Day 2 | Edison to Philadelphia
The day started with complimentary breakfast at the Comfort Inn Edison. Waffles, bacon and sausage were amongst the food groups represented. First stop this morning we need to get some SIM cards so we’re connected but we were too intrigued to get into Walmart as it was so close to where we were staying.
To say that Walmart has variety is an understatement of course but being November, it is all about Christmas. Decorations, lights and gifts everywhere.
Next stop a quick planned trip to the Menlo Park Mall to get the SIM’s. The team at T-Mobile got us through the process quickly, making the appropriate fun of elderly Dad’s antique Samsung S5. The staff there needed confirmation that there wasn’t too hot with dangerous wildlife everywhere in Australia and I don’t think we put there minds at rest telling them about Dexter (our cat) dragging a snake inside though the cat door and our warm winters and hot summers. After all, we also have storms fires and floods. There were also some stops at some other stores before finally getting on our way to Philadelphia.
The Mall was all about Christmas also with Santa having set up shop.
The trip was on a variety of highways south west around Trenton NJ. It seem like everyone zoomed through 10 mph faster than the limit, zig-zagging and straddling across lanes. Saw a couple of snuffling big rodents off the highway which we think were gophers, but what would we know. A bit of a slow down into town before we followed our expert directions from Rebekah to the underground carpark beneath the Independence visitor centre.
Making our way to the centre across the grass we encountered a scampering cheeky squirrel. Kryptonite to our group’s progress. Only when it ran off we got into the centre and found Rebekah, Mary and Ariel waiting for us.
After some time it was decided that to have a lunch (now about 3 pm) that the Reading Terminal Market would suit so we followed Ariel across town past some stunning architecture to arrive at the busy thriving food hall. More than just Philly cheesesteak there are purveyors of all sort of food from delicate baking and fancy foods but also the massive meat sandwiches and hoagies – opted for by most. Finished off by a donut. Angus even got his coffee.
After a good time catching up we took off to watch the Dilworth Park illuminations (projections onto the City Hall) and pop-up ice rink. They had a good turnout for it even though it is Monday night. From here we also crossed over to a pop-up Winter market in Love Park in JFK Plaza but they had just started to close so we were tantalised by a quick peak of some beautiful Xmas decorations and it was decided that stamina getting short we would finish up for the night. Driving to the hotel – this one’s in the city - we were caught in that parking dilemma so elected to have them park the car.
Highlights:
Angus | Seeing Rebekah, Mary and Ariel and Benjamin Franklin
Rosie | Catching up with Rebekah and family
Jemmz | Geeking out with Ariel and finding all that vegan food at Reading Street Markets
McKay | Wandering around Philadelphia
O’Regan | All the foods
