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!

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!