flashman181

Well the flights are booked and paid for so guess I must be going back. A three city swing this time with a couple of old faves but one advantage of getting old is you forget where you have been anyway. Given that we have already had our 3 days of winter this year will be good to return to some actual cold weather. First Uber of the rank

Dallas To coincide with the cheerleader tryouts of course. First trick is to catch an A380 from Sydney and one, though long, flight straight to destination. No more hassle of getting through LAX and then finding next connection in 2 hrs. Maybe not the best example of Texas life but at least a start and may even throw in a day trip to Fort Worth. Of course keen to check out that famous floor museum. Yes, the lesser known 5th Floor Museum in the Blocked Suppository building where Ellie May shot JR. A cut lunch on the grassy knoll and join the cattle ride through downtown should round out the visit. And maybe a beer .

Washington Yes have been there before and in a rare moment of sheer seat of your pants devilment am even staying in the same rental! Hey when you find something you like stick with it. Great area up around The Capitol. Have already seen the major attractions but this time plan to include an actual visit to The White House if possible. Last visit the Reflecting Pool was under construction, this time just emptied for winter. Oh well. Will try to include a day trip to Baltimore for some Babe Ruth memorabilia and John Waters nostalgia

Bawston Another revisit although first one was only a 3 dayer. Once again the time of year will impart a different feel to this visit. Still looking for day trip options although Salem is tempting if only to see the birthplace of a former boss – a clever vague comment which could relate to several people 🙂 Or maybe just get my rocks off at Plymouth. This will likely be the coldest city of the visit given its geographical location but an old seasoned campaigner like moi can cope. If I have anywhere near the glorious weather of last visit then it will definitely be a knob kiss.

The way the stock market is going along with the Aussie $ may not get back for a while – at least a year- so better enjoy this one. Now there is only one thing left to organise – a catchy title . “Nanook Returns” has no panache. My fans expect more.

Maybe “My Willie is Chilly”?

And so it all ends. A train ride to NYC and then two flights to LA and onto Brisbane and then the car trip home to Flashman Inc Sunshine Coast HQ. Not always a great idea to rely on not being in the actual City you are flying out of but rather arriving on same day. Have left plenty of time but still if the train ain’t a running for some reason I am in a bit of bother. So far so good but will relax more once arrive at Penn Station. Was great to upgrade first leg of return flight to Business Class with the reasoning there being somewhere comfortable to spend those last few hours in NYC hopefully in a swank lounge. The 13 hr flight home from LA will still be a chore but these things have to be done

Highlights of Philly? In no order

1. Segways remain the best way to see a new city

2. Watching snow come down all day but still be able to go out and walk around
and then the glorious clear blue sky day that followed

3. Mural Mile

4. The many Pubs in the area, all warm and welcoming. Pub crawl on Saturday night with locals was great also

5. Franklin Institute – amazing place, hours of interest and fun

This trip was planned to see some snow and winter conditions to escape the oppressive heat of another QLd summer. (I left Brisvegas just after a very serious cyclone hit central and SEQ and now on way home another one is heading to FNQ !) To that end it achieved stunning success. Simply perfect mix of weather was all I could ask for. Never really limiting at all apart from Segway delays which all ended up great anyway. I planned a lot for this trip and really did not see half of what I thought I would but that likely reflects that being here at this time of year was the main attraction. As always any tours I went on were surprisingly enjoyable

I said I had no need to return to Paris after last trip but like NYC- where I have similar feelings now – they do tend to draw you back as time passes so will just wait and see. Won’t be a solo destination again though. Philly is done and dusted. Like San Fran a week pretty well sees it all but well worth the visit .With the long haul ahead thoughts of any future holidays are in the far distance. That of course will change:) In meantime will go to Melbourne some time later in year for a week or so and then have plans for another trip to Europe late next year with nearest and dearest. Not a lot to complain about eh.

So rang for a cab from South Street. First company went to queue so hung up and tried next one and got through. In cab on way to station got an irate call from first company ” why didn’t you wait” . Said I was in a hurry and then he hung up in my ear. 2 minutes later another call different number ” so did u get a cab” . Well duh isn’t that the job of the driver to let u know? Is Centrelink running taxis in Philly? Red Cap at Philly less helpful as not originating station so have to wait until just before arrival and board with everyone else. Still train on time so that is all that counts. Fairly crowded train but arrived on time at Penn. Then it was time to catch LIRR to Jamaica station and air train to JFK. Long crowded process but efficient and only cost $13 total.

