flashman181

Good nights sleep which I attribute of course to my American Honey . No, not Chelsea but the Wild Turkey bourbon 🤦🏻‍♂️ Should be another pleasant day before we get some nasty weather tomorrow afternoon , or as we call it here – Washing Day. So , apart from anything else today I need to get me some quarters. First up though, a new coffee place perchance – Solid State. It was ok but do find some Cortado can tend to be bitter . No I’m not

Time then to see if buses actually do do the stop and pick up caper as head north to look for The Arconia from Only Murders. Research indicated it was The Belnord on 87th street , easy peasy how could you miss a big building with those arches . Rather simple really

Walked around the block. No arches. More research “ a building that takes up whole block” Hey that building behind me also has a big B on it let’s backtrack to 86th street . Aha, that’s betterer

The gate was unlocked and suspected private residence but no harm in asking doorman especially with my kiwi accent.” Hey Bro got sum fush and chups here to eat, can I sit in courtyard” No.

Let’s head to Riverside before these chips get cold. Always a special place and nice and quiet this time of day . Veterans Day tomorrow

The 1 train was close by so let’s head to Chelsea Market on this glorious day and Pack my Meat . Hey it was 9 O’Clock, one actual cafe was open. It was ok but suggest that the extra “ado” probably helps.

The High Line was close by so why not. It was high, so there would be an elevator certainly. Ah no

Such a beautiful day thought may as well check out Washington Square Park . The ankle is bad but as we know it will get worse when I stop. That next Metro only looks about 5 mins away. Might find something interesting along that way . At last , but comes with warning 👍🏻

Google maps is always confusing to me but damn that Metro is taking a long time. Ah, my last google search was for Washington Square so that is where I am hobbling too 🤦🏻‍♂️ By now I am sweating and walking at 0.01 mph so shed the jumper and struggled on. Meanwhile 90% of locals still have gloves and beanie on. FMS, it ain’t cold clowns . I didnt meet Sally but it’s a great location. Plenty of police on the streets everywhere too

Ok now it was time to head home and while the police presence makes one feel safe I was still scared shitless of what was ahead at home. Taking that right shoe off 😢 The longer you stay out the harder it is to stand when you stop . If u know what I mean. I bought a tape measure . Figure when the right ankle drops from 12 inches circumference to 8 inches I can head back out. It’s taking longer

Conan O’Brien is at Beacon Theatre tonight. Checked out tickets 6 weeks ago and even then cheapest seats left in nosebleed were $350 USD😳 Now sold out

The magic, and apparently average, 6 inches measured I headed out down to Times Square just to check it out and my second fave NYC – The Australian . Yep, permanently closed too 😢 I took the safe bet of an Irish Pub but not much ambience in Times Square.

Gotta say , really looking forward to Beacon Bar opening at 4 pm. Will just be me and my Friends . Some planning for last 3 days then required with some possible bad weather. Think it might be time to actually eat out a couple of times even if just a pub lunch.

Well they are starting to slip by eh 😢 Another glorious morning and glad to wake up (first and foremost ) and not see a red wave took over yesterday in election but just the faint red glow on the horizon of the rising sun. Nice old kick in the head for Buffoon Bob but of course the spin will come.

Todays plan is to head up 6 streets to a Bluestone Lane to check out the flat white for a change and then catch the 1 train down to South Ferry and check out the Battery Park area nice and early. Just hope subway not too full of “workers” ! Weather still predicted to be bad on Friday and Saturday but a certain purchase yesterday has taken the Sting out of any possible cabin fever 🕺🏻. So let’s the hit ground gently and almost caress the pavement as I meander along without intent let alone purpose . Fair dinkum an old lady in a wheelchair and one arm was keeping pace yesterday . Coffee nothing special but $1 cheaper 😏

Another good subway ride down to Battery Park. I wasn’t Positive which Terminal to exit from …..

