Just a quick post to say I'm back home from my trip, I'm a little tired but not too bad. I've sort of unpacked my bags and started to download some photos. I need to tidy up a few of them so hopfully I'll be able to post in the next few days.
Again I enjoyed many aspects of my trip but maybe I'll report a bit more later when I've looked at the photos (I'm getting old tha knows and the memory is not what it was, lol).
The journey home was a bit of a killer, the flight from Atlanta to Philadelphia was bang on time which was good, I actually fell asleep and even missed my free drink.
The Philadelphia to Manchester Flight was delayed about 1.5hours which was bad cos I already had a 8 hour stopover. Let me tell you there is only so much you can do in Philadelphia Airport in 9.5hours. I got a meal had a few beers, checked out all the shops then got totally bored.
Luckily on the 7 hour flight to Manchester I managed to sleep for a good part of it, but was awake at meal times so I got fed. I was sat with a bloke that was a bit of a pain all he did was complain to the flight attendants, they were doing there best and I couldn't fault them. Anyway I just ignored him, put my Mp3 player on and eventually nodded off.
With the flight delay I missed my normal train home and only just caught the next one by two minutes, I was lucky cos when I went through customs the person in front of me was selected to have his bags searched, if it had been me I don't know what time I would get home.
On another note I'm expecting some news at work, I'll find out the facts when I return tomorrow and maybe post later.
Showing posts with label Holidays - Philadelphia 2007. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holidays - Philadelphia 2007. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Last Night in Philly
Well tonight is my last night here before moving on to Atlanta in the morning. I usually find Sundays are quiet in American Cities but you never know. Philly is a strange place I haven't really found a music scene and the nightlife seems to be a mix of posh restaurants and quite rough bars with not a lot in between. Saying that the food is good but I do miss live music.
I reckon five days is about the right amount of time to see most of what you want, I don't think I've missed much of importance. The City has a few rough areas and you have to keep your wits about you, a young lady and her boyfriend that were staying at my hotel were robbed at knife point just two blocks away, the lady had the straps of her handbag cut. Saying that its a matter of turning right outside the hotel and it seems safe, turn left and it seems to have a few shady charactors about.
I did mention there is no live music and I'm maybe a bit unfair there was a music festival near the river at Pens Landing yesterday playing the areas traditional style, you know Chicago & New Orleans has Blues or Jazz, Nashville has Country, Detroit has Motown and of course Philly has "DooWop", yes I attended my first DooWop festival.
Today s a big Mexican day at the same spot with a lot of traditional entertainers, I've just been and to be honest found a lot of it a bit boring, at least they were giving out some free food samples.
Hopfully I can get on linein Atlanta to keep everyone up to date, I'll see. I'll be staying in Midtown Atlanta until Friday then moving to Buckhead, I'm looking forward to exploring another new city.
Did I mention I enjoyed having a Philly Cheesesteak, lovely it was.
I reckon five days is about the right amount of time to see most of what you want, I don't think I've missed much of importance. The City has a few rough areas and you have to keep your wits about you, a young lady and her boyfriend that were staying at my hotel were robbed at knife point just two blocks away, the lady had the straps of her handbag cut. Saying that its a matter of turning right outside the hotel and it seems safe, turn left and it seems to have a few shady charactors about.
I did mention there is no live music and I'm maybe a bit unfair there was a music festival near the river at Pens Landing yesterday playing the areas traditional style, you know Chicago & New Orleans has Blues or Jazz, Nashville has Country, Detroit has Motown and of course Philly has "DooWop", yes I attended my first DooWop festival.
Today s a big Mexican day at the same spot with a lot of traditional entertainers, I've just been and to be honest found a lot of it a bit boring, at least they were giving out some free food samples.
Hopfully I can get on linein Atlanta to keep everyone up to date, I'll see. I'll be staying in Midtown Atlanta until Friday then moving to Buckhead, I'm looking forward to exploring another new city.