So arrived at JFK by 2 pm and luckily they opened BC check in at 2:15 pm for 6:35 pm flight. Security was very slow as always but when I walked into the British Airways Lounge before 3 pm and saw the bar at my disposal all other thoughts went out of my head. Would have to pace oneself of course, not going to be bread on crackers on the plane trip ya know. Only comment is why do bloody Eurotrash have to talk so loud on the phone. The place is enormous but can still here this one clown yabbering away. Then two bloody Poms come and sit 2 seats away when there are literally 100 free seats for miles to see . OK 2 comments

Is that Southern Comfort I see?? Will sign off now because I could be talking rubbish later on and we couldn’t have that…..

Last full day in Philly and likely last day of being full in Philly. The forecast – which is never wrong – said morning good, afternoon bad. So the plan for today was two fold, much like my waistline at present. First up head down to Italian Market and then follow the Mural Mile and check on the ones I have not seen yet. Headed off along South Street which certainly is an interesting street with a vast array of different “establishments” . Then down 9th to the Italian Market. Ok, this was more like the Queen Vic markets in Melbourne. Had a rather excellent coffee at Anthony’s Coffee and Financial Advice Emporium. Think the secret was the double shot. Plenty of fresh produce of course but when walked past one store and heard the words ” do you want head on or off” I was intrigued. Was it a fish monger? When I didn’t see any sign of animal , plant or vegetable and the guy behind the counter wore a 3 piece suit and Spatz, I put my head down and kept walking.

The Mural Mile is easy enough to follow with excellent directions available on line. By now I was able to use the mobile phone on the street during the day as it was a positively balmy 3 or 4 degrees. This was handy because as my nearest and dearest would confirm , my sense of direction is not that good especially NSEW kinda caper. The murals varied but were mostly stunning and well worth the effort. Saw a couple of other interesting sights along the way. The ankle was a bit dodgy now so time to head home for a bit of a rest.

Will be a quiet afternoon, plenty of eating and drinking options nearby if rain does set in. At end of day pretty well ready to come home but do of course dread the next 36 hrs with trains, planes and automobiles. Still at the end of it all will see my Gracie again and then a little after that catch up with Jas and da boys. Brody has stared crawling just in the 3 weeks been away, they grow up so quickly. Mind you at that age he couldn’t crawl too far so sure we will find him eventually. So it’s not all doom and gloom folks except for you who will no longer have my posts to amuse and enthrall your mundane existences 🙂

Life is good.

The day dawned cloudy but still cool and there was a clear plan today – complete the Pilgrimage to Joe Frazier’s gym as planned 18 months ago. Speaking to my Urban Adventure guide on Saturday night he suggested having lived here 20 years he would not venture out to that neighbourhood alone. Pussy. I left some cash at home and a few cards in case I got robbed and headed off. So first things first had to find the subway station and see how the ticketing works. The Broad Street line was the go and entered on 8th and Market. Knew I wanted northbound to Fern St but my ticket machine did not have that destination but still figured the $6 all day ticket would work. It would have if wanted to travel on the PATCO line! Went up to the “No help at all actually” desk and politely enquired what do I need to go to Nth Philly station and return today? ” A train would help I imagine” . Everyone is a smart ass. ” Two tokens, buy them at machine around the corner from the PATCO machine!” Ok, easy enough and train arrived in a minute. This was the Broad Street Spur line and does not stop at all stops, but did at mine luckily. As approached station the conductor added with glee – ” this station is wheelchair accessible ” , almost as if I may need it later . Got off train at 10 am – and the place was deserted . As was the concourse leading to the street. Ok that was a tad scary. I can deal with the great unwashed above ground but deserted subway stations not so much. Made it to street level and in first knob kiss for the day, the gym was just across the road. Photos duly taken and a sense of accomplishment achieved. As a boy growing up in the early 70’s two titans ruled the sporting world like no other and now had at last visited one memorable site. R.I.P. Smoking Joe. It is great news to see that a statue of Frazier has finally been commissioned and will be unveiled next Spring. And not next to Rocky , thank me.