Glorious morning and can see the Grand Lady in the distance

On the spur of moment decided to catch the Staten Island Ferry and get out on the water . Hey it’s free . Basically rode across, got off, turned around 3 times and came back. Beautiful views of Manhattan

Some different views on way back of course

Was feeling pretty good ankle wise as not much walking yet so decided to train it up to Brooklyn Bridge. A 10 min walk from station to start of bridge suddenly took its impact so no way was going to walk onto the actual bridge much. Been there done that . Some great buildings in area

Really struggling now but had got a lot achieved so time to head home for a break . With ankle issues suggest rest of stay could be one beer on the hobble and settle in for some bourbon at night . 👨🏻‍🦯 First up though time to look to the cookie. And then eat it

The best laid plans eh. Greenwich Village was an easy 2 min walk and a 1 train. Swiped card, hobbled down stairs . There was a 2 train stationary on one track. Can I just say at this stage can everyone spend some money on the sound system for announcements . Can’t understand a fucking thing you garble – trains, airports etc. So , after standing around for 5 mins with no displays or actions, hobbled back upstairs with several others. Ok, I’m flexible let’s catch a 104 bus uptown and catch out Only Murders building on this glorious day then. Again stand around for 10 mins and despite bus being overdue nothing. Maybe something happening of the naughty kind uptown. Ok nearest bar please driver

So while a disappointing end to a great day there are worse things could be doing

It was almost 4 pm which of course is Happy Hour at the Beacon Bar. The Beacon Bar naturally has relocated to Room 2212 for rest of week . Great bartender, generous pours , no crowds , great views 👍🏻

To be honest don’t think I could have even walked down the hall to get in the elevator. The days are getting shorter as are my hours of activity

Weather should still be good tomorrow so try and catch up on those couple of things missed today and then maybe Chelsea in the afternoon

Now, where did I leave her number 🤓

It’s a nice quite room apart from the odd door closing at night that happens in every hotel. Not a great nights sleep but that will improve. Plan was to get up early as usual and try and catch the blood eclipse but the moon was in wrong position to see early morning. Great last night

It’s great having a corner room as get two different views at different times of day . As predicted it started out a glorious morning

Research indicated a nearby Coffee shop – Blue Bottle – that opened at 630 am and served Cortado. Research didn’t extend to prices 😏 $7 😳

Then it was time to head into Central Park and try and avoid all the fit people running or the dog walkers. Fall foilage is a bit different and just hanging on it seems . Great to see Trump rink finally renamed

If it wasn’t NYC you may not give it a second thought but this image just looks ominous to me

There are many iconic spots in Central Park but personally love the bridges. Despite the crowds was able to get some clear shots. It’s an art what can I say

Of course when you start so early then you can get heaps done by ……830 am 😏 It was a long walk home but as always best to keep going because when you stop the pain really kicks in . At least there was the occasional fun sticker along the way – look under the. “O”

Back in room now for some more research . Such a glorious day you don’t want to waste it but being midterm elections I may stay near by. Weather is supposed to be good next couple of days so maybe smarter to rest a bit more today because seriously the ankle is deteriorating every day 😢

Resting lasted about 30 mins and time to check out Hudson Yards and the subway. All trips on subway were nice and easy and not crowded 👍🏻 Hudson Yards is rather stunning . The actual structure was closed for ascending but could still get some great photos. The mo way shot is shooting uptrend middle . It’s an impressive area so glad made effort of two trains each way

Back home for some lunch. It’s quite breezy outside if exposed like down at Hudson Yards. May head into Rockefeller this arvo to check out the ice rink and surrounds. The Beacon is very well serviced by the subway but you always find things lacking in any hotel. With this one the TV options are very limited with no Netflix et al or on demand. You watch what’s on at the time or you miss it. Of course it’s mostly election today

Headed down to The Rock and had a hobble around . The rink was doing good business as was American Flag sellers

Thought would head towards Times Square to catch Metro home and came across Bryant Park which had season markets up and a skating rink. More importantly it had a bar . #drinkthenrink

Still searching for that elusive Metro 42nd/Times Square station when stumbled across Margaritaville . Well, couldn’t hurt

With brain sharpened now I found the Metro. 72 nd Street is a great station as even Express trains stop there . There is a wine and spirit place next to Hotel so dropped in and saw some Wild Turkey so asked the question and yes they had American Honey . Well couldn’t say no now especially at $25 USD. Wish I had found it in Philly and some may be wasted but still good value with 6 nights to go 🕺🏻Dang I could knock off half of it tonight with election 24/7 coverage

So, another enjoyable day that turned out well just by getting out there. Found 2 good traditional bars yesterday and 2 good fun bars today . Tomorrows loose plan is head down to Battery Park area in morning and Greenwich Village in afternoon. Sadly an old fave Slaughtered Lamb is closed permanently