Did I mention I enjoyed having a Philly Cheesesteak, lovely it was.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Quick Update
Thought I'd give you all a quick update as I've just come online to check the Leeds result (can't forget the Football). Yes its party time tonight the Beckford & Kandol show marches on two goals from Jermaine and one for Tresor we now have a positive points tally. The result Bristol Rovers "0" Leeds "3". Six matches six wins off the bottom, overtaking four teams out of the relegation zone (ok maybe only until the others play tomorrow). My message to Lord Mahwinney and your 57 old farts on the Football league committee you docked us 15 points it isn't enough to kill us and with forty more matches to go "We will win this league MOT".
Good news at my hotel the Austrians have all left and even better a I write this a group of about twenty ladies (aged from early thirties to mid fifties) are booking in.
Today I got the ferry across the river and had a bit of a tour, there is a aquarium but I didn't bother going in, not really fascinated by fish.
Last night I went out and again had a steak but this time in a proper steak house, just had a 12oz Fillet it was cooked to perfection really enjoyed it. They were quiet so the girl behind the bar talked with me for a while, called her Dara and she was from New Jersey.
I moved on to a couple of other bars before eventually calling it a night at about 11.30pm, was a little tired. To be honest it was not the busiest of nights but I expect tonight it will be heaving, spotted the bar I'm planning to eat at tonight it looks really trendy so I better put my glad rags on.
Well off to my room now to do what us men must do when we haven't got a good women to do it for us. Yes as you've guessed I'm off to iron my shirt for tonight.
Good news at my hotel the Austrians have all left and even better a I write this a group of about twenty ladies (aged from early thirties to mid fifties) are booking in.
Today I got the ferry across the river and had a bit of a tour, there is a aquarium but I didn't bother going in, not really fascinated by fish.
Last night I went out and again had a steak but this time in a proper steak house, just had a 12oz Fillet it was cooked to perfection really enjoyed it. They were quiet so the girl behind the bar talked with me for a while, called her Dara and she was from New Jersey.
I moved on to a couple of other bars before eventually calling it a night at about 11.30pm, was a little tired. To be honest it was not the busiest of nights but I expect tonight it will be heaving, spotted the bar I'm planning to eat at tonight it looks really trendy so I better put my glad rags on.
Well off to my room now to do what us men must do when we haven't got a good women to do it for us. Yes as you've guessed I'm off to iron my shirt for tonight.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Hello from Philly
Just a note to let all my friends know I'm here safe in Philadelphia, the weather is sunny and just under 80F I've walked a fair distance today inding my way around. Got my photo took in front of a statue of the most famous American ever, yes I found the "Rocky" satue, even ran up them steps he does in the film.
My hotel is good, nice room, comfy bed, free breakfast and a happy 2 hours from 5pm to 7pm where draft beer is only $2 per pint. A couple of problems its full of a bus load of Austrians and a more arrogant & ignorant bunch you would find hard to meet, I can see me fall out with them soon, they just push in front of you at breakfast, dive into the lifts, hut doors in your face, expect to be served first at the bar, don't think the've heard of taking your turn. I suppose it is just south Germany so what would you expect.
Another problem is my hotel is slap bang between two main roads, to get anywhere you have to cross 6 lanes to Pens landing then over a footbridge across the roads so its a bit of a trek. The hotel does offer a courtesy bus to any sites within two mile but I've not used it yet.
I think I've been doing my diet no good at all, it started in my hotel at Manchester Airport, ok I'd had a meal and a few pints and was just thinking about bed when a Scottish bloke and his Girlfriend asked if they could sit at my table, well we got talking and one thing led to another and we drank a lot of beer.
As I was on my way back to my room I saw a pretty lady at the hotel vending machine, well I'll have to admit I couldn't resist soI did, yes I got a bar of chocolate from the vending machine (two actually beer makes me hungry).
I was a bit delicate in the morning but it was a buffet breakfast so I had the full monty, baccon, sausages, black pudding, beans, and a grilled tomato (so it was virtually vegetarian), I didn't hold back with the portions either.
I had a bit of a incident in the baggage queue at the airport, some women behind me was really impatient and kept pushing her trolley into my legs, I kept quiet for a while but in the end I turned around and told her a few choice words about not getting there any faster by ramming me with her trolley.