Home

So quickly back down to subway and noted no token slot, only card swipe! A helpful passenger walked by and explained tokens were only accepted at the Lehigh Dt entrance 4 blocks away. Ok, back to the hood! Anyway got there, onto train and dropped back where it all started. Now on Saturday night when had said had not been impressed with Reading Terminal Market, almost in unison the Yanks said “you have to try Beiler’s Donuts” . Ok, no aversion to some sweet stuff. Can now safely report that American taste in donuts equals that in coffee!

Other plan for day was visit Franklin Institue. I had heard there was a display on at present called “The Art of the Prick” and was supposed to be the biggest on display. This I had to see. CNN called it a top 10 must visit exhibit. I was on JFK Bvld and knew if headed in general direction of Art Museum would come across the Franklin first so headed off in general direction. After a rather long walk I finally saw the columns I had been looking for but alas no big sign draped out about the exhibit I had seen previously. Had the big “Art of the Prick” sign been blown away, so to speak? Ah, so that is actually 30 th Street Station I am walking towards. Good news, bad news. Display likely still on, but now had to walk another couple of k. Eventually approached and realised as I walked up the steps that it was actually “The Art of the Brick” which now made more sense. It was a rather stunning display of Lego used to recreate many iconic structures and images and travels around the world. In fact the whole Franklin Institute was brilliant and if you are in Philly and have kids it is a must see. The multi level display just on ” How the Brain Works” would amuse for hours. It was a bit rude that next to that massive display there was a small closet off to the side labelled “How your brain works after Alcohol”. Harsh but fair

https://www.fi.edu/exhibit/art-brick

Yesterday on Segway had learnt about the 4 squares of Philly. Today I walked the bloody circle! By now it was quite warm and I was feeling more like “Yacooked of the Near North”. Time to head home and relax and catch up on The Good Wife. For the first time on holiday it was 11 degrees both here and at home in Maryhole where it was 2 am admittedly. Could only mean one thing. Time for jammies and a lie down. Will head out for a beer and some dinner later on and then plan the last full day in Philly.

Woke up a bit seedy which I can only assume was due to losing an hour’s sleep. No other cause springs to mind. Which of course meant that today must be Segway on Ice – when my reflexes are at optimal! So turned up at meeting point and went through usual instructions. Knobber, Knobber I was the only one on the tour. So we set off on another booteeful day and there were some tricky spots but really these Segways are amazing vehicles. Saw some usual sights of course but was also able to go along the rivers and skulking along the Ill river gave some magnificent views. Got to see a few of the building murals and may try to track down some more tomorrow. As always a Segway is a magic way to see a city. After tour was over was only one block from the IASIP Paddys pub so ducked in for a beer as you do. It is a dive. But you get a very nice 23 oz beer for $6 – I can slum it ok. Time for a rest then before deciding on afternoon plan which will likely include some watching of golf

After a suitable rest went for a walk down by the Delaware and looked at a couple of boats and a couple of memorials. Speaking of couplets must be beer time. Found a German Bierstube just for something different and then topped off with a roast beef sandwich at Nicks. Ok that is enough of that food methinks. Still a booteeful day and hey we get an hour extra of daylight today. Will have to check out the sunset from the roof later on. In the meantime, let’s watch the golf finish and hope Trump falls in the lake at the 18 th.

Missing the press deadline I did duck out to Betsy Ross House – she wasn’t home – and Elfreth’s Alley late yesterday while the weather was so great. Speaking of which , it dawned tres nice again with the promise of a couple of extra degrees. Could be time to remove one layer but let’s test the waters first

So Philly is never dull. Last night Jim’s Steaks just around the corner where I had lunch yesterday was robbed, including diners. Then today on my first bus ride the bus slid on the ice and ended up 45 degrees across the intersection, luckily no incoming traffic. It was an interesting ride all round. The stop is near a church and for some reason in a Saturday it was doing a roaring trade at 07:45. The bus pulls up past the stop and at the lights to align with a break in the snow and ice for the elderly group of Asians on board. The bus driver made this clear several times but was pulling her hair out as they got off, walked back along street and tried to cross through ice and snow where stop was ! have to say will be surprised if Segway goes ahead tomorrow as roads still seem very dangerous. Meanwhile, on such a nice morning and dropped off near City Hall it was time to walk the

No one waved at me. First up was Reading Terminal Market which was fairly typical of these places although thought the eating options for a decent meal were limited. Had a nice coffee at Elixer Coffee a few blocks away later on and then headed to Jeweller’s row which looked like a bit of a dive. Most stores seemed more interested in buying gold then selling jewellery. One thing Philly does very well for street walkers ( no, not that kind) are the directional posts for both sights of interest and also a 10 minute walking circle – great idea. Ended up around Independence Hall so may as well check out the free stuff. 2015 Update – the Liberty bell is still cracked and Ben is still dead. Move on.