And on the day where I am sitting around a few hours in morning waiting for train we gain an extra hour of daylight 😏 Looks like some cooler weather on way at least for next few days so fingers crossed. Of course the real cold spell starts next Monday – when I fly out ! The week in NYC could be difficult to fill in with limited mobility and a few previous trips. Doubt the subway will be any better than the previous two cities. In an odd way I miss the crowded streets of Las Vegas – just full of tourists ! Have a Cafe picked out just up the road which opens at 730 am so if nothing else at least allows me to check I am working on the right time zone 😀

It was a Cortado but a bit bitter so guessing from paper cup and hippie serving me it was organic. But perfectly drinkable . Looking forward to some Aussie Coffee culture in NYC which is quite well known with Flat Whites regularly available. Will be interesting . Halloween decorations are still up everywhere but at least some have a message .

Chicago was dominated by Halloween, Philadelphia by near misses for their sporting teams and now NYC will be the mid terms tomorrow I guess. Back in 2016 I watched a lot of CNN and Fox for contrast and so have watched a little bit here and both still biased. Fox take the cake and seriously watching The Five for Five mins last night would turn a tourist off visiting NYC. Everything is politically motivated of course but we have grown adults who have lived in USA/NYC all their lives saying they are scared to catch the subway just to elevate crime to major concern rather than democracy , abortion etc. Will be staying close by hotel tomorrow methinks regardless. Mind you , have woken up every morning to news of multiple shootings overnight in Philly outer suburbs . There are some rough areas everywhere.

On a quiet day time for some reflection. Hindsight is a wonderful thing but suspect my early thoughts to cancel the holiday at the 12 week post op mark when no real improvement seen would have been wise. Would have lost a deal of money but not all and would have saved a lot spent on Ubers, taxis , taxes, tips…… Don’t get me wrong there have been some great highlights especially seeing new places like Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Some great quirk noted along the way too and have the pictures to prove it. The Chicago buildings, the Philly murals … all stunning and all worth seeing but have not got full value out of the trip really simply because can’t be out and about all day or just walk aimlessly around. The weather , though glorious at times , has been disappointing temperature wise. Apart from the pain 24/7 I do wonder if any further damage has been done and don’t see a future without ankle issues. Mind you , if you can’t walk on it 5 months after surgery what was the point ? I also think that dreaded last day of long expensive taxi to airport , 6 hr economy flight with AA and then 13 hrs economy with Qantas is weighing heavily on mind. And that is assuming no delays or cancellations of course ! Anyhoo that rant has filled in 5 mins, now only 3 hrs until train leaves . And of course trying to get bags down stairs ….

Left way too early but got bags down and a good priced Uber so no sweat. Found myself a Red Cap – great service – and then settled down for the 90 min wait at least with only one bag 😂 Against better judgement tried Pretty Mangey as saw Flat White on menu. It was flat and it was white but think it lacked one ingredient – coffee! Swill

Comfortable seat on train by myself with a nice view. Left on time and a hooting along until we hit Edison , 45 mins south of NYC, with an “electrical” problem. Ironic.

Arrived 45 mins late but no sweat just very crowded and took a while to find the taxi rank. What a ride . It was so slow and chaotic driving andreally wanted to be anywhere else but NYC. Then we hit upper West Side and suddenly in the shade and calmer. And only $25 for the fare 👍🏻 The Hotel Beacon has a beautiful facade but being NYC we had scaffolding everywhere. Now the crunch time – check in. Well sauce my sausage, the exact same corner room 2212. Knobber Knobber

Things were looking up as long as I didn’t look down at ankle 😏 Ouch, been a busy day with a lot of standing and walking. One last job – some supplies from across road . It was also nightmare but when $70 buys you a week of breakfast and dinners with a few treats then that leaves more money for drinks. And lunch. Yes I don’t take advantage of the great eateries around but is harder as a solo. If I had big meals along with the drinking then would pork up indeed. As said previously the weather will get cooler coming up but who do you believe – regardless, tomorrow looks a ball tearer. Better do some planning.

But first let’s Google Bars 🕺🏻

It was still only just 4 pm so headed first to Central Park as close by and dropped into Strawberry Fields . It’s a different time of year certainly and yesterday was NYC marathon but the city does seem crowded.

