We took a 3-day mini-vacation to Baltimore and Philadelphia. We stopped for cheesesteaks at Geno's in South Philly -- an institution known for the kind of customers it doesn't want. There were anti-foreigner slogans all over, English-only statements...I guess they do OK despite the attitude...I mean, WE went there along with others in a big line....but felt a little creepy. It's part of the experience, I guess.

Here are a couple pics from the Rittenhouse Hotel in Philadelphia. I don't think I've ever stayed anywhere nicer -- the room was spacious and pretty, and the bath was roomy and luxurious.

While we were in Baltimore there was an Asian anime/something conference -- it was huge and people were running all over in great costumes. I don't have any pics...but everywhere you looked there were characters from a whole media that's escaped me:-)