Day 1 - East Coast Reset
Day 1 of my vacation started at 2:50am PST this morning -- which technically, since I am tracking time as EST... today started, yesterday? I think that's right. Suffice it to say I am dead tired and its barely 7pm EST now.
Today's journey began with a drive down from SB to LAX for my 6am (PST) flight to Philadelphia. I managed to fall asleep maybe around 11pm (thanks, 6 pack of Fig Mountain Hoppy Poppy IPA), but when that alarm went off not even 4 hours later it was painful. Thankfully that oh-shit part of my brain activated and I propelled myself out of bed without dwelling further, since oversleeping would mess up the entire trip, chronic-snooze-button-hitter that I am.
Didn't drive away from my place until 3:20am, which I knew I was already pushing it for being late. But it all worked out. Parked in LAX Lot C by 4:40am, dropped off checked bag at check-in and was through security by 5:15am. Early morning success.
Boarded the plane and settled into my window seat for the 6+ hour flight. Packed flight, but everyone was pretty comatose like myself so was conducive to dozing off. Managed maybe 1.5 hour nap at the longest, and a few shorter ones. Had a guy next to me in middle seat, thankfully he was short so no shoulder/arm rub. Recent posture exercise and training actually helped me be less uncomfortable -- have recently realized how much tension I unintentionally hold in shoulders and neck. Conscious isolated muscle relaxation really helped for not being uncomfortable at all for the flight.
Book reading for the flight was The Runner's Guide to the Meaning of Life by Amby Burfoot (editor at Runners World magazine; random running enthusiast purchase). Soundtrack started with that new Calvin Harris song "Slide" w/ Frank Ocean on repeat, which has been the soundtrack to the past couple days of my life for some reason. Book and music speaking to me throughout flight and despite my general haziness. In general starting a trip always gets me on a high, but on some levels life forces are at work making the combined inputs amount to more, too.
Landed in Philadelphia without incident and in heading to baggage claim, noted they have a Center City Rail that looked like easy transportation to where I was staying (Center City!). Had planned on catching an Uber, but being fan of public transportation that I am, decided would check it out. Would have been $8 ride one way, but needed to wait 25 minutes for next train. Quick Uber check yielded that $21 could get me an immediate ride straight to my accommodations. Uber, it was.
Ride was fine -- driver was friendly/chatty and gave some good tips for things to see in Philadelphia. Arrived at my place and while, I knew it wasn't a hotel exactly, didn't realize it was a straight up high rise apartment complex. Fancy digs -- my 12th floor full-on 1 bedroom apartment with great city views.
Got settled in and headed out for some food. Fatigue was already setting in at that point (4pm or so), so decided a walk would be good. Had noted on the city streets the remnants of recent snowstorm visit.
Headed down to Reading Terminal Market, the big indoor market that's a lot like The Grove in LA (but more historic I suppose). Wandered all the different stalls and dining options and ended up going southern -- had etouffee over rice at walk up counter dining.
Today's journey began with a drive down from SB to LAX for my 6am (PST) flight to Philadelphia. I managed to fall asleep maybe around 11pm (thanks, 6 pack of Fig Mountain Hoppy Poppy IPA), but when that alarm went off not even 4 hours later it was painful. Thankfully that oh-shit part of my brain activated and I propelled myself out of bed without dwelling further, since oversleeping would mess up the entire trip, chronic-snooze-button-hitter that I am.
Didn't drive away from my place until 3:20am, which I knew I was already pushing it for being late. But it all worked out. Parked in LAX Lot C by 4:40am, dropped off checked bag at check-in and was through security by 5:15am. Early morning success.
Boarded the plane and settled into my window seat for the 6+ hour flight. Packed flight, but everyone was pretty comatose like myself so was conducive to dozing off. Managed maybe 1.5 hour nap at the longest, and a few shorter ones. Had a guy next to me in middle seat, thankfully he was short so no shoulder/arm rub. Recent posture exercise and training actually helped me be less uncomfortable -- have recently realized how much tension I unintentionally hold in shoulders and neck. Conscious isolated muscle relaxation really helped for not being uncomfortable at all for the flight.
Book reading for the flight was The Runner's Guide to the Meaning of Life by Amby Burfoot (editor at Runners World magazine; random running enthusiast purchase). Soundtrack started with that new Calvin Harris song "Slide" w/ Frank Ocean on repeat, which has been the soundtrack to the past couple days of my life for some reason. Book and music speaking to me throughout flight and despite my general haziness. In general starting a trip always gets me on a high, but on some levels life forces are at work making the combined inputs amount to more, too.
Landed in Philadelphia without incident and in heading to baggage claim, noted they have a Center City Rail that looked like easy transportation to where I was staying (Center City!). Had planned on catching an Uber, but being fan of public transportation that I am, decided would check it out. Would have been $8 ride one way, but needed to wait 25 minutes for next train. Quick Uber check yielded that $21 could get me an immediate ride straight to my accommodations. Uber, it was.
Ride was fine -- driver was friendly/chatty and gave some good tips for things to see in Philadelphia. Arrived at my place and while, I knew it wasn't a hotel exactly, didn't realize it was a straight up high rise apartment complex. Fancy digs -- my 12th floor full-on 1 bedroom apartment with great city views.
Got settled in and headed out for some food. Fatigue was already setting in at that point (4pm or so), so decided a walk would be good. Had noted on the city streets the remnants of recent snowstorm visit.
Headed down to Reading Terminal Market, the big indoor market that's a lot like The Grove in LA (but more historic I suppose). Wandered all the different stalls and dining options and ended up going southern -- had etouffee over rice at walk up counter dining.
Counter girl was very friendly, which is always welcoming especially for good new city experiences. Followed her advice for securing a beer with meal and separately went and procured a draft Yuengling from the single alcohol-serving bar in the place. There was even a beer-to-go station. My draft Yuengling was poured in a plastic cup and topped with a clear plastic lid. My counter seat was saved while I went to get the beer. Thoroughly enjoyed my etouffee and decided to get some gumbo to-go. Counter girl even threw in free cornbread, cuz she said she liked me ha.
Walked back to my place and being after 6:30pm, fatigue was again fully settling in. Decided to start this blog to keep myself occupied for until at least 8pm or so. And it worked, ha. Sun has set as I've been typing and the posh-ness of this place is something to take in. It's pretty much what I have in my head for ideal single city living for myself.
Walked back to my place and being after 6:30pm, fatigue was again fully settling in. Decided to start this blog to keep myself occupied for until at least 8pm or so. And it worked, ha. Sun has set as I've been typing and the posh-ness of this place is something to take in. It's pretty much what I have in my head for ideal single city living for myself.
Which, is also interesting because even from when I first opened the door and walked into/through this place, reigning sentiment here is that it feels... empty. Lonely. Maybe, it's just the fatigue talking.
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