Meet me on South Street

"Meet me on South Street" is the name of a popular song of the 1960's that I heard on the local radio and TV dance shows. In fact, by 1969 and the early 70's I was dancing every Sunday afternoon at Wagner's Ballroom with the tunes spun by Jerry Blavet. Now Jerry is a phenom of that era with specials on PBS! I took it easy on Thursday and in fact I don't know if I am going to make my plan of seeing Philly on $10 per day. I spent $16.35 on day 1 for lunch and transportation, didn't spend anything walking the neighborhood on 2ND day, but spent $18.10 on day 3! I was to meet a friend for lunch at Essene Natural Food Store. He addresses the issue of poor nutrition through holistic health strategies and has wonderful ideas concerning the optimization of the body's energy systems. Check out his website at www.HealingMothersSpirit.com I had to catch a bus and then transfer to the Broad Street Subway to South Street and walk from Broad Street to 4TH Avenue and then over 1 block to Bainbridge. The last time I was on South Street, it was filled with visitors and clubs. I am told that some of the clubs have moved and on closer to the river. You can get some information about South Street on the video below. After a leisurely lunch, we walked through Independence Square, which was full of tourists and school groups. It was more crowded than I remember and in fact, streets were closed to accommodate the tour groups. We caught the subway back to North Philly by cutting through The Gallery, one of the 1st malls in Philly. I will be back to Center City because there are still so many sights that I haven't seen and plan on visiting.

I'm in the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection

I made it! Now, my roundtrip airplane ticket to Philly from Nashville was just $154.00 on my online website, www.yourimanitravel.com. I had go really north (Detroit) to get to the Philly, but, you have to be flexible if you want to get a discounted ticket. Things went well, I arrived in Philadelphia on time and my luggage was there. My only mishap was that I just missed the last train that would take me from the airport to Glenside, which is a suburb of Philly. I had to take another train, which meant that I had to transfer in center city, but that wasn’t really a problem. It is wonderful to be in a city that has so many mass transit choices. When I left Philly over 30 years ago, I was glad to go. There was infrastructure decay and a heavy handed police presence that was oppressive. But having to take the train, made me have to look at the city with new eyes and I was surprised and pleased. A lot of the old buildings have been renovated and streets don’t look as if a bomb has been dropped onto it. My city has grown and is gaining some of the old ambience it once had. So, I’m here and already off budget because it cost me $10.00 for the train ride! The video below gives you a historical perspective of the city.

Can I do Philly at $10 per day?

I am on my way to Philadelphia, Pa in a couple of hours and would you believe that I am hoping to get two more loads of clothes washed and dried before I head out! I am not stressed (repeat this mantra as needed). I am also challenging myself to visit the city as a tourist, and I plan to do that on – get this - $10.00 per day! Now, I will have free food and lodging, (thanks Sharon), but I usually visit my old home in style. I usually have a luxury car and if I wanted to escape my children, I would just check in at the Embassy Suites. However, if I want to talk about how to vacation on a budget, I must know what I am talking about, so, I invite you to take this ride with me.
Philadelphia, the second largest city in the British Empire, was the original capital of the nation and it served in this capacity until 1800, while Washington, D.C. was being built. We have all learned that the city provided a backdrop to the creation and execution of the Revolutionary ideas that lead to the establishment of the United States of America. Philadelphia, which translated from the Greek means “City of Brotherly Love” also embraces “Sisterly Affection”, and is one of the most ethnically mixed US cities, with substantial communities of Italians, Irish, Eastern Europeans and Asians living side by side among the majority black population. Once known as “Filthydelphia”, the city underwent a remarkable resurgence preparing the nation’s bicentennial celebrations in 1976. There is a new energy in the city and history, strong cultural institutions, and a new influx of income due to the new downtown convention center fuel this. I will travel this city with new eyes. I won’t be driving to the city and parking in the lot adjacent to the Academy of Music as I go to see a play. I will get there by bus.

Cruising fits my criteria as being a dream vacation that we can take during these depressed economic times. In fact, I am counting down the days until I go on my friend and family cruise in July. Here are 1o good reasons for choosing to go cruising!
1. Choose to cruise for VALUE. One price buys your cabin, dining, entertainment and more.
2. Choose to cruise for ROMANCE. Secluded beaches, en suite dining on a balcony overlooking the ocean and spa services for two are just some of the romantic pursuits available.
3. Choose to cruise for CUISINE. Tantalize your taste buds with gourmet fare that showcases exotic ingredients, old standbys like pizza and ice cream or spa cuisine for a healthy alternative. Depending on your mood, dine in a traditional ballroom setting, a small bistro or a casual eatery.
4. Choose to cruise for VARIETY. With over 150 distinctive ships,1800 ports-of-call and an unbelievable array of places to see and things to do, there is a perfect cruise for you. For even more choice, consider a pre- or post-land tour.
5. Choose to cruise for ACTIVITIES. Fill your days with sightseeing, sports activities, cultural lectures, educational tours led by naturalists and historians or simply lounge by the pool and relax. At night, enjoy dance extravaganzas, musical revues, gaming or a quiet evening gazing at the stars.
6. Choose to cruise for SIMPLICITY. Don't come back from your vacation needing a vacation. Planning a cruise is simple; your CLIA-affiliated travel agency (like myself) can handle all of the details. Once you're on board, nearly all expenses are pre-paid... talk about hassle-free.
7. Choose to cruise for NEW HORIZONS. Fall asleep in one destination and awake to a new horizon... and you only have to pack and unpack once!
8. Choose to cruise for FAMILY. Families love cruising. Children's programs, kid-friendly menus and tours of the ship will keep your children happy, while affording you some time alone.
9. Choose to cruise for PAMPERING. Regardless of your budget, all cruise lines pamper their guests with first-class service around the clock.
10. Choose to cruise for SATISFACTION. It's a fact that cruises have a higher percentage of satisfied customers than any other vacation experience. Choose to cruise for YOU. You can have the vacation of a lifetime, see the world, completely unwind, take a walk on the wild side, dance the night away, feast on fabulous cuisine, learn something new, make friends, bond with your family, steal quiet moments with your spouse. Whatever your heart desires, is yours, when you choose to cruise.

It's Gone!

I told you 3 weeks ago about the 2 fly free program and I'm sorry, but the program is now gone. I will let you know about other programs that will help you to go on your dream vacation. I want to hear your comments and if you need information about a destination, please let me know and I will accommodate you!

I did the Bossa Nova

When most people think of Brazil, Rio de Janiero and Carnival comes to mind. However, did you know that Brazil is one the largest geographically diverse countries, with a cosmopolitan area along with rainforests and jungles. Rio is the 2nd largest city in Brazil and is the home of the Bossa Nova, the Samba, cuisine and unique jewelry.

I was able to visit Rio last night, from the comfort of a church. I was fortunate and blessed to see and hear “Baby Consuelo” aka “Baby do Brasil” sing. “Baby” is a phenomenon in Brazil for over 20 years, and she sings several genre of music, but all forms are done enthusiastically. I was one of approximately 50 people in the room, who did not speak Portuguese, but she directed a young lady to translate for me. Have you ever had one of those experiences when you know that God is trying to tell you something and that you were led to that place at that time to hear it? Well, my love for culture led me to be in that place at that time, and for “Baby” to be there!
I would like to share a video with you. She is on a TV show in Brazil, singing a Bossa Nova song and Amazing Grace. Enjoy!