Then went to the Dakota Bar which looks a keeper . Not part of actual Dakota but rather classy

Then headed in general direction of home . Although not yet 5 pm already getting dark so dove into the nearest bar for safety. Luckily it was the Dive Bar. Had another beer and honestly thought he had poured me a water so drank that and then realised it was someone’s “ Something and Soda” . Paid for it and thought time to head home. Quite fuzzy in head but only two beers so really think lack of food contributing. I know it’s hard writing this …

So a full day in the end and some planning now needed. Having two great bars nearby and a great room is certainly a promising start to the week in NYC 👍🏻 Now for that elusive Coffee shop …

And so we come to the last full day and not a lot planned . Will head into La Colombe first up for my morning Cortado . It’s a great area to wander around but not sure there is a lot more to see around there. Looks like another warm day but maybe a bit cloudy. You have to get your head around the fact that here southerly winds of course brings warmth. There won’t be any victory parades planned for the Phillies sadly as they were finished off last night in Houston. Need to keep my wits about me later today as it’s time to switch clocks back and need the time to be right for train trip tomorrow. Looking forward to getting back to a hotel actually in NYC and of course some cooler weather . Let’s see how today pans out shall we and if the usual casual approach pays off

Shorts were the right call, just had to make sure I protected my nuts 😏

Got to coffee shop a little early which worked out well as quite a crowd around at 8am opening time and I needed a seat . Never tire of the view of City Hall from various angles

A few more murals in relative close proximity probably worth a look . Lots of police presence around for the Veterans March a bit later. Probably best to have sorted transport home by then . Murals tend to be next to car parks which does detract a tad

And once again it is clear that women are cherished here in Philly

It was starting to cloud over so very pleasant for Hobblin although do think just about done in . I see sitting at a bar for the afternoon in my near future . In the meantime some more images to enthrall y’all. Got this yank lingo down pat eh

That’s me done for the morning then . A bus home and pick up a salad for lunch and rest for a couple of hours. Maybe I should pack before imbibing ? Actually don’t leave rental until after 10 am in morning so plenty of time then. Now, to plan the hit and run hobble mission this afternoon. There are 3 distinct areas within walking so need to pick and stick with one . It’s a Sunday arvo of course so probably crowds of bloody tourists .

Hobbled off on a cloudy afternoon. Discovered an interesting cemetery nearby and considered making a booking but will soldier on for now

General plan was a rectangular route heading off to South Street first . Some dive bars around and plenty of divers walking the street actually. It’s an interesting area I would not visit after 5 pm

Milk Boy seemed like a safe option as it had plenty of street access for a quick get away. There was of course NFL on the TV so no one annoyed me

Then it was time to head back to Twisted Tail where it all began on Tuesday . Not quite the same relaxed vibe with Sunday arvo crowds a jumping but the beer was still good and the music loud 😏

So, that pretty well calls the curtain on Philly even though only mid afternoon . No need to go silly yet with a week in NYC to come . Mind you I couldn’t fit the Wobbly Boot on this bloody ankle now anyway . It is sore and swollen and basically stuffed. After being calm for a few days I am really pissed off again now . So limiting and impactful on life

Wish I had planned an earlier train tomorrow (1130 am) because it will be a boring morning waiting around 😏 Mind you probably take 30 mins to get bag down these stairs 😢

Yesterday worked out so well may just fly by seat of pants again today . The search for a good Cortado continues this morning but being the weekend not many cafes open before 8 am 😢 So , a bit after 730 am will head in towards Rittenhouse Square for a leisurely stroll which passes by Jiggy Coffee so that’s the next one in line. A little foggy this morning and ending up quite a warm day so again dressing for the morning is a bit tricky

As soon as had walked 100 m knew the jacket was a mistake and jeans a 50/50 call. Wasn’t climbing back up those steps though. Beautiful morning and fog quickly cleared so I got Jiggy with it. A glass was a promising start

Pleasant enough walk to Rittenhouse Square and passed some points of interest . Not a lot happens in Rittenhouse Square I imagine but dogs do love to poop there it seems .

Now the next question is do I roam generally towards the river and hope to see the famous Phillies mural or catch a bus. The walk won out and glad it did as murals pop up everywhere.

By now of course I was close to the Schuylkill River and on this beautiful morning time to skulk a bit eh . It had been a fair effort to walk from Pine Street to here, check it out yourself folks.

