Feels like coming home

It's so familiar, it's a place I've returned to many times. It's a good feeling. 

It's a familiar journey, I've done it quite a few times before, but usually connecting a flight from Newcastle to one at Heathrow. Today's journey began with a bus and a tube train. The start of many trains on this trip. 

Once again I'm tour guiding. Taking someone else on their first trip to the USA. I love America so much, I'm always happy to introduce someone else to its delights, and it's quirks. 

We checked in, cleared security, had breakfast in Giraffe, and had a little time to wander before going to the gate. 

We already knew we were a little delayed, and I was slightly worrying about our connection with the Amtrak train in Philadelphia, but there was nothing I could do. 

Eventually we boarded, and we were on our way. The journey passed fairly uneventfully for us. At least until 4hours out over the Atlantic, and we heard the announcement: "If there is a doctor on board, could you please make yourself known to the cabin crew?" 

The call bell in front of us went, and the crew lady came running... "Are you a doctor?" And the lady replied, "Yes, a neurologist, and we have a surgeon, what do you need?"... 

It turned out that they initially thought the lady was having a heart attack. 

We never found out exactly what happened, but we got priority landing at Philadelphia and we had to wait for the paramedics (is that what they're called in the US?!) to get on board, and take the lady off. She didn't look well, but at least she was being looked after.

We cleared immigration, collected our bags and were on our way to the start of  our adventure.

We took the SEPTA train R1 from the airport to 30th St station. It took about 20 minutes, it's fairly easy.

We arrived with time to pick up a pretzel and a coffee, board our Amtrak train and now relax.  

Upon arriving at Penn Station, we found 

our way to the subway, decided that this would be our quickest way to the hotel, and sure enough it was a good journey. Despite the stairs and heavy suitcases, but we managed.  

We checked into the hotel, and became aquainted with our tiny little pod that would be our home for the next 3 nights.

Knowing that the best way to combat the jet lag is to force yourself to stay awake, and also aware we needed food, we took ourselves out to investigate the nearby bars and restaurants.  

After just a little exploration, we returned to the bar right by the hotel. 

It was a little French style wine bar, and it served food. Perfect.  

We took our time, enjoyed the wine, finally crawling into bed after midnight new time!