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offerendum Dec 7, 2024 9:27 am

BDA
 
As I mentioned earlier, I was about to take my first United flight.

Check-in was not busy, they were just amazed at the amount of luggage we had.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7d2869d6c.jpeg
After that, it was through immigration. I have to say, this pre-TSA is quite a thing, nobody was in front of us and even if the agent was the rudest I've ever had, it was great to have entered the US directly in Bermuda.

When I showed my boarding pass in the only lounge in the US part of the airport, I had to learn that United has no contract with the lounge. So they let their business passengers wait in the terminal. This is really pathetic, even if there are uglier terminals.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d719ca0ce.jpeg
Fortunately, I still have the Priority Pass. The lounge itself was quite decent, especially alcohol fans probably get their money's worth, even if not everything was included.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...796725caf.jpeg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...6a0009ec7.jpeg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8beeb8a3f.jpeg
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https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a2a930d05.jpeg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ce6cf24e9.jpeg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d0531e913.jpeg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...cc23ba774.jpeg


offerendum Dec 7, 2024 9:53 am

BDA - EWR
 
So now the first United flight.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...98e841332.jpeg
The business class is nice for a short flight in terms of hardware, especially when compared to European standards.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...caf42374f.jpeg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...abb896ea4.jpeg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e508fe45f.jpeg
Exclusive welcome drinks and headphones.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...91da0c82e.jpeg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4df66b094.jpeg
So a small snack is waiting. Well, I'm curious about that.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...725c2d6ac.jpeg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...27eb80ad6.jpeg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7279f6aa7.jpeg
Here we go.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4ae5d4b18.jpeg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8060dc5ba.jpeg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f9e23b2a5.jpeg
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https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...5641defe7.jpeg
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https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ee197a27c.jpeg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c315b80cb.jpeg
The snack is coming. Now I know why a friend from the US is so enthusiastic about Lufthansa's domestic German catering. How pathetic.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...eace6039f.jpeg
We reach the US.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0f369c9ad.jpeg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1aa54fe1c.jpeg
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After landing, you can even see Manhattan in the distance.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a064ddf77.jpeg


offerendum Dec 8, 2024 5:32 am

Sixt rental car
 
After landing, I found an email that I could now choose my rental car at Sixt. Well then, let's take a look:
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f5d1138e7.jpeg
Those who don't understand German don't have to despair. Translated, it means that my booked 5 series is not available. However, I can make a new premium booking or go to the counter. I was also offered an upgrade to an X5 or a 4 series (not an upgrade but a downgrade in my opinion) at a reasonable price (or what Sixt considers reasonable). Well, I guess with every flight there's some dumb who presses the upgrade button or even makes a new booking. We'd better go to the counter...

At the counter it was empty and they asked if I really wanted a limousine. Yes, that's why I booked it. Then they asked if I needed space for luggage (otherwise it would be 4th class), which I said yes to. I then got (of course at no extra charge) the X5. I would have been fully satisfied with a 5 series, but the X5 was also OK. The car was relatively basic in terms of equipment, but that's to be expected. The 40 is the entry-level engine, but that's enough for many traffic jams and American speed limits.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...55c6ade67.jpeg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...394a39496.jpeg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e6abea2ef.jpeg
I could have booked a toll pass for around $200 for 7 days. I didn't do that. Unlike in 2011, however, you can only use the fast lanes with the pass. Nevertheless, it is a pure rip-off. I drove a few times on toll roads and in the end I had less than $10 in cash and another $60 (including outrageous Sixt fees) for the ones where you absolutely need a toll pass. So still a good deal.

