22 – 24 October 2010
I was off to explore Philadelphia for a couple of days, I was going to taste cheese steaks! I’d had a reply from couch surfer Megan who said she had tickets to The Rocky Horror Picture Show; it all sounded pretty cool! I would have liked longer in New York, there are just so many different areas to explore, all busy and unique in their own way. But it was not to be, maybe some other time but not then so I got on the Mega Bus and headed to Philadelphia. On the bus I met Susan, a bio science journalist who was interesting to chat with and was able to give me some first arrival tips for Philly.
On arrival I walked through Philadelphia to Megan’s apartment and knocked on the door. I immediately liked Philly because the main area of the city did seem very walkable. Megan was instantly welcoming and I got on well with both her and her flatmate.
That evening we were going to see The Rocky Horror Picture Show with a few of her friends, Megan had very generously given me a spare ticket; amazing generosity from someone I had only just met! Megan got all dressed up ‘Rocky Horror’ style, I felt bad as I really had nothing appropriate. The show was happening in New Jersey, Megan drove me and her friends; so not only did I get to see the show, but I got to cross another state line. The show was a total blast, awesome fun. Crazy costumes everywhere, on stage and throughout the audience. It was conducted somewhat like an English pantomime with a lot of audience interaction from the cast running through the audience, stepping on peoples toes as they try make their way through rows of chairs to yelling out, throwing rice and toast – yes pieces of toast.
The following day German couch surfers Robert and Fabian showed up and Megan took us on something of a walking tour around Philly. We lined up for over an hour to eat at the famous Jim’s Cheese Steak restaurant! We saw the statue of William Penn, founder and proprietor of the province of Pennsylvania, we saw the LOVE sign and tried to push over some dominos. All in all it was a good walking introduction to Philadelphia.
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That night we went to a friend of Megan’s 21st birthday party where we all got pretty drunk, it was good fun but it would appear I overdid it on the drinking and paid for it with my head the following day. I was certainly hung over and pretty sick, rather embarrassing when you’ve only known your host for a day. The day was written off but fortunately by 9pm I was feeling well enough to bid farewell to my wonderful host Megan and the Germans and I went and caught my bus to Toronto. It was going to be something like a 13 hour bus journey, what fun.
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My feelings were apprehensive; I’d had some good times in America but my overall time hadn’t lived up to my expectations. I wasn’t sure if I was ready to leave, but on the other hand I wanted out and was looking forward to Canada; even if I’d have to activate my working visa and try find permanent accommodation and a job and all.
