Coast Swap: Philadelphia + Pittsburgh PA + Columbus OH

Philadelphia PA

287 miles

58° cloudy then rainy

Gas $3.99

We were excited to visit our friends, Jen and Kathleen. Stephen and Kathleen used to work together at A4 Architecture in Newport. They moved to Philadelphia two years ago when Jen started her graduate studies in pyscology at Temple University. Last year, they bought a house that was recently built on one of the many abandoned lots in Philly. The three story home has a balcony view of the city, and a personal backyard. Similar projects are improving the neighborhood, and they are less than a mile from downtown. They love to bike or walk to work and classes. Jen said Philadelphia is a great town- "less pretentious" than other big cities, and a slower pace of life but with all the city benefits.

Kathleen holding sweet puppy Nyla who loves to jump. Seeing friends again- Jen, Kathleen.

 We attended Easter Sunday services at Liberti Church downtown. It was a beautiful liturgical service with modern mixes. After, Stephen tried to find a Philly Cheesesteak, but most restaurants were closed, so we started the drive straight across Pennsylvania.

Road trip joy!

Seeing college friend (and senior year roommmate) Tracy again was a highlight of the trip because we got to meet her husband and two children (and visiting in-laws!) Her older daughter Mona is 1 1/2 years old, and baby Sandra was just 15 days old the day we got to meet her. Mona is outgoing and mischievous. Sandra was calm, happy and sleepy. Tracy met her husband Joe through work. He's a former Marine who now works in sales with Tracy's natural gas enginneering company. We weren't surprised Tracy fell in love with another Texan, but she says his faith and Christian spirit drew her to him.

Columbus OH

812 miles

45° sunny

gas $3.46

We stopped in Columbus for lunch to visit Bob and Julia, parents of our friend Tim. They've come to visit Newport a number of times, and were happy to be hospitable on our trip. Chef Bob cooked a special vegetable ragu for lunch, and we toured their home to see all their special crafts. They will be leaving it soon to downgrade to a smaller home, but they look forward to hosting an engagement party for Tim and Jess.