Close to 30th Street Station so thought time for a subway back to City Hall area. As always stopping is the worse thing of all as nice as it may be to sit down. I have been lucky so far not to succumb to any illness especially as always grabbing handrails to walk up and stairs at subways . One thing common to all 3 cities so far is when escalators are involved at any one time 30% will be out of action and guaranteed 98% of those will be the ones going up !

Time to check out Reading Terminal Market for no real reason except it is close by. Yep walked up and down a few lanes and then time to head home for a break . But first another Cortado as close by also honest.

Time then to head home with another subway and a short walk. Got on crowded subway at 15th Street and sat while doors opened and closed 5 times over a 10 min period. Seemed to be a lot of yelling somewhere. Got one stop to 13th Street and same thing . Eventually they told us all to evacuate train. So, back up on street and could actually look across to the 15th Street station I left 20 mins ago. If I catch another train here shoot me. Ok , a 25 min walk so let’s just do it . Again come across all manner of things

Of course being the morning it had evolved into it was closed. Still some more great murals around until eventually gave in and found a direct bus route nearby to drop me within 100 m of home 👨🏻‍🦯

Another productive morning with no great planning but almost done with Philly. Have had fun but pretty well done with the stairs and the distances to walk. If had planned a bit better and had a couple of beers in the fridge that could be it for the day but will head out to nearest watering hole later. Have to be here later in case Joe and Barack drop in

They didn’t . After watching the 24/7 election coverage though for 24 mins I needed a drink. Let’s put that last wash on though while rested so tomorrow is more relaxing . It’s a two step process after all. Start the wash, amuse 40 mins, then flick over to dryer and head out. Tomorrow may be spent chasing down some more murals thought would check out a couple close by while dropping into some pubs. Let’s start with the dive bar – Dirty Franks. Beer was cold ✅

Then I headed across 15 th street , catching a few murals on the way and ended up at Miss Conduct Tavern. I suspect I was plum centre in Gaybourhood. At least didn’t have to buy any drinks as they thought the cane was a toy for later 🤷🏻‍♂️

And as I said to Bud Heavy the Bartender I can tease no longer. Here are some stunning murals if I say so myself

So, tomorrow looms as a largely free day . There are more murals to see , just not sure I need to see anymore 🤔 I suspect there could be a happy hour at Twisted Tail around 4 pm and certainly will see the shorts appear . I imagine the morning will involve a long walk in some direction . Of course , I may also spend some time investigating my new business venture for Philadelphia

Phlash’s Leaf Blower Sales and Repairs

“ We may Suck but we certainly Blow “

Fog again this morning before clearing to a warm weekend. While disappointing – seriously the overnight temps are same as Maryhole at present! – it does also make it difficult to clothe oneself for a morning out which starts cool but quickly warms up. As if not bad enough with the weather we have the political machine hitting Philly this weekend with Joe and Barack in Philly and Buffoon Bob in Pittsburg. Not sure what it will mean for getting around but doubt it will be good news . At least Phillies lost last night and now gone to Houston.

So my research showed Rally Coffee 7 mins away opened at 730 am and served Cortado. Today was officially declared Travelling Tourist Day by Sleepy Joe so was going to head out in fog and tick off all the tourist traps . Arrived at 731 am and maybe the paper cup should have alerted . I suggest it was organic and even that can ruin a Cortado 😢 Back to drawing board.

First bus stopped just outside. Apparently on opposite side of street as I discovered when first bus went straight past on a one way street. It was two buses to Rocky Steps , as touristy as it gets. The fog may have been disappointing but have been here before and have beautiful photos and the fog adds some mystery . Is it really Rocky or Nancy Pelosi 🤔 I made it to the top but didn’t jump up and down. Like a tourist 🤦🏻‍♂️

As only have 6 “free Septa trips “ left thought I would take a leisurely stroll of about 30 mins up to Love Park. Ok ya got me, up to Le Colombe Coffee Roasters. At my best when thinking . This is me thinking

A bit more quirk along the way , another advantage of walking where possible. Of course it turned 30 mins into 50 mins but checked diary and it was free rest of the day …… and week 😢

As approached City Hall noticed that a skating rink had gone up since yesterday ! What they can achieve in the fog eh. So this was a rink sponsored by Orthopaedic Surgeons with wine freely available nearby . Smart planning indeed.

