I hate the Turnpike. The strict, three-lane, solid lined, construction surrounded, truck infested stretch of gravel…did I mention I hate the turnpike?! 16 Miles to 32 Miles to 17 Miles to Route 32 and i’m passing mounds of gravel and 88 Acres For Sale signs. But then, I see a gnarly, ivy-grown abandoned farmhouse in the center of a field and i’m intrigued. And that odd stump, and the small shops around the corners with hand-painted signs–they peak my curiosity.
I’ve made it–almost–to Philly, stopping over Kyle’s band’s guitarist Johnny’s house. It’s a really huge house. And they have one of those curly, medium-sized dogs that like to play around, but not too much. And the entire basement’s carpeted. How nice!
I brought the band some Asian baked goods from Kam Man Foods up north: a custard bun, a coconut tart, some sponge rolls. Eagerly awaiting Philadelphia. I’m watching Kyle and Scott (their awesome drummer) play a game of chess. They stare at the board, quiet, with intent. Hehe, my Kylie’s such a cutie.
So for now, relaxing until we depart, sprawling myself on this couch, contemplating a cat nap.
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We’ve Made it to Philly! (Update at 10 a.m.)
Kyle’s being a sleepyhead on the couch. His (awesomely radical) sister Courtney blew up a bed for us, and as all inflatable beds do– it deflated overnight. I’ve gotten up a bit earlier, as I’ve been doing a lot lately, made myself a bit of coffee and snagged a Chobani from the fridge. There are pomegranate seeds in it! It tastes amazing. I think i’m drinking French Roast.
Our plans for today!
Courtney left us an entire page of fun things to do. This is what she wrote:
Kyle & Claire,
Feel free to eat anything you want! (Barely anything…) If you walk south towards Girard/Supermarket, there are a lot of cafes/restaurants/shops by the Piazza. Walk out of the gate, turn right, and go to Girard. Right on Girard, left on 2nd. Walk into Piazza, or go right into Liberties Walk.
Coffee: One Shot Cafe, Sweetspot Cafe
Breakfast: Darling’s Diner
Lunch: El Camino Real, Darling’s, PYT
If it’s raining: Walk to North Bowl (Bowling, Retro) or Dave & Busters
If it’s nice out: Walk down to Piazza, or cab to South Street
Also –> Philadelphia Magic Gardens
PS: I can also leave & go to lunch/drive you somewhere, so call!
Other: Old City, Mutter Museum (oddities, weird stuff), Yard’s Brewery, if open.
I’ll be home soon!
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So many options! I’m sure Kyle would love to hit up a cafe, we could do some writing there, or maybe just explore downtown and find some cool shops. I’m excited for Philadelphia, I never give this city enough credit and it’s definitely in the shadow of New York. I’m especially excited that i’m getting to stay overnight and locals’ suggestions are always the preferred ones!
Alright folks, this coffee’s giving me acid reflux and i’m a bit chilly. I’ll let you in on how my day went later.
TGIF!
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