Welcome to Philly

I have been here for 3 whole days, and so far:

1) I received a $26 parking ticket & was subsequently told by the Philadelphia Parking Authority that since I don't have, ahem, official and proper proof of my residency yet, I therefore cannot receive a temporary parking permit. So instead of incuring a daily $26 donation slip for the Philly Municipal Coffers, I am parking outside of my new neighborhood until I can rectify the problem.

2) Unbeknownst to me, construction on the block shut off the water in my place this morning -- and yes, right before, and I mean right before, I was about to jump into the shower. The guys outside (who, I have to admit, were some of the nicest construction workers I've ever met) explained that they were fixing the water main and would be done in a couple of hours. I guess I'll be catching up on my Internets bidness until I can get cleaned up.

Cynical kvetching is part of the Philly way, and I'm starting to feel like a native.

Nevertheless, I have to admit that as grating as byzantine bureauracy and big city insanity can be, a part of me is actually charmed by all of it, because it is, truly, a big crazy city. The Philly Native Goon perched on my shoulder is saying, "Whayddid you expect, huh?" and I have to admit that he's right.