Back in Philly: The First 30 Hours

The Philadelphia City Paper maintains a weekly quality of life bell curve. In Philly fashion, we figured we'd narrate the first 30 hours of our first trip back a la The Curve:

The SEPTA automats in the PHL airport have been locked up and the on-board surcharge is now mandatory. At least they re-upholstered the train seats. Minus 1

We have the instant realization in Suburban Station that we are back in an urban center filled with its various and sundry plights. Minus 5

Checked into Club Quarters. They provide purified water at no extra cost. Plus 2

Hopped on the 48 to meet Tim and Carolyn for dinner. The bus arrived on time, and we got to the restaurant 15 minutes early. Yes, the Simmons actually arrived early. We are very proud of ourselves! Plus 4

Had a tasty dinner and great conversation at Trio and closed down the place, remembering how much we enjoy Philly's local cuisine--read: BYOB. Plus 4

Someone asked us for money right after we walked out of the restaurant, which is not expected in the Fairmount neighborhood. Minus 1

We hopped on the 48 within minutes of leaving the restaurant. The SEPTA gods were smiling upon us. Plus 2

Liz shivers until she finally falls asleep, not used to the cold temperatures up north! Eric gets two ice bricks on his legs, a.k.a Liz's feet. Minus 2

Liz wakes up at o' dark hundred to the sound of construction on the old AIA building next door. At least it wasn't a hovering helicopter. Minus 4

Breakfast at Marathon is true to its name: it takes 25 minutes for a yogurt parfait to get to the table. Minus 2

John meets Liz at Marathon; Liz sees the rest of her awesome coworkers in short order. Plus 4

Eric sits through a boring review session for boards on Wednesday. Minus 1

Eric goes to Archway for lunch to catch up with friends. He does not order one-heart-attack on a bun. Add three years to Eric's lifespan. Plus 3

Eric and Liz meet for dinner at David's Mai Lai Wah for their sensational fried dumplings with ginger and scallion sauce. Plus 2

We're back at Club Quarters and have free wireless to create this post. The connection is only 11 Mbps. Even

The cabs are blowing their horns on 17th Street below us. We fail to understand why this is necessary; it's a Monday night and after 11 pm. Minus 1

We don't live here anymore. We leave Saturday and make it back in time for the UNC/Duke game. Plus 3

Total Pluses: 24
Total Minuses: 17

The 30 Hour Total: +7