It was going to be the height of romance. Me + New York City = love forever. My crush was in full force; I mean, I had just watched the Sex in the City movie (okay, twice). We had an exciting first date a few years back, but this time I knew the magic was really going to happen. Tagging along with a girl I work with, I was enthusiastic to get my New York on. I probably didn't give enough consideration to the fact that we were staying in a studio with 3 other people, because I really want to be low maintenance like that. Fact is, people, I'm just not. It's not about space as much as it's about quiet time. But, I did stay one night in the Chinatown studio, and I'm proud for being a little bit flexible, especially because then I would get to see all of New York for super cheap.
Then I met Philadelphia.
True love.
I rode the train down from NYC to stay for a couple of days with my friend Candice in NJ (close by). The idea was to catch up with Candice and then head back to NY for the rest of the trip. I decided to check out Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love.
There was some chemistry there. I decided to spend the night. And another night. And another night. It has been me and me alone exploring what I think might be my new favorite city. I love the dinner cruise I took, that people walk around in Colonial clothes. I love the old-world charm (well, for the new world), how there are bicycle trails all over, the old boats, the pier, balmy summer weather, narrow brick roads, Rittenhouse Square, that there are a bazillion giant, old trees.. I love it in a political way, too. Reading the plaque by the Liberty Bell really moved me because the idea of liberty for ALL carries such meaning today. (Not to claim national symbols for my lefty ways, but you know, the righties did it with Christianity.)
What sealed the deal is that the downtown has the charm of NYC, tons of eclectic people that are actually sort of nice, AND it is ALL within WALKING distance. A long walk, but a walk. A total pedestrian-friendly city with little signs everywhere that show you where you are and all the places you could walk in 10 minutes. I love that. I hope that over time, Dallas can learn a thing or two from Philadelphia. Yes, there are some pretty to-the-core differences, but Dallas is making some progress with this. I think we can become a people friendly urban area. :)
This vacation has further solidified that 90% of people might not want to vacation with me. I like to go places with people, but I need so much alone time to really thrive. Constant time in conversation really leaves me needing to recharge. I used to think that indulging that side made me a baby, but I've realized, especially through this trip that it is just me.
I relish long meals alone in charming restaurants. I love to lay down on city benches and stare up through trees. Sitting in little coffee shops and smiling at people's dogs. Not huge on the sights, but I like to check out what speaks to me. Mostly, I like to just soak up the feel of a place.
Tomorrow I get back on the train to New York to catch my plane out of Laguardia. Plane leaves at 9:30. Not sure whether to catch a sight or so in NY or go to this place in Phill that apparently serves Oprah's favorite mac and cheese. Always the classy girl, I think I might choose the greasy comfort food. I really miss B, so I'm ready to go home.
And (since we don't have tv at our home), I'm watching t.v. right now. Wow. I see why people are getting stupider. Has mtv not gone down hill even more since I was 14? I am actually stupider. And the worst part is, I'm still watching. And on the flip side, I am noticing they are including gay couples in their little dating shows regularly. That is SO Liberty Bell.
