May 2002

Philadelphia is actually not too bad in the springtime.  I found out when I stopped by in May.

Oddly enough, I was invited back for a school reunion (let's just say somewhere on or near or perhaps somehow affiliated with the U of P).  Megan and I arrived in the evening, threw our stuff into a hotel room, flagged a hack, and sped to campus.  It was about dusk when we wandered around among the stone buildings and tall trees.  With keen foresight, I suggested that we head to a bar, because I sensed a bit of tippling coming on.

Needless to say, that evening wrapped up with a well-lubricated jaunt through the city after hours of raucous catch up work with schoolmates.  The city is quite alive after dark (hooray), as both of our two nights in Philly were spent doing this type of research.  Incidentally, I conducted a similar bit of research in pursuing my degree ten years prior.

Megan Gets a Tour

The next day, we headed out for a run/walkabout.  We ran from the center of town, past the Art Museum, and along the Schuylkill River, pausing occasionally for a quick snap.  I had the camera tied to my wrist, so luckily enough, you get no pictures of me here.

It turned out to be a great day in the park - the annual Dad Vail regatta happened!

Cool Architecture, Sweaty Jogger

Boat House Row

We ended or run at the regatta grandstand, watched a few heats, then decided it was time for lunch.  Fortunately, there was a great big tent nearby making authentic Philly cheesesteaks!  So naturally I introduced Megan to this delectable morsel of healthy nourishment.  And good reader, there was a BEER tent a few feet away.  I must admit shedding a few patriotic tears at the sight.

Afterwards, we walked back past the Art Museum and on back over to the center of campus for a last quick look (and some registration for something or other - I wasn't  paying attention and they weren't exactly clear).

Next - on the way back to the hotel, a quick stop at the Rodin Museum.

Who's Naughty in this Picture?

The Rodin Museum in Philadelphia is quite good.  It has many large pieces, including two favorites - The Gates of Hell and The Burghers of Calais. 

We next dashed back to the hotel, but made a quick stop at the Liberty Bell, which now hides behind layers of glass, cops, and metal detectors.  A slice of Americana to be sure.

Later that night, we met up with our chums from school for a relatively sedate evening at the Seaport Museum on the Delaware River . . . followed by a more urban convivial.

Finally, on the last morning in Philadelphia, Megan and I went to South Street for a brunch and a walkabout - to round out Megan's brief introduction to the place.  We could have spent hours here, but we had to dash off to the airport.

All in all, it was a good trip.  The sun was out, the leaves were green, the air was clear.  My memories of Philadelphia were not so flattering, but in the eight years since I had been there, they spruced the place up pretty well.

South St. Hijinks

Reunion Photos

(all framed photos are expandable)

"Pull your finger?  That's nothing!  Pull my arm!