offerendum Dec 14, 2024 9:18 am

Four Seasons Philadelphia
 
In Philadelphia, it was clear from the beginning where we would stay: in the relatively new Four Seasons. The hotel is located on the upper floors of the Comcast Center and is spectacular in itself.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9cf124108.jpeg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a384cdb5f.jpeg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e20c1120f.jpeg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...420c84217.jpeg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...480cd6fb7.jpeg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...802b0f560.jpeg
Even in the entrance area on the ground floor, you can see flowers, lots of marble and technology.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e6c802d2d.jpeg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...97079cae4.jpeg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...75a3d0f4b.jpeg
The elevator is glassed in and you can see it racing upwards. The hotel is not really suitable for people who suffer from vertigo.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...524d39548.jpeg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...88aabf74f.jpeg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3486aeaff.jpeg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...18fc865db.jpeg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...909e9f3ba.jpeg


offerendum Dec 15, 2024 5:17 am

Four Seasons Philadelphia
 
The lobby of the Four Seasons can certainly be called spectacular. From the elevator,
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...de8bb6f216.jpg
you first stand in a room with a mirrored ceiling, floor-to-ceiling windows on one side and the reception desk on the other. On the sides, there are mirrored vases with flowers.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d0606708ed.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c0b10509a3.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c522545eb6.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...243ceac8d6.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...633db742a9.jpg
On one side, there is the high and spectacular main room with floor-to-ceiling windows, which houses the bar, the casual restaurant and the Jean Georges restaurant, which can be reached via a staircase with a water cascade on the side.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...82d1882e4b.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...14adbb5fae.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b91da047a1.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...313a72ba4f.jpg
Of course you can see something from the windows.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...281f8efd4b.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...621a819595.jpg
Business center
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...af86359f92.jpg
On the other side of the corridor are the elevators down to the room floors.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...73f4f3766e.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...09d08f52e7.jpg
It's no surprise that the lobby is a hotspot. In the evening, it's full of party people. But some of them make you smile.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...442167b4e3.jpg
Barbie and Basketball Ken........

offerendum Dec 15, 2024 3:39 pm

Four Seasons Philadelphia
 
Then off to my room. I had booked a Landmark Suite, which is the second suite category. In general, there are four suite categories at the Four Seasons, which are all similarly sized, plus the special suites. Actually, the “simpler” Premier Landmark Suite would have been enough for me, but it doesn't have a window in the living room. That's not quite as cool and so I preferred to pay $100 more or so a day. To my surprise, there was no upgrade this time, but it wasn't dramatic, the two categories above don't seem to be much better.
First of all, we were standing in the hallway, which was nicely modern.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...10e3755ddc.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...5dc4b6c63b.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...6545a917ec.jpg
Here is the floor plan of the floor and the room.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...28ce1425ea.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f736c2c43a.jpg
With a stated 57 square meters, the suite is not a space miracle and it also seems quite small. Upon entering, you stand in a kind of open hallway
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d299e4f2c6.jpg
that goes to the closet area on the right
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8c83c15a89.jpg
and straight ahead to the living room.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...78fb4d174d.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d29e8fb087.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f9459ff98a.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f19b550991.jpg
The minibar was well stocked, but it cost a pretty penny.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a70857e751.jpg
Before the living room, there was still the bedroom.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c881694560.jpg
There was a door between the sleeping and living areas, which is of course good. I particularly appreciate this when I have to do video conferences or similar things in the morning. But then it would also be great if the door could be closed. This one was so cleverly built in that it hit the door frame but just wouldn't close. A real feat.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...19d3bb676a.jpg
The bedroom was not particularly large, but the bed was good.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1ef6752410.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7d6ac8d9cf.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...928fd7d544.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a59b6e84b4.jpg
The bathroom was stylish and had everything you could want.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...94c0027d2f.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...02925b4140.jpg
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As long as you are not afraid of heights (don't worry, I'm not), it's fun to look out the window.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0f9a7a2a0f.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...64e67d0b08.jpg
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Of course, also at night.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...dde8799fa2.jpg
One morning, you couldn't see anything because of the fog.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...dcb194b650.jpg
Here it had already lifted.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...872371aed8.jpg
There were tips for eating out in the area in the room.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1ebfe8cfd9.jpg
There were a few treats on arrival.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d606789351.jpg
Later on, there was sometimes something sweet.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4480976f1e.jpg
What really made me happy was this note that I found in exchange for my tip. I don't expect something like that, but when it happens, I'm happy.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f0c93c7bf8.jpg
Even though the suite could have been a little larger, I basically liked it. Beautifully modern and with a great view. I was satisfied.

