FTJ, Entry 121: Philly History... and the Cheesesteak War of 2011

I was going to stop blogging, but some of our friends still wanted to know where we were and what we were doing as we continued to travel. Okay -- but remember, you asked for it.

So, after the Stamford reunion, off we went again, RVers heading slowly southward, trying to avoid cold weather, if possible.

I knew Beau should see Philadelphia, and although he initially was not particularly excited, he very quickly warmed up to the birthplace of our republic. He was under the impression that the town was a dump, so he was delighted to find it is a city with a lovely old historic area, plus very cool middle class neighborhoods. Riding around, we did not see any sections that were frightening or really run down (just older neighborhoods), nor did we encounter any ghetto-like nastiness (maybe we somehow missed those parts!).

Philly skyline. Wonder if that tall building in the middle was a William Van Alen creation, in that it looks a bit like the Chrysler building in New York. We never found out what the building was....

Unfortunately, when we visited, Independence Hall was being renovated and had scaffolding obscuring this lovely facade. Oh well, this is what it should have looked like.

Beau in Independence Hall.

We were a little disappointed to learn the origins of the iconic Liberty Bell, in that it really had nothing to do with our independence. Neither of us realized it had originally simply been the bell in the steeple of the Pennsylvania State House. It MIGHT have been one of the bells rung when the Declaration of Independence was read on July 8, 1776. No one can say for sure. Kind of a letdown.

Beau in front of the First Bank of the United States (the first one formed by the U.S. Government).

An alley in the historic district. Can't you just see Ben Franklin strolling through here?

Now, the Important Part of the Trip

For us, the Philly Cheesesteak War began (and ended) the afternoon of October 11th, along 9th Avenue in South Philly. Geno's versus Pat's cheesesteak stands. A dramatic faceoff of two legendary culinary giants (often featured on the Travel Channel and Food network).

Our taste test began with Geno's, where we shared a traditional cheesesteak "wit" -- meaning with onions.

 

Then it was on to Pat's for the taste test of the same sandwich -- cheesesteak wit.

The winner? Drumroll, please...

.....Geno's. No question, no debate. The most disgustingly greasy, tasty, yummy cheesesteak we have ever had. Of course, yours truly has never had a Philly cheesesteak before, so sharing these test sandwiches with Beau was quite the thrill. Wow, I have been missing a lot of great-tasting cholesterol.

A Day at Valley Forge

We also enjoyed our visit to Valley Forge -- which is maybe a half hour outside of Philadelphia. Great to be where the amazing George Washington stood. The more I learn about old George, the more I respect him. A remarkable man, soldier, leader.

Most of you know about the terrible winter spent at Valley Forge -- men without enough food, clothing, and supplies, and yet they "soldiered" on, so to speak. Our forefathers were a tough bunch.

The Valley Forge National Park (our 16th) is reminiscent of Gettysburg -- we even had similarly gloomy weather for our visit -- not surprising, since we went to Gettysburg about the same time of year in 2010. And when you think of both places, gloomy weather is rather fitting.

The Valley Forge Park comprises trails, reproductions of soldiers' quarters (huts), and plaques and statues commemorating the officers and troops and the states they represented. There are no battles to describe, in that Valley Forge was never attacked. It is famous mainly for the hardships soldiers there had to endure.

The rented house where Martha and George Washington lived, once his men had their own huts built for shelter. Before that, George stayed in a tent alongside his soldiers.

Replicas of the huts the soldiers lived in.

This Valley Forge arch's inscription: "Naked and starving as they are we cannot enough admire the incomparable patience and fidelity of the soldiers."  Well said.

Quite a thrill to meet the famous man. HA.

The magical history mystery tour continues..

On to Ocean City, MD, and Assateague Island.

Tanks, Panky