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A quick note on Philadelphia cheesesteaks from Pat’s, wit grilled onions and wiz:

It’s like eating a heart attack. The steak is greasy, the onions are slimy, the Cheese Whiz is overapplied and goopy and synthetic tasting. It’s not like eating chocolate cake, which looks good and scrumptious but you know is bad for you. Cheesesteak is just all-around nasty. But it’s so.damn.good.

More Philly photos here.

I just put down The Great Gatsby (re-reading after 5-10 years) to polish off a bottle of Moon Mountain Sauvignon Blanc with Curtis, paired with bee stings (custard-filled honey buns) from Sweet Melissa.  Before that, we headed to Union Market to pick up some fresh ingredients to make spicy chicken tacos (Curtis made them) with guacamole (I made it!) and corn relish (looked good at the market). We cooked and ate and drank and listened to music, and it was all a fitting prelude to my Gatsby revival. I’d also like to note that the Gatsby purchase came from a HUGE bookstore called Strand, on 12th St. and Broadway in Manhattan. Austin and Susana, some of my more literary friends, tipped me off to its existence. I got the book for $5.95, and an awesome logo tote for not much more than that. I think Fitzgerald would approve of the day’s activities.

I’m convinced the train is the best way to travel, ever. It’s roomy, quiet, fast, easy to trek luggage, and most importantly, it’s low-stress. It is not, however, cheap. I’m still inclined to make it our transportation of choice when embarking on all our East Coast expeditions in the coming months. Even if flights are cheaper, Amtrak is worth the extra cost for convenience. P.S. The subway home from Amtrak at 2:30am is less luxurious.

We made it to Camden Yards this weekend. What a ballpark! It was the perfect mix of old and new stadiums — not as pretentious as AT&T (Giants), not as decrepit as McAfee (A’s).

Plus, Saul knew of a great BBQ place in the outfield. Too bad the A’s got their butts kicked.

Random observation: There are NO restaurants/cafes/non-touristy things on The Mall.  We were totally famished during our sightseeing, and our only options were overpriced food carts and way overpriced museum cafes. I guess we’re spoiled in NYC where you never have to go a block without a decent food option.