Some successful gift purchases for the grandkiddies and a very pleasant lunch at the City Tavern meant it was time to head home and rest up before tonight’s Philly on Tap tour. Beer may be involved I believe. Let’s watch some golf and grown men making fools of themselves. I need inspiration.

Good tour with a small group. First stop MCGillins was going off big time in some sort of early St Paddys Day rage. Too loud and crowded really. Followed by Foodery which was good and then third choice was another Sports Bar we walked out of and ended up at The Black Sheep for last beer and some snacks. Then one of the group started a shout! Luckily it stopped after my return serve and stumbled home on the 30 minute walk somehow. Great night all round

Before I sign off Happy 30 th Birthday to my beautiful daughter Jasna. She may be 31 by now, don’t really understand this time difference thing and just for fun they throw in Daylight Saving tonight .

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

Ironically left the city that never sleeps only to find you can’t sleep in Philadelphia either . Not when the loudest fire alarm have ever heard started at 9 pm – my REM time. Ok so in a slight fog stick head out door to see some people walking towards stairs. Quickly threw on some Trakkies and jumper and Crocs! without too much thought. Obviously. Down on the street, in the rain, the first of 6 fire engines and at least 30 firemen turned up. And two squad cars. Looked serious but couldn’t see any flames or smoke. It seems someone left a stove on in an apartment on 6th floor- I am on 8th. Took 2.5 hrs until let back into building and by then my quick clothing options were a tad moist. If there was any snow or cold tomorrow I could get pneumonia

Ok, so the snow started early as predicted. 4-6 inches expected today in area before finally clearing for tomorrow . Could be a long day. Could be worse of course with flights etc cancelled today . There are plenty of pubs nearby but could really do with a nice cafe. A quick case of snow blindness and found Cafe Bodhi just up the road – very passable. Snow was starting to build up by 10 am and if a couple more inches could be an impressive sight. Not the first time I have heard that. ( Come on, you knew it was coming sooner or later). Picked up a salad lunch at Wa Wa on way back in case become snow bound and had my Senior moment for the day. Had been there yesterday and when didn’t get any change handed to me for $9.63 out of a $10 just assumed it was a Philly thang. So similar thing today and just handed notes over and walked away like a seasoned local when the lady said ” Don’t forget change Sir” . Hey what do you know there is a little chute at bottom of register where change automatically appears. 2015 eh.

The good news is all caught up on some TV shows like Justified and Suits. The bad news is Segway cancelled again for tomorrow but reset for Sunday hopefully. Hope weather is still clear tomorrow but certainly understand the roads will still be icy and dangerous for a Segway. So duck out for another walk in the snow, actually very enjoyable . Drop into a Pub and pick up a pizza for dinner later. Have to say Pub culture is a bit more Aussie than NYC as in a bit loud and raucous . Maybe it’s just the Irish pubs I seem drawn to. Beers are certainly cheaper and they have great Happy Hours where you get pints for $2.50

The snow has been fine but I think enough is enough fella. Time to explore some Philly ok

The rain came down this morning and washed away incy wincy spider – and all the snow. Its a brief respite though as much more snow is coming through tonight and tomorrow both in NYC and Philly. At least on the walk to breakfast this morning could wear the rain jacket rather than the thermo nuclear jacket. Next joy is the Amtrak experience at Penn Station which of course first entails a ride in a yellow cab at last. Just hoping to get into Philly and settled into apartment before the fan becomes decidedly discolored later today. Unless there is a new Disney production on the go called Segway on Ice plans for tomorrow could be cancelled

Ok so leave apartment with plenty of time for midday train. Good call. The 40 minute cab ride from 48th to 34rd was a nightmare. Hats off to the drivers but really if it wasn’t raining I would have walked. And saved $23 ( that is about 50$ Aussie I think). Always nice to stop at Penn St and realise you are also at Madison Square Garden. Once again the “wi fi” hotspot in the Acela lounge is a joke and after trying to connect for 10 minutes just gave up. So why not sit back and relax and watch the screen where they are currently showing a video ” What to do if a Gunman opens fire in the Station?”. Going to try the Red Cap service as the crowd looks pushy and unruly. And of course the lounge is heated to about 40 degrees Celsius which means have to disrobe partially. Hope they don’t make an educational video about ” what to do if the old fart next to you starts disrobing”

Well the Red Cap service well worth the $10 tip. Got seated in quiet car in only single seat at 11:30. First in, Bag in front at my feet. And the wi fi worked. Sweet. And they serve alcohol….