I could see my Coffee Oasis just down the street but for some reason would have to cross over the street to avoid a gathering of women apparently kneeling and praying on the sidewalk. What could it be ?

Ah.

I was feeling quite good and the weather was remaining cool enough so decided to head to next tourist destination – Old City . An alley here a flag house there and my tourist bingo card almost filled in. As luck would have it , it was garbage day just to enhance the ambience 👍🏻

This really just left a Philly Cheesesteak to go. Wasn’t bothered researching best “ Philly Cheesesteak” but rather “ Nearest Cheesesteak” and Campos was the winner. Nothing special but lined the stomach for some possible tomfoolery later so all good .

Actually turned into a very pleasant and enjoyable morning out and decided to hobble the 20 mins home. The sun was starting to peek through by now so could be an afternoon for T shirts and almost shorts ? Maybe leave the shorts for an even warmer weekend . Meanwhile some more quirk

Sometimes of course the worst thing you can do is stop. The ankle swells, the knee locks and then you have to go back down the stairs. I would be tempted to do another wash on Sunday before NYC but not sure can face those last set of stairs.

Plan this afternoon then is to hobble down to Italian Market . 15-20 mins and from memory there were also some murals around.

There may still be but I only found one really . The Cortado at Anthony’s was cod ordinary and the sham was on when delivered in full size paper cup. Italians and coffee eh. To be fair the girl making coffee was less Italian than me and about 18 .

The Italian market was a bit of bust as too many Italians around for me so headed back to South Street for your more typical American crackhead. I tell ya so many people walk the street talking to themselves it’s confusing . I found one mural, a closed bar and a Guinness #The Loaf .

So, once again a very enjoyable day. It does seem a waste to be done for day by 330pm but achieved a lot and not as if down to last days. Much like at home I love the mornings and the afternoon drags like a limp leg. Spooky. If I had some American Honey Sting I could soldier on through until 8 pm I reckon🕺🏻

Time for some more research for final two days , being a weekend with important visitors. I may do a mural search but will depend on the transport needed as already had my fill of the underground folk on subways.

For something a bit different today and trying to recharge this holiday going to Atlantic City for the day . Basically is the whole day as 90 min train trip each way once I actually get to 30 th Street St. Not a bad thing really as give the joints a chance to relax in between while gazing at the stunning scenery that am sure New Jersey is 😏 The main attraction for me will be the boardwalk which I guess is like a vegetarian ordering a T Bone and wondering why they felt sick. Still some fresh air can’t hurt .

Not prepared to hobble in dark for 10 mins to walk to a near deserted subway station full of undesirables at 630 am in morning so will Uber to 30th street. Assuming I can open the door downstairs . A lot of communication with owners late yesterday with the least helpful condescending advice being “ twist the key and hold it twisted and THEN turn the knob Dave. It’s easy really “ Sure, except there is no knob except the one I’m talking too 😂 Ah, ok then maybe try holding latch down “

Lovely time of day and another stunning station

Of course if I find walking the Boardwalk too much I may just sleep there and not have to worry about getting back in tonight

Train was very quiet but as usual in a carriage that sits 60 people and currently has 6, the last clown that boards sits right behind me! it was only $9 return trip and when arrived a free shuttle drops you of at various spots like casinos so great value. Stopped off at Caesars for no particular reason but just wanted to get to boardwalk first up,on this simply glorious day

It was only just after 930 am so really nothing open which was fine for now but going to be gagging for a frothy one after a few laps up and down. in the meantime I did enter a contest and of course won.

It has been a very warm, though pleasant , time in Philadelphia which is odd for their fall entering winter. Then the penny dropped . Bloody climate change

It was now 11 am so the Biergarten had cased out would be open. Poor planning though had me 10 mins away. Imagine how good that beer will taste when I get there. Imagine no more, it was delicious so I ordered another one. Not that there is any chance I am fading away but do find on these excursions at times don’t really feel much like eating but need to to soak up the alcohol. That pretzel should do the trick eh and it’s always smiling like me 🎃

Was getting a tad warm by now so time to head inside and tonk my honk until the shuttle bus is ready to pick me up . Now something to wash away that salty pretzel taste first. It was a Modelo and very tasty – think they are sponsors of Phillies who lost last night so the World Series in which only Yanks play 😏 is tied 2-2. Looks like I have avoided pandemonium in the streets on Friday as now head back to Houston

