It was Columbus Day this past weekend, which meant only one thing for plebes up here in the north, a long weekend, and for many there first chance to go home. Although Texas was a little too far for me to travel for just a couple fo days, I jumped on the opportunity to go to Phillidelphia, PA and then to Lancaster, PA for the weekend. Philly was a pretty nice place, not much was happening and to say the least it was a little bit more dirtier than NYC. I did get the opportunity to enjoy an original Philly Cheese Steak at the world famous "Jim's" on south street, which was pretty good. The next day I arrived at Lancaster, PA with Robert Nolt, a student and friend from the academy via Amtrak. He offered to let me stay at his house with his family. His family was to say the least, some of the best people I have ever met! They treated me so incredibly well, serving me homeade meals and treating me with the utmost respect. Nolt has 5 brothers and one sister, all home schooled and well behaved. They are all in Karate, and one son got third in the world championship. Pennsylvania has some beautiful scenery and the trees were turning colors due to fall. The weekend passed quickly and before I knew it I was on the train back to NYC. Just to top it all off the Amtrak Conductor gave us each a free ticket for the train ride from Philly to NYC Penn Station. I am now once again counting down the days until fall break. It's almost here!!!