Arrived in Philly on time and a quick call had my Segway tour changed to Friday. Cab ride to the apartment and owner was there to meet and greet. By now the weather was pretty miserable but only rain. The views from the apartment look spectacular but will wait for better day to gloat about it. Looks like a few eateries and pubs within stumbling distance but obviously different vibe than NYC especially being down near South street. Public transport looks like more of a hassle too but will worry about that later. Could be a long day tomorrow so better go out and stock up on some goodies in case.

The next adventure begins .

Last full day in NYC dawned fine but the forecast was a bit grim with snow coming back in after lunch. And these guys are never wrong. So out for a hearty breakfast. All these mornings I have been walking 8 blocks to Little Collins and there is a very fine Lexington Brass next door! After the 17 egg omelette I now know why I opt for the smaller breakfast and good walk usually. But you know when in NYC – have a heart attack and die early. The clouds were starting to roll in already and thought I heard thunder but to be fair could have been my stomach. Couple of final gifts to purchase and a general walk around with not much planned as such. Last days can be a bit of a wasteland if not well planned and this was shaping up likely. Still am sure something unique will happen. I may not have a drink for example.

Walked rather aimlessly for a couple of hours, saw Empire State yada yada yada , got a few forgettable souvenirs but it wasn’t a total waste of time. As pulled out camera to take a picture of Grand Central realized the image looked odd and then remembered I had set White Balance to “tungsten light” to take shot inside McGee’s Pub yesterday. And left that setting on. Kinda explains why the subsequent Central Park shots had a bluish hue. I may have discovered something here.(The first two photos demonstrate effect) Of course walking home with an “I Love NYC” plastic bag bearing gifts also means you are going to be accosted by hustlers and beggars – even more than usual. At least the hot women still appear totally indifferent. My metro card expired yesterday and if need arises will simply buy a single fare later but its looking like a quiet day all round. The other thing I learnt yesterday about the Subway is you cant enter twice within 18 minutes. (Isn’t that why they created Viagra?). So with smaller stations there may be only one entrance for the uptown or downtown – make sure you know where you are going before swiping. You may end up going down when you didn’t want to and we all know that can leave a bitter taste in your mouth.

The snow was a bit late arriving, not showing up until around 3 pm. This could mean only one thing – time for one last trip to laundary. Then catch up on some TV shows. This Time Warner Cable is great but right about now would swap for Netflix so could watch me some House of Cards. That should just leave one last venture out into the snow for some dinner and that last beer in NYC. Or last couple…..

Off to Philly tomorrow late morning on Amtrak. Its been an amazing 10 days especially with the weather changes being everything I had hoped for. As have found out previously travelling solo does limit some activities especially at night. No, not what you are thinking but rather meals and shows! I will have to get a bit more motivated in Philly and venture out for a nice meal if the weather picks up a few degrees. Very easy to slip into the pub meal culture. I was also a bit slack and didn’t get out to Queens or explore Brooklyn more as I had planned.

Not that there is anything wrong with that Jerry. As someone near and dear once said “You are on holidays ya clown, you can do whatever you want”. Actually she may have said it three times before it sank in and the clip around the ear helped enormously.

Highlights? In no particular order

1. Daily Show live taping. A long and rewarding bonding experience shared with many but especially one odd little Pom.

2. Central Park on a clear blue day after snow. Or during snow. Its a stunning place

3. Standing in middle of Brooklyn Bridge on a freezing cold morning taking in the wonderful vista

4. The two Soprano locations – Holstens and Bada Bing

5. Discovering beer tastes good anywhere and Pubs are always warm and welcoming. And that I can walk on ice half cut at night.

Its only been 10 days but feel like I have aged a year.

Oh that’s right, I did.