lamphs Dec 15, 2024 4:41 pm

How was your service vs. a European luxury property? I've heard US service standards have dropped considerably as compared to pre-COVID.

offerendum Dec 15, 2024 5:32 pm


Originally Posted by lamphs (Post 36740503)
How was your service vs. a European luxury property? I've heard US service standards have dropped considerably as compared to pre-COVID.

The service was absolutely fine. Now I don't remember anything particularly outstanding, but there were no mistakes either. Combined with the little touches, it was good. They were also always possible to arrange the room cleaning properly.
There were service problems later in Washington, but more on that later.
In Europe it's unfortunately also not everything gold what shines.

offerendum Dec 16, 2024 3:59 pm

Four Seasons Philadelphia
 
The elevator takes you down to the floor with the spa and gym. The hallway has been nicely done,
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...306f895147.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...08622f4ddc.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...633f0f8c07.jpg
Well, it's obvious who you can't recommend this to, isn't it?
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...73d580b4db.jpg
The gym is huge, you could also say gigantic.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...134cb715a5.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ef190dd98a.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8b21016e13.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0aa94f1b59.jpg



offerendum Dec 16, 2024 4:12 pm

Four Seasons Philadelphia
 
If I ever rave about a pool, it's about this one. Yes, I've had bigger ones and lacked a hot tub, but the view is simply bombastic. It's very photogenic, so it's almost a shame that I'm not a paid blogger (OK, not really - but sorry for the many pics). The service was also good, with nuts and dried fruit brought to the lounger.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...23039ca203.jpg
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offerendum Dec 18, 2024 3:40 pm

Skyhigh Four Seasons Philadelphia
 
Skyhigh is the bar and casual restaurant of the Four Seasons. As expected, it is stylish.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ba49888640.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...6a9bf240e5.jpg
The menu was appealing, and I particularly liked the many good non-alcoholic options.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0c40da1282.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...81560b0777.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e2fb1a6a7b.jpg
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https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...be5e28399b.jpg
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Rapberry Lychee Zero
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f7eafbe290.jpg
Tomato soup
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...520cbcd896.jpg
Grilled octopus
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1a22476ca3.jpg
Pizza Margaritha
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f1af253b6f.jpg
Roasted cauliflower
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...48d1db11fb.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e8aecc03e6.jpg
Molton chocolate cake
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2f7937420a.jpg
Selection of ice cream
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...23eb1556ec.jpg
The bill:
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d9dac0f2d7.jpg
The food was of good quality, but at that price it could have been a few dollars less. But you pay for the location.

Fabo.sk Dec 19, 2024 9:30 am

Honestly, for the location as in rooftop, and the location as in in the US, I feel the prices are downright sensible.

offerendum Dec 19, 2024 9:40 am


Originally Posted by Fabo.sk (Post 36749534)
Honestly, for the location as in rooftop, and the location as in in the US, I feel the prices are downright sensible.

Of course there was an additional 20%, but it's true that it was still within the limits. On the other hand, it was also a relatively simple meal.

