Musings

So, it's been awhile since I posted anything. Life has been moving rather quickly and I've not had the time or the inclination to write anything.

Spring is SLOWLY approaching - it's already Apr 30 and was only 46 degrees this morning. I'm definitely one of those people who relishes warm days in the sunshine without having to wear a lot of layers.

So - last week I was in Philly for work. It was an unusual trip for me because, for the first time, I was in charge of being the offical tour guide. My colleagues had remarked that they didn't really know much about the city and were relying on me to act as the "local".

First off - I don't believe any cab driver in Philly knows where the hell they are going. Everytime I have used this means of transportation, I invariably have to look up the address on my cell phone and guide the cab to my destination. I understand some of the places are not as well known as others - but Rittenhouse Square? It's one of the main places in downtown Philly . . .???

A few places that I would recommend in Philly:

We had lunch at Rouge on Rittenhouse Square, 205 S 18th St. It was very reminiscent of a Parisian cafe, both in decor and edible offerings.

For dinner, my colleague and I headed to Alma de Cuba www.almadecubarestaurant.com
This is my 3rd experience at a Steven Starr restaurant. I've also eaten at Buddakan www.buddakan.com and The Barclay Prime. Of the three, Alma was my least favorite. My colleague is Cuban and was intrigued by the prospect of Cuban food in Philly. The ambiance is nice and the mojitos are lethal - but the food was lackluster. Buddakan had very memorable food.

After dinner we did a whirlwind around the Square - Barclay Prime for Kir Royales and Tria for a glass of wine. We almost hit the Continental - but decided it was late and to call it a night.

The next day I toured the Microsoft School of the Future. http://www.microsoft.com/education/schooloffuture.mspx

Wow - what a mind-blowing experience. The school is in West Philly - which is not the best neighborhood. It sits on a small hill, like a Taj Majal, an all white structure that looks like it came out of Demolition Man, The 5th Element or whatever futuristic movie you have seen. There are no grades, there is no grafitti, there is no paper, there are no combinations to remember on your locker. Lessons are taught from a "project" approach and learners (what they are called at the school) are assesed on a scale ranging from novice to advanced. So far, the school is only half full - there are only 1st year learners and 2nd year learners. The school will graduation it's first class in 2010. Makes me almost want to go back to high schhol :-)

Enough for today. The weekend will bear much fruit for future ramblings.