Wit Wiz? Heck yeah!

It has been several years since I went to Philadelphia. Though I am now healthier in my eating habits, I often daydream about Pat’s King of Steaks at the corners of 9^th Street, Wharton and Passyunk Avenues in South Philly. I was a bit intimidated at the time of my visit and rehearsed the order in my head several times. After a 20 minute wait in line it was my turn. I am not sure what I said that day, but I know it wasn’t as well rehearsed as I had hoped. Despite my error they were nice and delivered a beautiful Italian roll filled with thinly sliced seared, rare rib-eye and smothered in Cheese Wiz. Yes that’s right, Kraft Cheese Wiz. I couldn’t believe it either; however, I had been told that is how a true Philly native eats their steak sandwich. Do I have any regrets? None. It tastes wonderful and now I can’t order a steak sandwich unless it is offered “wit wiz”. Fortunately in Seattle we have Tat’s Delicatessen in Pioneer Square. Two former Philadelphia natives run the place and they offer the “wiz” option just like Pat’s. Though a damn good sandwich, somehow it’s just not the same as sitting at the red metal tables surrounded by talk of the Phillies chances this year.

In South Philly you have several options with two of the most famous steak sandwich operations in the nation, Pat’s and Geno’s. I have not eaten at Geno’s, so I am unable to add my vote for the best steak sandwich on Passyunk. Let’s just say that if I make it back to Philadelphia I will be in line at Pat’s once again. JJ

http://www.patskingofsteaks.com/

http://www.tatsdeli.com/

When in Rome…

How many times have you heard that phrase? After several years of improving my travel skills, I would have to apply “when in Rome” to many of my experiences. Seeing all the historic sites such as the Colosseum in Rome, the Louvre in Paris, Big Ben in London or even the Space Needle in Seattle is a major part of being a tourist, but isn’t my idea of being a traveler. While seeing all the sites, take the time for a passeggiata to the Spanish Steps, then hang out with the locals. Sip a café near Centre Pompidou for some people watching. Enjoy tacos al pastor topped with a slice of pineapple from a local street vendor in Puerto Vallarta. These are the moments that I enjoy most when travelling. Take a moment to experience how others live. I think you will relish having a break from the museums, canopy tours, or any other activity you may be doing with a bunch of fanny pack and goofy shirt wearing tourists. Set yourself apart and be a traveler. JJ

Welcome to Same Same But Different, Travelers!

If you’ve visited Asia, live in a city with a lively Asian population or neighborhood, or just know a few ESL Asians, you’re likely familiar with the expression “Same same, but different”. The phrase “same same” is often used to state that two options are virtually the same or so similar as to make no real difference.

At Same Same But Different-a travel spot, we are all passionate travelers. We go to the same locations all sorts of people all over the world want to visit. We fly the same airlines, see the same sights, enjoy the same activities. Some of us love nature, camping and hiking. Others are urban explorers, we hike from museum to architectural sights to bars. We’re creative types, looking for the galleries and shops of local artists wherever we travel. Some of us are parents, some dedicated childless, gay and straight, couples and singles.

What we have in common is that we’re all a little bit different. Not just from each other, but in general. A pack of the slightly wacky, oddballs and downright eccentrics. None of us share the same idea of what constitutes the perfect trip.

Something we do share, however, is that none of us lack imagination or are loaded with cash, so it will never be suggested that you go to an all-inclusive resort where you’ll be charged ridiculous prices in order to not have to think for yourself. Also, we’re not struggling students, for the most part. The few of us that are, are far too resourceful to advise that you stay in scrungy hostels and share bathrooms with frat boys (although there are those of us who don’t mind interesting bugs around). We’ll tell you how to save money if we can and what’s worth the extra expense.

That is the spirit of Same Same But Different-a travel spot. You may read about places it never occurred to you to go, or something you never thought to try. It might even be something that makes your dream trip more affordable, and thus, more obtainable. You might even do the same things we would do, just a little bit differently.