Beards and Beer

Philadelphia. The city of Brotherly Love in which the 13 colonies declared their independence from Great Britain and signed the Constitution into existence. A city obsessed with Ben Franklin. Where high crime rates scare off foreign tourists (to their disadvantage) and young artists come to explore their art, music, theatre, dance in a city much calmer than New York.

I loved my four days in Philly. Gorging on inordinate amounts of food (Philly Cheesesteaks - wow), drinking copious levels of good beer, exploring the history of America and wandering past stunning museums and art galleries; there really is a hell of a lot to do in a city that is ignored by many. I was here to experience the city with a friend, a relatively new friend, who's had a pretty tough time of it lately, but for whom my love and friendship has rapidly blossomed.

As I've said before, there's something to be said for travelling alone. You get to follow your own schedule, see your own sights and meet fellow travellers along the way. But, there is also something to be said for experiencing somewhere with a good friend, a good friend who can show you the best places; the places that aren't on any tourist map. I was introduced to other friends, taken to exciting bars and restaurants, and at every turn given a great run down of why this area was important, different, exciting. I enjoyed it and fell into the tour so much that, when given two hours alone, I forgot how to be a single traveller and went and hid in a Starbucks with a coffee! Being in a foreign country and having travelled alone, the importance of strong friendships have become clear to me. To cultivate this wonderful friendship has been a blessing.

But now, to a few of my observations:

• Men have beards. Seriously. Beards everywhere. I, a man partial to some facial fuzz, was very excited at the prospect of so many bearded bears in the Gayborhood. I wasn't disappointed.
• Much of social and cultural interaction in Philly revolves around beer and food. Perhaps why I felt so at home there?
• The American grid system of streets makes navigation SO much easier. Yes, I know straight streets are boring - especially when they're called '1st' or '2nd' - but at least you ALWAYS know where you are or where to go.
• The city has a big heart. You can see it in the food, in the history, in the streets. It is a beautiful city, with an incredible skyline and wonderful views, but it is not pretentious in being so. It says to the world, 'I'm beautiful, but I want you to come and see the whole me'. A refreshing change from New York City - where beauty is somewhat skin deep.

I also spent a morning wandering around the campus of UPenn (breathtaking) with someone who has, rapidly, become very important to me. A fellow Fairfax campaigner, we grew extremely close in the last few weeks of the election. His values, intelligence, sense of humour; it combines into a truly special person (with a pretty amazing Philly beard) that I am incredibly pleased to have known. Unfortunately, the natural development cannot take place - due to that blue mass perched between our countries - but I'm sure that, in him, whilst I may not have found a permanent feature of my life; I have found a dear friend and soulmate. Our shared experiences will forever bring us close together and I will remain thankful for the time we did have. And to experience a bit of Philly with him - well, it just made me love the city even more.