Train trip home uneventful and then another subway with the dregs and a 10 min walk home on this beautiful day . No cloud dared to show its face today

So, I didn’t spend anytime today scanning Qantas for early flights home . Complete inactivity yesterday afternoon and a good nights sleep gives the body a chance to recover and I didn’t have to go to Gimpland today. I am sure I will pay for todays walking overnight and tomorrow but certainly glad made the effort. There wasn’t a lot to see or do maybe but it is a memorable location, a bit like Coney Island. Also, seeing something new does inspire one. With 3 days to go , not sure a lot new to see now but am sure will find something quirky. May just do the tourist stuff like Rocky steps tomorrow when weather still good and then relax on weekend and let Philly flow over me

Or just let my fill flow down me 🕺🏻

Well the VRBO is certainly different to a hotel. Plenty of space and appliances so did stock the fridge for a few days. It is a creaky old place though and glad on top floor – apart from steps of course. Shower is difficult to work and takes forever to get warm . Of course central heating kicks in all the time . Getting dudded here with the weather – it’s sunny and warm ! It’s 10-15 degrees F warmer than normal 😢 And of course sunrise is not until 730 am , or as I call it morning tea time 😏

So the Philadelphia story at this stage is breakfast and dinner at home and lunch out . So nice to have some simple toast after two weeks . As don’t have Septa card yet have to do 15 min walk first up to metro station. Simply put the stairs are killing me , especially going down. Anyway headed off at 7 am with Miners Helmet on to see my way . It’s uneven footpaths too which doesn’t help. Not being a complainer of course I just soldiered on like a little trooper. Research suggested the weekly pass would be best value for $25 . Tap, load, pay. Sweet. Let’s get through that turnstile . Beep Beep Beep. Low fare. Tried again. Luckily there was a service person there who said can take a minute or two to load, you go on through. Thanks mate. Just about to leave and he says “ Did u say you bought a weekly ticket Sir ? “ Yep “ Ah that’s the problem, it’s Wednesday “ ok, so. Weekly tickets only run Monday to Monday . That’s ok I leave next Monday .” No sir it doesn’t activate until next Monday . Did u not see the dates ?” Well maybe if you put the fucking day first ya clowns it would have made more sense . “ Do you catch a lot of tourists that way ? “ He just smiled . I went back and loaded $25 onto my “wallet” so basically paid $50 for a weekly ticket. Walked back past and shouted “ Go Astros” Ha, that wiped the smile off( Phillies won last night and lead 2-1 . Could wrap it up with two home games next two nights . Hope not in a way)

Headed down to the sporting Mecca around Infinity Live mostly to see the Smoking Joe Frazier statue. It is a glorious if somewhat warm day 😏

Then headed into City Hall area in search of a Cortado. Not quiet Chicago but some stunning buildings and of course Love Park

Saw a place called Le Colombe coffee roasters nearby and seemed a fair chance . Found my Cortado and perfectly fine and a chance to sit and rest for a while

Need to make the most of trips out to avoid climbing stairs too often so detoured via Independence Hall for a gander and then a 10 min walk home. Have to say once again the subways are not a pleasant place really and in fact got abused by a young black guy just walking the street also and this was near Independence Hall. Sorry, it’s a nation in decline

Anyhoo, now I had to get home to do the dreaded washing and check out The Gimp in the basement . Yep fuck me another set of dangerous stairs . And of course have to unload someone else’s laundry first . Will then head down a bit later to switch over to dryer on way out for some lunch . Seriously these are a safety hazard for normal folk 😡

Headed down towards South street which is a lovely area – just in a T Shirt and jeans. Positively balmy . Could be back in Maryhole where I only get abused by white folk 😏

Thought I would drop into Paddy Whack for lunch and a beer but didn’t feel like a Guinness today. The beer actually tasted off and didn’t finish it but had a very tasty burger. Now the slow painful trek home .

As noted this is an old row house but quickly descending from charming to decaying. Yesterday the door was a bit sticky but today simply couldn’t open it . Had to ring owner , a few more phone calls and eventually got the guy who lives on first floor and works from home to let me in after sitting outside for 20 mins . They say they will come and have a look at it soon but doesn’t fill one with confidence for going out for a drink later . Then down the stairs of death to get washing . Seriously if could get majority of money back and a comfortable flight home would consider bailing now. Another few days of these stairs is going to cause a lot of damage methinks . You start out hopeful and keen in the morning but simply worn down by early afternoon

Time flies when you should be having fun eh. It’s time to check out and of course my last. Cortado. Her tears were embarrassing but hey she is only human.

