I was in Philadelphia last week for training. Class ended at 5 every day and the training center was about 30 minutes away from downtown so it was difficult to find time to explore the city. We did make it there a couple times however. On Tuesday night we explored South Street, home to many eclectic shops, bars, and places to eat. The people there were just as varied so it seems like a fun place to people watch. Tony (my coworker) and I spent some time at a hole-in-the-wall there called Copabanana where the patrons were just as colorful as the decor. We even met one of the restaurant owners. We also made a stop at Jim’s Steaks across the street to grab a philly cheese steak.

On Wednesday, our instructor was kind enough to offer free tickets to the 76ers game to anyone who wanted them. That night, we carpooled to the Wachovia Center in the little Yaris we were renting and found our way to the company’s box seats. I’m not a huge sports fan but I had a great time. The free food, desserts and drinks might have had something to do with it too.

I was expecting to miss out on visiting some of the historical attractions since most of the tours end by 6pm but we got out of class early on Friday. Tony and I packed as much as we could in the few hours we had before we had to make it to the airport. I was able to take a look at the Liberty Bell and take a tour of Independence Hall. We then hopped over to Pat’s and Geno’s for some more cheese steaks. Pat’s is the progenitor of the philly cheese steak but from what I understand Geno’s, right across the street is the more famous of the two. I was shivering while eating them (there is no indoor seating at either) but they were tasty. Writing about it is making me want one now.

All in all Philly was a lot of fun. I heard some things about the bad traffic and crime I could expect there but whether it’s luck or exaggeration both, I didn’t experience either. I hope to make it back some day with Tally and Natalie.