DC to Philadelphia

 I woke up in DC and grabbed breakfast. The worker behind the counter and I were chatting that he remarked how strange it was that he got a breakfast rush at 11 am on a Friday. Government shutdown. If you’re in DC and still getting paid, there’s nothing to do but party. Everyone seems to be enjoying a partially paid vacation.

Bussed to Union Station and hopped the next train to Wilmington. The joy of the railpass is that once you hit the NEC, last minute bookings become the lay of the land. The ultimate in flexibility. I disembarked in Wilmington to meet my friend Ollie. He’s just moved back east from California and seems to be settling in nicely. We walk his dog, shoot pool, and catch up.

After this comes the shortest Amtrak leg of my trip. Wilmington to Philadelphia. 20 minutes later I’m at 30th street and hopping the El to tonight’s crash pad. I drop my bag and book it to Society Hill for my friend Emily’s birthday. Her friends look confused when I walk in. I was just here a couple months ago and they didn’t expect her friend from California to pop in for her birthday party. Drinking, dancing, and sleep.