I was very surpised when i visited Philadelphia - what was I expecting?  Well, with hindsight I am not really sure.  After all, what did I know about Philadelphia other than it was the setting for the film with Tom Hanks about a guy who has AIDS, houses the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall and has a strong industrial past.  Oh, and that I did not know anyone who had been!

Well, it is true - there is a lot of history here.  And there is some tackiness, with puritan-style cafes and restaurants which are aiming to capture those tourists seeking a little cheese!  However, the bars, restaurants and shops are all very cosmopolitan and the juxtaposition of the old and new is charming.