Visiting Philly

My weekend started off in Philadelphia wet and dreary and ended up being one of the most memorable weekends.  Yesterday when I arrived at the airport, it would be a understatement to say that I was sleep deprived. On Friday night my flight was suppose to leave at 10:35p.m. but was delayed so we left Phoenix at 12:42a.m. which made matters sorely worse since I was wondering how I was gonna stay up for the 10:35 flight.  With roughly 3 hours of sleep, two fifty pound bags in tow, and no hotel booked it would be a huge underestimation to say that I was in a very bad place.  Things started to look up once I got to my hotel about 2 hours later.  It was right about the same time that my head was about to hit the pillow that my bff Jerlyn texted me and said she would be at my hotel around 3pm.  I slept until 2pm and was ready to go. 

When Jerlyn showed up I was very hungry which explains why she found me milling around the lobby looking for something to eat. A friend of Jerlyns (Monica) who is familiar with the area suggested we all go to one of the best and most recommended places to eat Gino's or Pats Philly Chease Steak house. The decision was easy to make since we are in Philly and when in Rome....you must eat a Philly Cheese Steak sandwich.  The two best places(Gino's and Pats) rival each other and both had lines of over 30-40 hungry people(which just means you cant cut the line).  Gino's won the toss of which we were all the real winners because the sandwich was cheesy, heavenly, and amazing.  If I had to describe the sandwich I would give it one word and that is authentic.  Nothing more than simple ingredients (fresh bread, steak, onions, and cheese) all tossed and shoveled in my warm gooey bread with love. Definitely a must if you visit Philadelphia. I topped that sandwich off with some cheese fries and a Coke and I was in a awesome place. 

As we were leaving and still licking our fingers from our sandwiches we decided to stop by a local shaved ice spot called Rita's.  G-E-L-A-T-I is what they serve (mango) with vanilla custard on it and in it.  Literally it was so good. 

The night ended on market street as I stopped in to check out the Liberty Bell down town as well as some local shop downtown.

 We ended the evening people watching while drinking horrible drinks outside.  We were not short of comments about all the girls wearing skimpy or crazy looking clothing.  (All and all a pretty awesome night).  Spent Sunday morning walking around the airport corridor where all the hotels are at trying to get some sort of exercise in to make up for that Philly Cheese Steak. Enjoyed a wonderful brunch at Jones restaurant on 7st and Chestnut.  Again the food there is awesome, my dish included Salmon Benedict with a Guava Cranberry Mimosa.  Now I am at the airport telling you all about it.  I soon to board my plane and get to London to see my hubby Jason by morning.