Sunday, September 23, 2007

It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia

So how's this for fun. On Saturday last I, along with some friends took a trip to the City of Brotherly Love. This was the third such trip to said city in my life. Every time it seems to get better. The first was a trip two years ago, and I decided that it was about the biggest hole in America. I gave it another chance in January, and I found that there is a lot more that the city could offer, including an exhibit about King Tutenkhamun. However that day it was too late and I decided that I wanted to make it back to see it. Since the exhibit is closing next week, I knew I had to go soon. So, four of us, Amy, Sydney, Reed and I loaded up and left early in the a.m. to make the journey to Philadelphia.Amy and Sydney Walking Like Egyptians

We made it to the city about three hours later. We went directly to the museum since our tickets were for eight (we knew we could get in any time so we bought the early tickets). We stood in a long line and finally got in with the hoards of others who were there to see the exhibit. It was very interesting. I, for one, learned a load of stuff. For instance, I never knew that he married his half-sister. So, it was a pretty cool exhibit, but with all of the people there, it was kinda crazy.
By the time we were done, we were pretty hungry, so we decided to get a pretzel from a street vendor. They ended up being a little soggy, but they were satisfying nonetheless.
We went to see some of the local sites of Philly and here are some photos to document the day.
Reed in a Monopoly Wheelbarrow Fountain at Logan Square
Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell

Ahh, Precious (I know I look like a fool)
Closer to the reality of my life

Rocky!!

Sydney and me after running up the Rocky steps

Before we left town, we decided to get a cheesesteak from Pat's King of Steaks, which is one of the two most famous places in town. It was very tasty indeed.Enjoying cheesesteaks and fries at Pat's

After that, we packed up and left for a three hour ride home.
All-in-all, I have to say that my humble opinion of Philadelphia is improving with every visit there. The history, the museums, and the amazing murals throughout the city give it a distinct charm that is a bit different from any other city that I have been to. I am sure to go back and see more. I hope you have enjoyed this adventure Saturday as well as I did.
(on an unrelated note, I am sorry that this isn't very witty. I am tired and not in the mood to think of funny lines today. Maybe next time)

Monday, September 17, 2007

Hey Y'all


Music City USA!!

Sweet!!

Greetin's. How y'all doin'? I know it's been a week or three since I have posted anything, so I thought it was high time that I give an update or two about what I have been doing recently. So, I'll start with my adventure to the south.
For Labor Day weekend, a friend of mine and I decided to take a trip to Nashville, TN. I had been there once before and enjoyed it, so I thought it could be fun, and a whole lot less expensive than the other option of going to New York City.
You may not know this about me, but I am a bit of an elitist snob. I have said in the past that if you are ever feeling bad about yourself, all you need to do is to go to the closest Wal-Mart and take a look around. You'll realize that your life isn't all that bad. And what is the South but one humongous Wal-Mart? Everywhere you look you see mullets, ill-fitting Nascar tee shirts, toothless-folk chewin' tobacco. There are large women with even larger hair who just haven't been properly fit up top if you get my drift--though they probably don't have a lady who can help them when the buy their delicates in bulk at the Piggly-Wiggly (note I don't really know what they sell at the PW, I only know that I have seen a couple of them in my adventures to the south). So when you're down south, you can't help but think "my life is pretty decent." Who needs Prozac? A trip to Dixie is a sure-fired way to clear up any bout of depression.
So Nashville was pretty fun. The coolest part was when I bought a map of the stars' homes, and my co-pilot and I went cruising around the far-regions of the town looking trying to catch a glimpse of the lifestyles of the rich and famous. Unfortunately, we didn't get to that until it was getting kinda late so we only caught a couple, but here they are for your viewing enjoyment.

First, we have Tim and Faith's house. This seemed kinda weird since we had to drive about a mile up a private road to find it.

Next was Dolly Parton.

This is Kenny Chesney's house.
Trace Adkins


Last, but certainly not least was Alan Jackson's mansion. Seriously, his barn on the property is probably nicer than the nicest house in my home town. Now I know where all of these folks live for when I get invited to a party or to dinner at their house.

So, there you have it. Some of my sweet adventure to Tennessee. In my humble opinion, the south is a nice place plenty of friendly folk, but I would never want to live there. Sure they are as sweet as can be, but I don't think for my health it would be a good thing to be there long-term. You're hard pressed to find something that isn't deep-fried and smothered in butter. I'll tell ya, that's where my diet began to tank.

Me on the former (and still occasional) stage of the Grand Ole' Opry

LP Field, home of the Titans (sweet pic, I know)