offerendum Dec 19, 2024 3:58 pm

Four Seasons Philadelphia
 
Time for breakfast. There was an ŕ la carte menu and a credit that was also closely monitored. I don't think that's so great.
The menu:
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4a654dcd86.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...27c9a287e9.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2dea35352c.jpg
The food was of good quality.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a5ad8138ab.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...fa4dbee74c.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...79eca4fa71.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b51e3693be.jpg
That's what you pay for breakfast.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c7bb6f439c.jpg


offerendum Dec 21, 2024 4:35 am

Elfreth's Alley Philadelphia
 
We started our first day in Philadelphia at Elfreth's Alley. It is a historic street that dates back to the 18th century.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...38a8cadb9c.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2589b48230.jpg
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https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...01805cadcd.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...331836d702.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4ef1152121.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...23ff782bbe.jpg
Bladen's Court branches off from the street.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...69815afd58.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a237290858.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a275ff6a81.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d179e845ee.jpg


offerendum Dec 22, 2024 9:34 am

Christ Church Philadelphia
 
Christ Church is a rather old church, the construction of which began in 1727. Around the church there is a small park with a few old graves (not to be confused with the Christ Church Graveyard).
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b5b69da2d3.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a41d5c0f81.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f4ff61c764.jpg
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Inside, it is a classic American wooden structure.
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offerendum Dec 26, 2024 5:07 am

Christ Church Burial Ground Philadelphia
 
The Christ Burial Ground is a little way from the actual church. The cemetery is particularly well known for the grave of Benjamin Franklin, but four other signatories of the Declaration of Independence are also buried there. But there are also plenty of graves of well-known personalities.
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offerendum Dec 28, 2024 10:09 am

Independence National Historical Park Philadelphia
 
Next, we visited the Independence National Historical Park. You still need a (free) timed ticket. Supposedly, you should arrive way in advance, but we were through the control in a minute and then you get bored at first.
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The only thing you can do without a guide is a small museum.
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Then we went to the actual Independence Hall with the assembly room and the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.
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After that, we had to wait, because we wanted to see the Congress Hall and the next tour didn't start for about half an hour. The meeting room of the House of Representatives is on the ground floor.
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The Senate Chamber
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and other meeting rooms are located on the first floor.
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This is where you get real marketing ideas. For Americans, this is nothing unusual, but in Germany such an advertisement would be absolutely forbidden and you would get into trouble with the bar association. Besides, I can't understand how anyone could be attracted to something like this.
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After that, we went to the visitors' pavilion with the Liberty Bell.
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offerendum Dec 30, 2024 12:48 pm

Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
 
The Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul is the Roman Catholic cathedral of Philadelphia. The church was built in the mid-19th century and is relatively modern.
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The chapel of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament is attached.
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offerendum Dec 31, 2024 5:15 am

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia
 
I already knew the Natural History Museum, but I visited it again.
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The dinosaur skeletons are definitely the highlight.
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There are also the usual stuffed animals. Considering that the pandas, for example, were “collected” on an expedition to China, it makes you want to throw up. But it was another time.
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Some fish
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There are also a few live animals in the “classroom”.
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The rather lavish entrance fee of $29 ($27 online and free with the Philadelphia Card) includes a visit to the planetarium. There were some truly spectacular images to see there.
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offerendum Dec 31, 2024 9:17 am

Franklin Institute Philadelphia
 
The Franklin Institute is a technology museum with many hands-on exhibits. I don't think $25 for admission is too much, and it's included in the Philadelphia Pass.
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lamphs Dec 31, 2024 2:44 pm

It looks as if I need to make the 2 hour drive and spend a weekend in Philly!

offerendum Dec 31, 2024 5:48 pm


Originally Posted by lamphs (Post 36776144)
It looks as if I need to make the 2 hour drive and spend a weekend in Philly!

