With Philadelphia, either you get it or you don't. I get it.
After living in spotless Germany, I can see the dirt. I never really thought the city was as dirty as natives who call it Filthadelphia. Now I do. But I love the dirt. I love the sunflower seeds that people spit all over the subway floor. I love the crumbling houses in my old neighborhood. I love the smelly elevators in train stations. I love it all.
In addition to scrapple, I wolfed down all the food and drinks unique to Philadelphia. I had Tahitian Treat soda. This soda is allegedly available in America and Canada but I have only seen it in Philadelphia. I had a cheesesteak from Pagano's and a soft pretzel with mustard.
My mom made this visit special. She hung out with us, instead of retreating to her room; made breakfast almost every day; and played games at Dave & Buster's. My birthday celebration started a day early on Sunday, March 13. My mom made a big dinner.
My older sister, Lorie, came up from Maryland. We spent two days watching television and a few hours arguing. But the argument is normal. My younger sister came over for the Sunday dinner. We have a strained relationship but this visit was quite pleasant.
My nephew, Christian, stayed at my mother's house the entire time. It is always a pleasure hanging out with him. He made me a cool video documenting my visit. It was a little long and included not one but two sessions of him dancing alone. It is video gold.
Parting was such sweet sorrow.
Giraffe statutes at a cafe at Heathrow's Terminal 5,where we stopped while we waited to go from Heathrow to Hamburg.
When we got to Hamburg, Shurea was waiting at our apartment. Shurea and I were friends in high school. We struck up a Internet friendship about a year ago. She put me on her agenda during her European vacation. Two days after I touched down in Hamburg, we left for Croatia.
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