The flight was good, on time and I got sat next to a normal bloke so we had a bit of a chat which helped it pass, I always hope for a leggy blonde but usually get a nutter so I was quite happy. As far as airoplane food goes it was good, US Airways seem ok to me. I got my own telly with a choice of movies, I watched one but fell asleep it was that good, didn't recognise any of the actors so maybe it wasn't a good choice.
Anyway back to Philly I went out to a couple of Bars and got a meal in one, a lot of nightlife is close by so thats good, I'll try a few more tonight. I got a steak for my dinner it was tasty but not particular big to normal American standards and they skimped on the veg a bit plus only one onion ring (thats scandelous).
Tomorrow I'm planning to get the ferry across the Delaware River there are a few things to see over there, Saturday I think there are a few events on the river side at Pens Landing close to my hotel, they are setting up in preparation.
Take Care everyone I'll try update again before I leave Philly for Atlanta on Monday.
My hotel is good, nice room, comfy bed, free breakfast and a happy 2 hours from 5pm to 7pm where draft beer is only $2 per pint. A couple of problems its full of a bus load of Austrians and a more arrogant & ignorant bunch you would find hard to meet, I can see me fall out with them soon, they just push in front of you at breakfast, dive into the lifts, hut doors in your face, expect to be served first at the bar, don't think the've heard of taking your turn. I suppose it is just south Germany so what would you expect.
Another problem is my hotel is slap bang between two main roads, to get anywhere you have to cross 6 lanes to Pens landing then over a footbridge across the roads so its a bit of a trek. The hotel does offer a courtesy bus to any sites within two mile but I've not used it yet.
I think I've been doing my diet no good at all, it started in my hotel at Manchester Airport, ok I'd had a meal and a few pints and was just thinking about bed when a Scottish bloke and his Girlfriend asked if they could sit at my table, well we got talking and one thing led to another and we drank a lot of beer.
As I was on my way back to my room I saw a pretty lady at the hotel vending machine, well I'll have to admit I couldn't resist soI did, yes I got a bar of chocolate from the vending machine (two actually beer makes me hungry).
I was a bit delicate in the morning but it was a buffet breakfast so I had the full monty, baccon, sausages, black pudding, beans, and a grilled tomato (so it was virtually vegetarian), I didn't hold back with the portions either.
I had a bit of a incident in the baggage queue at the airport, some women behind me was really impatient and kept pushing her trolley into my legs, I kept quiet for a while but in the end I turned around and told her a few choice words about not getting there any faster by ramming me with her trolley.
The flight was good, on time and I got sat next to a normal bloke so we had a bit of a chat which helped it pass, I always hope for a leggy blonde but usually get a nutter so I was quite happy. As far as airoplane food goes it was good, US Airways seem ok to me. I got my own telly with a choice of movies, I watched one but fell asleep it was that good, didn't recognise any of the actors so maybe it wasn't a good choice.
Anyway back to Philly I went out to a couple of Bars and got a meal in one, a lot of nightlife is close by so thats good, I'll try a few more tonight. I got a steak for my dinner it was tasty but not particular big to normal American standards and they skimped on the veg a bit plus only one onion ring (thats scandelous).
Tomorrow I'm planning to get the ferry across the Delaware River there are a few things to see over there, Saturday I think there are a few events on the river side at Pens Landing close to my hotel, they are setting up in preparation.
Take Care everyone I'll try update again before I leave Philly for Atlanta on Monday.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
13 nights 5 hotels
Its less than a month to my next trip to North America and I'm really looking forward to it as I'll be visiting two cities I've never been to. I'm sure I'll have a great time and will be telling you all about it.
The unusual thing about this trip is the fact I'll be staying in 5 seperate hotels in 13 nights so here is the plan :-
Tuesday 11th September - After work I'll be getting a train to Manchester airport (have to change at Huddersfield) staying over at "Bewleys Hotel" on the airport. I usually stay at this hotel I think they are getting to know me, they do a great buffet breakfast.
