Washington, D.C. to Philadelphia (Day 14) September 5, 2019

Got up early and worked out. All last night I had angst about how much I have been eating and how fat I feel. It felt good to get some exercise.

Shortest drive of the trip from Washington, D.C. to Philadelphia - 140 miles. Total Mileage: 3757 + 140 = 3897 miles. Felt like nothing! Bigger drive tomorrow up to Vermont to visit Kathy (Beth's Cousin) and her husband Tom. I'll discuss how I handle the longer drives tomorrow.

It is comforting to be in our truck back on the road.  The truck feels like our new home. Hotels are foreign places. Sorry that today is mostly words and less pictures. Questions, comments, complaints and criticism welcome.

On to Philadelphia. It is fun and exciting to arrive in a new place again. Arrived early afternoon and immediately set out exploring. As we left the room, we promised to eat better. A salad this time. We’ll see.

Mission accomplished  - salads at Sweetgreen.

My first observation: Philly has attitude. I felt it from the staff at the hotel. I feel it from the people on the street.

The weather has changed. Note to self - No more short pants. 76° feels cold here. A welcome change for Beth who does not handle the heat well. 

Every city we go to, I see the Jehovah's Witness stand. I have NEVER seen anyone stop by. How do they persist with no customers/interest?

I saw the Science History Institute. I was afraid to go in. Free admission. It looked too much like Scientology.

We stopped by the Liberty Bell. This is lamest attraction ever - yawn. Really - all this hoopla over a silly old metal bell?

We have very low expectations  for Philadelphia. Hoping we won't be disappointed...Elfreth's Alley was sort of interesting. 

I love America but maybe I’m not patriotic enough. I do not get excited about the Betsy Ross house. Skipped it.

Saw the Benjamin Franklin Museum. 

I figured that would be interesting. Ben had gout. that was the most interesting part of the exhibit for me. Only the U.S. Park service could put on such a pathetic exhibit. Not worth the five dollars I spent. Several  staff asked me if I had any questions about the exhibit. I kept my sarcasm to myself and left quickly.

We have been underwhelmed by Philadelphia who’s greatest cultural achievement is the cheesesteak.

Unlike men (and women), not all cities were created equal. I can see why Glenn Rosen got the hell out of here.

Staying at Kimpton Palomar Hotel. Very nice. Brings back memories of our old friend and country neighbor Laura Kimpton (Kimpton's daughter).

Good happy hour with free wine.

Delicious dinner at Parc (French Bistro) with Katherine Raney our niece who is in Medical School at Penn.

After Dinner, across the street in Rittenhouse Square, great jazz from Drew Nugget and the Midnight Society. Hot Jazz on the Trumpet, Piano and Hot Tea Kettle.

Sleepy time for bear and Beth.

Blather at you tomorrow.

Love,

bear and Beth

Comments from Thomas Luehrsen:

“ From Thomas: Philadelphia was founded by ancestors on my mother side in 1683. Mennonite textile workers.  The houses they built in  Elfreth’s Alley look  just like many of the streets in  Krefeld, Germany  where they came from, and where my sister still lives to this day.  Those Mennonite are better known as “Pennsylvania Dutch.”