Citizen's Bank Park

Keeping it in the state of Pennsylvania I caught a flight from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia. I was looking forward to seeing some historic sites, the Rocky Balboa steps, and eating some cheese steaks. This was the third day of my four day journey and I was beginning to feel the effects. Cleveland and Pittsburgh were both very manageable by foot. Once in the downtown areas I could walk to the sites I wanted to see and to the ballparks. Philly was a different story. From where the subway station I began walking towards the historic area where the forming of our country took place. As I was beginning to wonder if I should have hiked up that hill in Pittsburgh and if I would be able to walk everywhere I wanted to go I saw some signs with map on them that read, "Walk Philadelphia!!". Relief...

I walked to the Liberty Bell and was immediately disappointed with the whole scene. Some of the most historic places in our country's history had a distinct Disney feel to it. Long lines, glass cases, fake reproductions of what was once a famous person's home. Boring. What's more America that the Rocky story? I set foot for the steps that he ran up while training to beat up Mr. T. The 72 steps lead up to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and provide a great view of the avenue leading up and of the Philadelphia City Hall. The map showed it was several miles in the opposite direction of the ballpark but I had time so I went for it. In hindsight, not worth the walk though had I driven or taking a bus I imagined I'd feel different.

From the PAM I began walking towards Geno's and Pat's. They're the famous cheese steak places across the street from each other. The plan was to eat Geno's for lunch on the way to the park and try Pat's after the game on the way back to the subway. Again, in hindsight WAY too much walking. Geno's was tasty, very tasty. I filled up quickly which made for a lethargic walk to the game.

Walking a couple miles through some very run down neighborhoods of south Philly it didn't occur to me that I'd be walking these same streets after the game long past the sun setting. I reached the park and saw that all four of the major sports teams of the area are in the same spot. The Phillies, Flyers, Eagles, and Sixers each had their own arena. Made for the biggest parking lot I've ever seen. The ball park was nice. Nothing exciting. Batting practice was very crowded and a couple of idiots running around fighting for balls ruined the experience. I headed for the upper deck seeking some peace and quiet but found none. The place was packed. Nevertheless I enjoyed the game and got some nice photos. It was during the long walk back to Pat's for dinner that I realized this wasn't the type of neighbor hood I should be walking in looking like an obvious outsider.

After a couple of incidents that actually weren't I made it to Pat's. Both of these places are open 24 hours and the crowd was much more lively than earlier in the day. What awesome drunk food this would be. I wish there were even one of these near any of the bars I frequent back home. I must say Pat's was better. Geno's was more flashy, especially at night. Practically covered in neon lights it nearly makes you forget Pat's is there. Geno's uses sliced beef while Pat's goes with shredded. This allows the onions and cheese so soak each bite with flavor. I want another....