Wednesday 12th September - Fly with US Airways to Philadelphia where I will stay at the "Comfort Inn Downtown Historic area". On the plus side they provide a free continental breakfast which isn't always the case in the US. Reading the reviews it seems to be in walking distance to most things to see and some good nightspots. I'll be staying here five nights.
Monday 17th September - Fly to Atlanta with Delta airways and staying in midtown at the "Best Western Granada Suites". I'll be staying here 4 nights and again they provide a free breakfast but it sounds like a good British one with bacon & sausage if you want it. During weekdays (like while I'm there) they have a free cocktail hour so I must get my moneys worth lol. I picked midtown over downtown as I checked out some reviews and although downtown is good for all the sites its a bit of a ghost town full of dodgy charactors at night according to some locals. Midtown does have a bit of nightlife and is near enough to downtown to spend the days there.
Friday 21st September - An area I wanted to visit while in Atlanta is Buckhead which is a trendy area up at the north end of the city. It has some big shopping malls and Buckhead village
is full of trendy restaurants and nightspots so it could be a good weekend. I'll be staying Friday & Saturday night at the "Sheraton Hotel" got a real good deal and the big plus is I'll be joined by certainly one of my blog friends Rachel and hopfully we can convince another to join us thats Rebecca , perhaps everyone that reads this can encourage her cos we both really want to meet her.
Sunday 23rd September - This is my final night and I'll be spending it at the "Hampton Inn" which is in a suberb to the south of the city called College Park. It is close to the airport and provides a free shuttle service so I thought it a good idea as my flight is at about 10am Monday.
If I'd stayed an extra night in Buckhead I'd have had to leave the hotel before 7am which would have meant a early night. That was pointless so staying near the airport will mean I'm not so rushed prior to my long journey. I'll probably get a nice meal and just have a quiet drink at a local bar.
Should be a great trip.
The unusual thing about this trip is the fact I'll be staying in 5 seperate hotels in 13 nights so here is the plan :-
Tuesday 11th September - After work I'll be getting a train to Manchester airport (have to change at Huddersfield) staying over at "Bewleys Hotel" on the airport. I usually stay at this hotel I think they are getting to know me, they do a great buffet breakfast.
Wednesday 12th September - Fly with US Airways to Philadelphia where I will stay at the "Comfort Inn Downtown Historic area". On the plus side they provide a free continental breakfast which isn't always the case in the US. Reading the reviews it seems to be in walking distance to most things to see and some good nightspots. I'll be staying here five nights.
Monday 17th September - Fly to Atlanta with Delta airways and staying in midtown at the "Best Western Granada Suites". I'll be staying here 4 nights and again they provide a free breakfast but it sounds like a good British one with bacon & sausage if you want it. During weekdays (like while I'm there) they have a free cocktail hour so I must get my moneys worth lol. I picked midtown over downtown as I checked out some reviews and although downtown is good for all the sites its a bit of a ghost town full of dodgy charactors at night according to some locals. Midtown does have a bit of nightlife and is near enough to downtown to spend the days there.
Friday 21st September - An area I wanted to visit while in Atlanta is Buckhead which is a trendy area up at the north end of the city. It has some big shopping malls and Buckhead village
is full of trendy restaurants and nightspots so it could be a good weekend. I'll be staying Friday & Saturday night at the "Sheraton Hotel" got a real good deal and the big plus is I'll be joined by certainly one of my blog friends Rachel and hopfully we can convince another to join us thats Rebecca , perhaps everyone that reads this can encourage her cos we both really want to meet her.
Sunday 23rd September - This is my final night and I'll be spending it at the "Hampton Inn" which is in a suberb to the south of the city called College Park. It is close to the airport and provides a free shuttle service so I thought it a good idea as my flight is at about 10am Monday.
If I'd stayed an extra night in Buckhead I'd have had to leave the hotel before 7am which would have meant a early night. That was pointless so staying near the airport will mean I'm not so rushed prior to my long journey. I'll probably get a nice meal and just have a quiet drink at a local bar.
Should be a great trip.
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