Finally Made it to Philly

 Several years ago I promised Sal I would come to see him in Philly.  The opportunity presented itself and off I went.  Turns out Philly is more than the a few sports teams and cheese steaks.  I was pleasantly surprised...

There was a lot of cool architecture throughout the city, both old and new.

City of Brotherly Love

 It's always a good experience when you get to tour a city with someone who is a proud resident.  You get to go to favorite restaurants, bars, shops and historical sites.  They can also point out things you would normally miss...I shot this picture after Sal pointed out that from this position the statue appears to be obscene.

The famous "Rocky" stairs with some fool doing what is expected.  Don't worry I was that fool in someone's vacation album.

A typical contrast in architecture.

Good to see national monuments are getting their share of the stimulus money.

Back to school sale????? (note sign in window)

After a "close down the bars and then get pizza at 3am" type of night, we got breakfast at Sabrina's.  If you ever have a layover in Philly it would be worth your time to leave the airport and take a cab to this place...seriously.

This little cafe just a couple blocks from Sal's place had one of the best breakfasts I have ever had.

And the coffee wasn't bad either...I would go back to Philly just to eat here again.

Best photo at the Good Dog Bar

After a couple rainy days in Philly Sal and I headed to the Jersey shore, where his family own a beautiful home.  Our plan was to check out the surf and lose some money in the casinos in Atlantic City.  I was skeptical.  I pictured Snookie sauntering down a boardwalk with a coastline in the background including half sunken ships and oil drums washed up on the beach.  Turns out Margate was a chill beachtown similar to low key east coast FL towns.  Atlantic City was a bit more colorful.  We played roulette, and somehow I managed to get my $20 to last me over an hour at a $10 buy in table.  Should of cashed in while I was ahead...

Yes, there is a 3 story elephant named Lucy in Margate.  Why wouldn't there be?

No beach shots, but we ended getting two great surf sessions in while were there.  The waves were nothing remarkable, but surfable and it was refreashing to get in the ocean.  It's funny how a FL boy can find the ocean novel after living in the mountains for a few years. 

These 3 Photos were taken at highway speeds...

They even have their own soda.