The Great (Suburban) Escape

So, for the past six months, I lived in upstate New York. I was exploring the neighborhood of my childhood, at the ripe old age of twenty-seven. Newly single and newly un-sober, I hung out with close friends, went to the occasional bar, and even got a bit depressed. (Divorce will apparently do that to you.) Though I love my friends and family, nestled in the beautifully quiet Mohawk Valley... I needed to get out. And out I did.

The weeks before my upheaval to Philadelphia were hectic. Within one week, I landed a job, a roommate, and a cheap apartment in Fantastic Fishtown. Next, it was a trip down to Florida for my uncle's wedding, and then a carload down to my favorite eastcoast city and my home: Philadelphia.

I took I-81 down to 476 on the PA Turnpike, and then into Philly on I-76. I don't know how many of you have experienced this, but I-76 is a nicely designed highway. It's hidden very well from the city, and there is this one part, where you come around a bend and... Bam. There's the Philly skyline.

And then I was here. Alone. Newly single after being in a solid relationship for over three years. I now live in a part of town I've never lived, and feel a freedom I haven't had since I was 23.

(Image credited to http://www.philadelphia-reflections.com. Borrowed under fair use.)

My first night in back in Philly required a stop in at my one of my new regular hangouts: Johnny Brenda's. I had only been there a handful of times before, mostly to watch bands. My bicycle had little air in its tires, and I had lost my floor pump in the divorce. So, I set out for J.B.'s, which is only one mile from my house! (See map! I am A! Johnny Brenda's is B! Heaven.)


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Along my walk, I passed a few cute parks, as well as my neighborhood bike store (Read:Important. I will talk more about them in a future post). I used to live in South Philly, where gunshots can be the norm. However, nothing is sketch about my street thus far. The few people I saw were walking their dogs or standing out in front of the many pubs I passed along the way down Frankford Avenue. At Johnny Brenda's, I grabbed a table alone. I think this alone thing is going to be quite the trend, unless my awesome roommate comes with me. I introduced myself to a Sly Fox Dry Stout. I didn't get a picture because I didn't know I was going to be writing this blog. J.B.'s is cool because their menu changes, reducing boredom. I ordered something really yummy. Though I can't remember what it was as the weeks have gone by. I enjoyed watching the folks, and this evening was one of the many in the future that will reassure my love for Fishtown. Till next time!