It's always (cheese steak time) in Philadelphia

As amazing as New York had been, after nine days I was enthusiastic about moving on to a new city. That city being Philadelphia. Home of Rocky, tv show It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia  and uh... some other things I'd brush up on during the two and a half hour bus drive from New York. The same bus ride that we arrived for a little too close for comfort for departure time, but that's another story (it's really not interesting).

Upon arrival in Philly, and dropping our stuff off, we set off on a mission to indulge in one of the city's greatest delicacies. The Philadelphia Cheese Steak. We ended up on South Street at Jim's Steak, reputably the place to get the best cheese steak sandwiches in the city, and in turn, the world. After ordering and 'American wit peppers n onion', Mike and I were transported to food heaven, as the combination of melted cheese, soft bun, grilled onions and peppers, with the sliced and diced steak combined for an amazing taste experience.

Magic Garden, South Street

After a detour to a more historical cultural experience (The Liberty Bell), Mike and myself headed to 'Mac's Bar' - a bar opened up by one of the stars of  the aforementioned 'It's Always Sunny..' before heading back to the quaint little apartment we're staying at for the next couple of nights, to plan for a massive following day, and more importantly, play with the kittens Hannah, our couchsurfing host was looking after.

With only one whole day in Philly, we were up and out early, although I did managed to sneak in yet another bagel with cream cheese (amazing things, they are). First item on the agenda, was the iconic Rocky Steps, or the steps to the Philadelphia Art Musem. After running, jumping, posing and all manner of activity, we headed down Benjamin Franklin Parkway (the main road that stretches from the Art Museum all the way to City Hall), checking out the Franklin Institute and 'Love Park' before arriving at the extravagant and impressive City Hall.

Rocky Steps, Philadelphia Museum of Art

Love Park

Rocky Statue, Philadelphia Museum of Art

Eastern State Penitentiary, built in 1829 and closed in 1971, lays claim to being the worlds first penitentiary and housed inmates such as the infamous Al Capone. Now in a state of semi-ruin, it was an amazing insight into prison life, and as we wondered through the walls of the prison, I was extremely thankful that the organisation looking after the prison had opted not to restore it, as if often the case. If I never have to hear the phrase "This is a reproduction of just how it looked 200 years ago", it will be too soon. The peeling paint, collapsing and crumbling walls, and musty damp odour that accompanied many of the corridors was much better to look at, and much more interesting that a 21st century reproduction of an 19th century building.

Eastern State Penitentiary

Eastern State Penitentiary 

Al Capone's room Eastern State Penitentiary (the only real 'reconstruction')

Eastern State Penitentiary 

Eastern State Penitentiary 

 After a lazy evening stroll through Fairmount Park we indulged once more in Philly's greatest export - the cheese steak sandwich. Tired and full, we retreated back to Hannah's house to indulge in some great Trappist ales before getting our belongings ready for our trip to the nation's capital the next morning. As short and sweet as our stay in Philly was, I definitely found it to be  city I'd like to go back and spend more time in one day.

Boathouse Row

Fairmount Park