Saw it was a 50 min drive to OHairy so of course left way too early but would rather sit around aimlessly at airport with bag checked in and security cleared then to sit aimlessly at the hotel thinking about the extras on the bill 😏 Good run out , friendly driver saw no meter ticking over so assumed was on the $35 flat rate fee. Ah no , that will be $65 mate ( we had bonded) or as we call it $75 with tip. Forced myself not to automatically recalculate to AUD but know it’s 3 figures . Fuck me. Breathe Breathe . So smooth curb side drop off – cachinge cachinge – and the “priority” caper helps with security. Tarmac adjacent with a mere 3 hrs to spare . Sweet. Where in my Flagship Lounge and free piss. Hey it’s after 8 am.

Found my close by gate and lounge . Fronted up to Broom Hilda who may have been tired after last night. Handed over FF card and Ruby OW boarding pass. “ No Sir you have to be Emerald or Sapphire OW for access “ But I was in LAX Flagship lounge. I have a cool T shirt . I have a cane FFS. Blank look. “ Must be a bitch waiting another year for your second gig eh “ Limped out . But wasn’t done. I hadn’t drunk anything yet so started thinking, must be missing something. AhHa , Qantas Club membership . So waited in line again and 3 staff on. But made sure I got BH .” Does this make a difference Sweetheart? “ Of course Sir, welcome to Admirals Club . “ Flagship Lounge ? “ In your dreams , no magic black invite card handed over. Oh well.

Admirals Club was fine. No personal omelette chef etc but a bar. “ A glass of Champers please my good Man” That will be $16 . WTF . Quickly google “ free alcohol at Admirals Club” It had been an expensive morning and still in Chicago 😳 With 2 hrs to boarding .

As usual it’s hard finding the exact thing you want in the net so asked Billy Bob at the Bar – there has to be some free stuff here , can you see the T Shirt and Cane mate ? It worked , and turned my frown upside down . Yeah right. Have you clowns learned nothing yet 🥸

Only a 2 hr flight . The owner of VRBO has been excellent but only found out last night that I could have got in much earlier today which would have been great but an earlier flight probably would have screwed up my sleep last night which was surprisingly good and would not have got my edumacation about Admirals Club. A full 5 days/6 nights in Philly so ok if first night a bit of a wash. Just wonder how will navigate 3 flights of narrow, steep stairs 🤔 I ain’t happy if I ain’t got something to worry about eh . Apart from the taxi fare from airport at Philly 😢 And don’t be fooled that Uber is a cheap option kiddies

Good flight and got to gate maybe 15 mins late . Quick bag and quick Taxi find evened it all out and was Pining at 523 by about 330 pm. And Taxi was only $35 Knobber Knobber. Then came the 3 sets of stairs

Ouch. The rental is on 3rd floor and a Row House so rather creaky . Would not like to be on second floor – apart from one less set of stairs natch. It’s great to really spread out after 2 hotel rooms S and actually have a chair to sit and watch TV .

Once quick inspection of kitchen revealed great appliances including a toaster ✅ decided to get some groceries before that first sherbert. The local store was literally only 3 mins away . Bought some meals to heat up etc so really probably only buy lunch out next few days which will be a saving. As long as I don’t catch a taxi to the restaurant . It is a lovely quiet neighbourhood

Now was time for a well earned drink. I may mention at this stage that going down the stairs is actually harder than going up. Checked Google maps and some bars a mere 10 min walk. Hey what do you know – this is Abbots Square where I actually stayed back in 2015. Great area and actually went to same first Pub I did all those years ago – The Twisted Tail.

Had my first beer and there was a guy sitting across from me maybe 4 feet. After 10 mins . Thought why not, little social butterfly me . His name was Bob was a local and after 3 more beers time to head home . Great happy hour ,I may return. Somehow the sun had disappeared when I left the Pub

A pretty useful first foray suggests I may enjoy Philly. Hope it starts to cool down soon as rather mild . Still hope to go to Atlantic City on Thursday so tomorrow will be spent getting lay of land and working out the Septa transport system

When I sober up ….