(shot of the Lincoln Memorial)
.....have had a few requests for more information about this trip so I thought I would add just a wee bit more to this adventure. So please keep in mind I will gently come out with more of my opinion while still keeping this trip report objective so as others can also write their own adventure. It is my hope that this trip report can be used as a springboard for others while in the planning of their adventure. I "may" give away SOME
ABD secrets during this post trip report.....but not all. I mean hey......ya gotta keep some stuff a secret - ya know?
What I found to be most helpful in the planning stages of this trip was the packing of my suitcase as it gave me an opportunity to remain connected to this trip while at the same time, it gave me peace of mind.....since I began packing for this trip
months in advance. Some of the items I am very glad I packed are as follows:
1) extension cord
2) flip flops
3) I-pod speakers
4) hotel sized laundry detergent boxes (4 of them)
5) hotel sized "Bounce" scented sheets boxes (2 of them)
6) phone card (if you don't have a cell phone)
7) roll of quarters
8) writing pens / journal (for your trip report notes)
9) emergency medical kit (self understood)
10) Lanyard? If ya didn't pack one, don't worry - they will provide one for you. Me? I brought 3.....hey I like to color coordinate my lanyards with what I am wearing for the day. Besides...then you can add whatever ABD pin they give you for that day to that lanyard
.
The reason for the extension cord is so you can plug in all of your electronic gizmos into it and have it in plain sight for you to see (but NOT have housekeeping step on it) and this way....ya won't forget something whenever you change hotels during this adventure.
And flip flops? Well - that's a nice way to have for footwear while you are in an individual casual setting.
Phone card? Just in case you need it while you are out during "Alone Time" (& get lost & have to call one of the ABD Guides for assistance). I studied the maps long enuf to not get lost...and if necessary, ask the locals and they will also be a good resource to help you get back to the hotel.
It was also very helpful for me to watch a few dvd's in preperation for this trip as well. For entertainment purposes, I watched the "This is America Charlie Brown" (ok.....so I like Snoopy
) series.....for the Wash DC part of the trip.......and:
1) Disney's "Johnny Tremain" dvd (ok....so that's really about colonial Boston...but it still fun 2 watch)!
2) "Breached," "All the Presidents Men," Rich Little's "The Presidents,"
3) National Geographics, "The White House."
4)
Now for the Philly part of the adventure, I watched:
1) HBO's dvd of "John Adams."
2) History Channel's series on the Free Masons and the history on the Great Seal on the US currency
(I saw one of the colonialists at WIlliamsburg Va wearing a Free Mason ring....look quick but you may spot somone during your journey wearing one).
3)
These dvd's helped me gear up for the trip and helped me tremendously in knowing where things are in releation to each other. Cuz I tell you what, there is a lot of walking during this trip and it really pays to not get lost. - Plus it's really neat to see what Colonial Philly looked like back then.
BUT....
Please keep in mind that once you get outta Colonial Philadelphia, you will notice a difference in your surroundings. I am not saying good or bad, I am just saying that you will notice a difference. And yes, a few of the fellow ABD adventurers remarked this to me while I was on this trip. I sensed it as well. Now when it comes to places to dine out at, I did stop on by (while out walking) a place called "Rotten Ralphs." Pretty nice place and good food to match. I would also recommend this place as an addition to checking out the cheese steak restaurants.
Coming into Philly (on your way to Hyatt @ Penn's landing), you will see Lincoln Financial Field - pretty impressive football field. Atmosphere is nice in Philly, just please be aware that they take their sports very seriously.
Meeting up with your ABD Guides wasn't an issue either - they are very outgoing and friendly and will literally go to the ends of the earth to assist you. Should you encounter any issues along the way (I had two), they are there as your first line of defense. Per se, when the Mayflower hotel front desk FAILED to set my wake up call (Wash DC part of trip) rather than express my reaction/ concern to the front desk, I relayed my concerns back through Maria (one of the ABD Guides). So, good or bad, the Guides are always there to assist you. And please....do not feel afraid to say something to your guides if you encounter an issue.
Also, while at the City Tavern, look around and read /see the history of the place..besides - ya never know who you might run into! It was just a wonderful pleasure conversing with Ben Franklin & Thomas Jefferson.
Lastly, yes - take the time to visit the Constitution Center as it has wonderful visuals that all reminds us about that little word......freedom.
. From presentations on how argument reaches the Supreme Court, what it feels like to take the Presidential Oath of office to seeing Supreme court justices robes, etc - this is truely one place not to miss.
COMING UP NEXT:
At Washington DC, ?'s about taking the monument tour at night, bonding with your fellow ABDers and just where in the world can you go to eat out at??
P.S. and as an added bonus, what does it mean when you see the U.S. flag flying on top of the Capitol building?
T.T.F.N.