This week my parents arrived in Philly from Ireland for a week-long visit. Having lived in King of Prussia themselves for a year about two decades ago they were eager to see what has changed. Their first night here on Wednesday I took them to experience the culinary excellence that is Shake Shack. The crinkled cheese fries were a hit. Especially given the fact that they were extremely hungry and severely jetlagged.
Whilst I was in class on Thursday they took the bus out to the King of Prussia Mall. Although it’s not what is was back in 2001 they nevertheless enjoyed seeing it again. That night my girlfriend arrived in from DC and we all got dinner in the pouring rain. Rittenhouse Square has some lovely restaurants in and around it which we frequented throughout their stay.
Friday we got breakfast and set out on foot towards Center City and City Hall. There we got lunch in a crowded Reading Terminal Market. Once again I got myself a roast pork sandwich from Dinic’s, the fastest moving line in Reading Terminal I might add, and my coffee and apple fritter from Beiler’s Donuts. From there we walked around Old City. From Liberty Hall to Elfreth’s Alley, the Betsy Ross House to Penn’s Landing, we hit all the spots. Luckily the weather was perfect for the occasion. The sun beamed between the glass-clad towers of Center City and the red brick rows of Old City.
Saturday we took the train out to the suburbs and got to see some gorgeous fall weather. The rural roads were lined with golden brown trees that looked truly amazing in the sun. We strolled around Peddler’s Village in Buck’s County which, unbeknownst to us, was hosting October Fest celebrations at the time. We strolled through the various boutique shops that lined the streets and took it all in.
Sunday we rented a car and drove out to Lancaster County. On our way we got to experience some classic American diner food. Free refills of coffee are going to be tough to give up after my stay here! Amish Country is truly unique and absolutely stunning in the fall. We passed many horse-and-buggies on the road and marveled at what is such a truly unique and different way of life.
In other news, unrelated to my parents visit, I tried Gatorade for the first time. It’s disgusting.
This was some week for Philadelphia sports! The Phillies won the National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves to progress onto the National League Championship Series against the San Diego Padres. They are just four wins away from their first World Series since 2008! Along with that, the Eagles also made a statement with their win over the Cowboys. My parents and I were lucky enough to get a seat at a delicious taco bar on Walnut St called Rosy’s Taco Bar to watch the game. The Eagles are on a bye next week but are sitting pretty at six for six, the only undefeated team in the league. GO BIRDS!!!