I like the city, so I would definitely recommend it.

offerendum Jan 2, 2025 3:04 pm

Saint Clement´s church Philadelphia
 
St. Clement's church dates from the 19th century. The church was once moved, and inside it is dominated by a dark oak ceiling.
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offerendum Jan 2, 2025 3:37 pm

Vernick Fish Philadelphia
 
That evening we ate at Vernick Fish. It is the only restaurant in the Four Seasons that is located on the ground floor. Even though a great deal of effort has been put into the interior design, it is no comparison to “Upstairs”. The view is of the street, where you can admire the work of the garbage collectors.
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Hello Guest, welcome!
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The menu
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Bread and butter
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Oyster selection (one of each)
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Spaghetti, blue crab, whoted pea leaves, nori breadcrumb
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Neat, you couldn't complain.
Chilled shrimp & papaya salas, ground cherry, peanut
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Also quite good and fresh.
Panko crusted lobster tail, tomato salsa verde, cucumber & avocado salad
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I'm undecided about the dish. Either a creative dish or pretty bad. You shouldn't actually deep-fry a lobster, there are better ways to prepare it in my opinion. It wasn't really bad, but somehow not quite my thing.
Sea scallops a la plancha, swiss chard, charred corn, nduja butter, crispy polenta
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At least we didn't have to search for the scallops, as they were placed prominently. The dish was also tasty, but just too little for a main course and $45++.
The dessert menu.
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Rasperry fig & and pistachio cheescake
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Yes, a type of cheesecake. Unfortunately, I was not really convinced.
Peaches & Cream icecream
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That tasted good.
Coconut Tre leches
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If you like really sweet, soaked biscuit with heavy cream that reliably closes any stomach, this is the dish for you. Everyone else will regret their order, just like we did.
The bill.
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The food wasn't a disaster (except for the Tre Leche) and was perfectly OK. But no more than that. And the upstairs seating is much nicer. Nevertheless, it was full, people seem to like it.

offerendum Jan 3, 2025 4:46 pm

Four Seasons Philadelphia
 
Time for the next breakfast, an opulent meal for almost $100! The French toast was good, the omelette average. The fruit platter was generously priced at €19.
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lamphs Jan 4, 2025 6:16 pm


Originally Posted by offerendum (Post 36785288)
Time for the next breakfast, an opulent meal for almost $100! The French toast was good, the omelette average. The fruit platter was generously priced at €19.





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Hot tea @ 10USD is nuts!

offerendum Jan 5, 2025 4:31 am


Originally Posted by lamphs (Post 36788101)
Hot tea @ 10USD is nuts!

And that's a very friendly and restrained description. There's probably a $9 contribution margin in there.

offerendum Jan 5, 2025 5:40 am

Barnes Foundation Philadelphia
 
On my last visit to Philadelphia, there was a major drawback. I actually wanted to visit the Barnes Foundation, which is considered one of the most important museums of impressionist art. At that time, however, the museum was in the process of moving and it was only open to members. Today I would just pay the membership fee for one year, but we didn't do that back then.
But this time it worked.
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As always, there were security checks at the entrance, with a particular focus on the sunglasses. I like to use the phrase “keen for a bag check”. But of course it's super secure, and the guys at the entrance could do a lot to prevent weapons from getting in. I also like to say: “If a terrorist came, who would be the first to fall and not get anything done?”
But anyway, let's talk about the museum. Somehow, I have no luck with visits to the Barnes Foundation. This time, the upper floor was closed and opened a day after our departure.
But the lower floor was already very impressive, seemingly disordered, one masterpiece hangs next to the other. In addition to practically all known impressionists, there is also a little medieval art.
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offerendum Jan 5, 2025 9:08 am

Philadelphia Museum of Art
 
I still remembered the Philadelphia Museum of Art quite well. Many people know it because of the famous Rocky steps and the statue.
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There was a long line in front of the statue and people were taking stupid photos.
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The museum impressed me again. There are probably only a few museums in the world that offer such a high-quality collection in so many different areas. Of course, the Met or the Louvre come to mind, but that doesn't detract from the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
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offerendum Jan 5, 2025 9:14 am

Philadelphia Museum of Art
 
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offerendum Jan 7, 2025 1:46 pm

Rittenhouse Square Philadelphia
 
Next, we went to Rittenhouse Square, probably the most famous square in Philadelphia.
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offerendum Jan 7, 2025 2:53 pm

