on South Street. Yes, I had seen all the Cheesy sites today so let’s finish with a famous Philly cheesesteak – wit wiz. Well we now know where 25% of USA’s grease supplies are currently stored. It was tasty indeed but really did feel the need for an angioplasty afterwards.
It has been a stunning day and don’t like just sitting in room amusing you clowns when should be outside but really the feet need a rest. And do have a FaceTime lined up with my honey buns. Wish you Aussies were not 15 hrs ahead of us in time but 15 years behind in everything else. Like to start a new city with Segway ride to get lay of the land but not possible this time. Time for some more research but pretty confident most sights are within walking distance
I know the pub across the road certainly is
flashman181 