Lounging Around in Philadelphia

I find myself in cloudy and dank Philadelphia. One more leg and I'm almost home. Good thing too. My check-in luggage is breathing its last. One of my wheels has lost its tread entirely and the other is halfway there. The handle has lost half of itself on the flight from Amsterdam as well. I can still telescope the handle out, thankfully. It just looks funny. My brand new boots look like they've been through three winters as well. But it's all good. You know why? I'm in the US Airways lounge. I had a free pass and was determined to use it. I finally have the chance. I'm currently sitting in the peace and quiet of the lounge with a nice view and comfy furniture and free food (my favorite part!). I could get used to this.

Slightly industrial Philadelphia seen from concourse A.

The food court in the main terminal.

Philly has an exhibit on The Surpremes on display.

US Airways lounge at concourse A. Nice and quiet!

The view from the lounge. 

Another area of the lounge.

 And the free food! Am nom nom nom nom!

Did you know Philadelphia used to belong to Sweden? In 1638, Swedish settlers colonized a portion of the East Coast and even had a fort called Korsholm in what is now the southwest side of Philly. The Dutch took over the colony in 1655 and many of the Swedes who settled there stayed in town. The English took it over from the Dutch in 1664. There's even a Swedish American Museum in the city because of the area's history, although I've never been there. Maybe another day. For now, I'm enjoying the lounge before my flight to Houston. I think it's time for some hot chocolate. See you in Houston!

Schiphol - The Airport that Never Sleeps

It's 3 AM at the airport in Amsterdam. The check-in and departure areas are closed, but arrivals are still trickling in. Planes continue to arrive all through the night. People are waiting in the arrivals area for family and friends. The airport even contains a unique machine where you can make a banner to surprise your arriving passenger when they step out of the gate. People in the departure area are milling about busying themselves by reading, watching TV, chatting, or trying to sleep. Some shops stay open 24 hours, so there are still a few places to get something to eat. Security patrols all areas and are easily visible since many of them ride Segways around.


Like Copenhagen, Schiphol airport also has a shopping area. It's more like a mall, really. There's a large shopping area before the departure gates. I'm sure there are even more shops on the other side. I've yet to find out. I arrived late last evening, so I haven't been able to check in. It will be a few more hours until I can see what's behind the gate.

Schiphol is an airport on a massive scale. The airport employs over 60,000 people. You'll find over 35,000 parking spaces outside. Inside, there are over 100 shops. There are 32 check-in areas, 91 gates, and over 110 airlines represented. No wonder it's open 24/7.

My flight to Philadelphia leaves at noon CET, so I have quite some time to kill. Once I check-in, I hope to find some interesting sights and stores on the upper level as well. Until then, I will be walking the arrivals area and sleeping in a nook here and there. Waiting in an airport is practical but not glamorous.

Welcome to Schiphol!

Empty check-in counters at 11 PM

KLM has its base here, of course. 

Where do you want to shop? Only 109 shops to choose from.

Or make a banner for your passenger.

One of the open eateries at 3 AM

A typical breakfast offering.

How many hours is it from here?

East Coast Kicking

We've arrived in Philadelphia. Home of "soft pretzels, Tastykakes, and scrapple," according to the promotional video playing on a loop in every terminal. This city knows how to eat. I love it already.

 Not everything here is native Philly. A "Cheese Danish" on the left. "Big Texas" cinnamon roll on the right.

The city is also trying to sell me on Europe. Not that I need any prompting. A few steps off the plane from Texas and they're hocking products with a (supposed) link to Europe.

Magic Pens! Preferred marker in Europe!

 Danish quality - Skagen watches

And, of course, this city loves its historical figures. Benjamin Franklin's ugly mug scowls at you from a variety of tourist products. I can say that since he's my great Uncle (nine times removed).

 Tourist kitsch - Uncle Ben did imbibe

Billy the kid - Facebook circa 1713

The City of Brotherly Love shows its tourists love with endless free wi-fi. It's blazing fast to boot. Love ya, Philly!

Point of Departure

At the airport. Thanks, Mom! Check-in and security were both a breeze. The only hiccup is the Boingo wi-fi connection that keeps going in and out. The flight looks to be on time despite the rain and the wind. Boarding begins shortly, so it's time to fly. Catch you all in Philadelphia!

A dark and dreary day to be working outside.

The view of the gate from a passenger looking for a place to plug in their laptop, namely me.