I took the train into Philly to meet a friend for breakfast. He met me at the 30th St. station, a beautiful building, and then we took the subway! I'm excited about that because no one else here seemed to even be sure there is a subway in Philly. I liked finally taking it and seeing how it works. The Tenth Street Pourhouse was perfect -- good food, good music, nice staff. I'm so glad to be getting into the city more.

Philadelphia has the second oldest parade, of any kind, for St. Patrick's day. It was started five years before the Declaration of Independence was signed! They have it the Sunday before St. Pat's. We took the train in to catch the parade and ended up here at this cool old Irish pub tucked in a side street. They're celebrating their 150th birthday! I love all the history up here. I had the traditional Jameson's, corned beef, and cabbage. Yum!

We went to The Standard Tap at 2nd and Poplar in the North Liberty area of Philadelphia for Peggy's birthday. This place was so cool -- the food, the beer, the architecture, the crowd -- all great. We slid into a big solid dark wood booth in a room of deep red walls. The floor was little black and white tiles. Flickering above us there was a double gas lamp perfectly situated in a dark wood coffered ceiling. Some of the beer choices were "hand pumped" and not carbonated, creamy even. It was SO good. The little town I live in is lovely but I miss city life. I never thought I'd say that!