Van Leeuwen Philadelphia
 
Ice cream is a must. This time it was an ice cream at the van Leeuwen chain. They have the kind of ice cream you would expect to find in America. Three scoops for $10 plus tax, so it's not too cheap. The ice cream tasted quite good, you could eat it.
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offerendum Jan 8, 2025 3:50 pm

City Hall Philadelphia
 
Philadelphia's City Hall is quite an eye-catcher.
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offerendum Jan 9, 2025 3:42 pm

Jean Georges Philadelphia
 
On our last evening in Philadelphia, we went to Jean Georges. The waterfall walls lead down to the dining room and bar, and together with the view, it makes for a memorable experience.
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I had taken an extra jacket with me for the evening at the special request of my GF. If you then look at the guests at the table in front of you, you are naturally annoyed that you didn't take your tuxedo or at least a dark suit and tie with you.
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Honestly, how can you go to a restaurant looking like that? I don't even look like that when I take out the trash! Since especially Americans seems to love dress codes (I say they some are horny for them), there is of course one on the Jean Georges website. It reads “SMART CASUAL ATTIRE IS REQUIRED. COLLARED SHIRTS, SPORT COATS, LONG PANTS AND COVERED SHOES ARE ENCOURAGED. SPORTSWEAR, OVERLY REVEALING ATTIRE AND HATS OF ANY KIND ARE NOT ALLOWED.” I hope everyone understands why I find these dress codes and the constant inquiries about them so ridiculous.
But let's take a look at the menu:
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Very positive: A good selection of non-alcoholic beverages.
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We took the menu with a few changes, a glass of “real” wine for GF and a bottle of Naughty Rose from South Africa. Plus a mocktail.
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The food was good, no question about that. The restaurant has a AAA 5-diamond award, unfortunately Michelin does not rate in Philadelphia. I would say 1 solid star. But then my “problem” arose:
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Without the obligatory 20% “tip” (actually, they wish for 22% or even more – after all, the guests have it and with the low restaurant prices, the staff can hardly be decently paid), we were at $635, with it was then around $762. For that money, I can eat in many 3-star restaurants in Europe. Even though the food was good, the price-performance ratio was simply not right.

offerendum Jan 10, 2025 4:45 pm

Four Seasons Philadelphia
 
Last breakfast and a "very cheap" one this time.
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Especially the toast was generously priced. Now I mentioned that they didn´t bill the hot chocolate! Perhaps I should call them?

JapesUK Jan 10, 2025 11:23 pm

The museum of art looks interesting and wide ranging. I found the display of seating strangely appealing but I couldn’t work out what that vast array of items on the floor was?

I can see why you’d be underwhelmed at the price of that meal. The food at the Jean-Georges didn’t appear to have the finesse in presentation I’d expect at that price point, it sll looked, well, boring.

offerendum Jan 11, 2025 6:25 am


Originally Posted by JapesUK (Post 36806428)
The museum of art looks interesting and wide ranging. I found the display of seating strangely appealing but I couldn’t work out what that vast array of items on the floor was?

I can see why you’d be underwhelmed at the price of that meal. The food at the Jean-Georges didn’t appear to have the finesse in presentation I’d expect at that price point, it sll looked, well, boring.

We went to the Museum of Art for a second time, it's really beautiful.
I didn't really think the JG dinner was boring, but I think that's a very accurate description. All good and nothing to complain about, but nothing exciting either. Solid cuisine and enjoyable, but nothing you would want to pay over 300$ per person for.

offerendum Jan 12, 2025 3:07 pm

Rodin Museum Philadelphia
 
They went to the Rodin Museum.
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At the entrance stood a guy who would have fallen over with a light puff, who carried out a thorough bag check. You can only laugh about it. The museum itself was pretty, if not particularly large.
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offerendum Jan 16, 2025 2:48 pm

Philadelphia Museum of Art
 
Before we left Philadelphia, we went to the Museum of Art again. This time with a slightly different route to cover what we hadn't seen before.
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