Atlantic City and Philly are a good bet if you're with Sam

Following an invitation from Sam to visit him in his hometown, we boarded the Bolt Bus and headed to South Philly. 

Once we arrived, Sam took us on a quick tour of his old stomping grounds before treating us to an Italian dinner at Victor's (thanks Sam!!).  Our dinner was accompanied by impressive opera music sung by our waiter, Tommy, who happily joined our group photo.  After dinner, we enjoyed a Phillies game where the Phillies beat the Marlins 10-6!  Go Phillies!

We spent the morning of our second day in Philly walking the 9th Street Italian Market where you can buy live poultry and rabbits (for cooking not for pets), fresh fruits and veggies, meats and cheeses, etc.  In the photo, Sam was picking out all the fixings for that night's Italian tapas dinner while Todd was sampling cheeses at Di Bruno Bros. shop along the 9th street market.

Before leaving the market and heading to Atlantic City, we stopped for lunch at the very popular Geno's for a Philly Cheese Steak sandwich.  Sadly, the cherry peppers we added to the sandwiches from the toppings cart were the best part of the sandwich.  But, not to worry... who needs cheese steak sandwiches when you have Sam picking out cheeses, meat, and olives for you!  Our pupus-style dinner in Sam's Atlantic City apartment made us forget all about our sub-par lunch.

Sam's Atlantic City apartment is conveniently located near the casinos and also has an empty boat slip perfect for crab catching.  The highlights of our two and a half days in Atlantic City included volleyball on the beach (look at that form Richard!)...

aforementioned crabbing...

one of our favorite dinners ever at Docks...

and of course gambling.  For more pics, see our slideshow on the right.