Philadelphia

David is studying American History this year. So Grandma took him to Eastern Pennsylvania. We arrived in Philadelphia in the evening, and stayed in a hotel near the airport. We then got a car the next day and drove out to King of Prussia.

Valley Forge was our first stop. They have a wonderful self-guided tour - you buy the CD and keep it - that really makes the experience. David was impressed with Wayne's Woods - he loves woodsy countryside - and with General von Steuben, because of his colorful languageS - yes, indeed; he cursed in several languages.

The next day it was pouring down rain. We had Gettysburg on our itinerary. We went anyway for a number of reasons. In stead of a bus tour, we hired a docent - the cost of a personal guide is just slightly more than 2 bus tour tickets, and you get to drive around in your own car. If you ever go to Gettysburg, I highly recommend this option. We also advised them that David is high-functioning autistic, and our assigned guide was a former HS teacher who was sensitive to the issues. It was a lot of fun.

The trip - more on it later - was good but I think a bit much overall for David. When I do this again, I think we'll plan alternate days of "just fun" versus learning fun.

I'll just add one more thing here. We flew American Airlines - I have status on them this year - and because of that flew through DFW. On the 2nd leg, I had requested a first class upgrade with my upgrade credits, which we got. I did explain to David that the cost of first class seats was 3-5 times the cost of a coach seat. His comment was that he didn't think first class was worth it, outside of the getting on first, personal attention, wider seats, extra legroom and food and the dessert (American still does ice cream sundaes). (Grandma would add, "and the drinks, but she thinks it's worth it!)