Pennsylvania: Philly and Otherwise

I suppose I could just double count my Spring Break road trip my first college roommate and I took where we went to her home in Allentown, PA and then drove to New Jersey, and visited New York. And while that was a wonderful, relaxing experience with lots of fun (like when her sister and I rode bikes over to watch tagged railroad cars drive by), let’s talk Philly.

The first time I went to Philly was after my college graduation. My parents came out, and we took a little trip over to visit our former across the street neighbors. It was so fun to see them again, and also great to explore the city. I loved seeing the historic sections and learning more about Ben Franklin.

I loved it so much, that years later when I was looking to find a job in a new city, I contacted the same family and asked if I could come stay with them for a few days and follow up on some potential job leads.

This trip was also a lot of fun, and filled more with home things. I worked out in the basement with them, and watched the kids one night so they could go out, and watched Dickens and knitted with the girls. I love having “normal” experiences in different places and getting a feel for what they are like.

I can’t write about PA and not mention Gettysburg. Both on my Spring Break trip, and during a ward campout while living in the D.C. area I was able to go to that incredible, sacred place. I am awed by the experiences of those who were involved in that brutal, bloody battle. I am grateful for men and women who are willing to give their lives to fight for liberty and make the life I know and love possible.