A question for frequent flier Oppos

by "Rust and Dust - Oppositelock Forever" (rustanddust)
Published 05/08/2017 at 18:54

Tags: The first step is admitting you have a problem.
STARS: 7

Doing a bit of no-notice travel this weekend for a funeral, and have a 4 hour layover in Philly on Saturday morning, from 9-1. Are the airport bars open that early? Any restaurants that would have a brunch menu? I’m not too proud to get shitty on mimosas or Bloody Marys.

I’m going to bury my grandfather. He’s the only grandfather I got to know, as my other passed away long before I came about. He managed to live through the Great Depression as a first generation American, lived through the Pacific in WW2 with the 2nd Marines, sailed around the world as a radio operator on commercial vessels, beat cancer, recovered from a stroke, raised seven kids, and loved and cherished my grandmother for seventy years. To me, my grandfather exemplified dignity, humility, compassion, love, and honor. He taught me to respect everyone, and that there’s no place for discrimination in this world. He gave me a general framework for whats right and wrong. He taught me to think for myself, not just take whats given. When I first started reading, he immediately got me a copy of Dr. Seuss’ The Butter Battle Book (essentially a kids primer for why arms races and wars are bad). When my mother was crying after my first tattoo, he asked what the tattoo was. After she explained the meanings of the symbol, he replied with “Well that’s all the stuff I used to take you kids to march for in the ‘60's! You must’ve done something right if thats what he’s getting tattooed!”.

I got 37 years with him that I’m thankful for, yet I still feel almost cheated. The first time I heard the phrase “the greatest generation”, I immediately understood it because of him.

I intended to hit publish after the first paragraph, and ended up spending an hour refilling a glass and typing this up. To those that made it this far, wow this took a wrong turn, and thanks for reading.

Replies (9)

"RPM esq." (rpm3)
05/08/2017 at 19:07, STARS: 2

I’m sorry for your loss. My own badass grandfather is recovering from a stroke right now, so this touched a nerve.

Regarding your layover, I travel frequently and have many airport opinions, and the Philadelphia airport is unfortunately one of this once-great nation’s very worst. HOWEVER: you will not have any problem finding food and booze at that hour.

"WilliamsSW" (williamssw)
05/08/2017 at 19:08, STARS: 2

Wow! Your grandfather sounds like an amazing man! My condolences on his passing. He sounds like he had a long, wonderful, full life. 70 years of marriage is incredible. My grandparents were married for 56 years, and I thought that was great.

Regarding your actual question, airport bars/restaurants generally do open pretty early. At O’Hare, I think it’s generally 6 am, at least for restaurants that serve alcohol. At PHL, I would expect you’ll have zero trouble finding a drink at 9 am. I know at least 1 person who can’t get on a plane sober, and I think they cater to that crowd a bit. I don’t know the specifics of what’s at PHL, but you’ll find somewhere to drink and eat.

"BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind" (briangriffinsprius)
05/08/2017 at 19:09, STARS: 3

Sorry for your loss, bud. My uncle died today, grandfather about this time last year. It’s not easy no matter who it is you lose.

The airport bars will be open, for sure. Terminal C has shops and some nice restaurants, and I think Chickies and Pete’s is in A, C, and D. There’s nothing special or memorable at PHL, but most of the restaurants are fine. I don’t eat breakfast foods, so I can’t help you out on the brunch side of things.

"Wacko" (wacko--)
05/08/2017 at 19:23, STARS: 1

My wife’s grandmother passed Friday. The service is Wednesday.

We have an hour drive, and 3 young kids.

"19JRC99" (19jrc99)
05/08/2017 at 19:46, STARS: 1

That looks A LOT like my dad’s old ‘84! It had the 351, though, and was crushed in 2010.

Also, I’m real sorry to hear about your grandfather.

"ttyymmnn" (ttyymmnn)
05/08/2017 at 20:18, STARS: 1

I would not call it a wrong turn, I’d call it a wonderful journey. Your grandfather sounds like a hell of a guy, and you do him honor with your tribute. “Don’t cry because it’s ending, smile because it happened.” That is attributed to Dr. Seuss, though it is unlikely that they are actually his words. So celebrate an amazing life. Godspeed, Grandpa.

"nermal" (nermal)
05/08/2017 at 20:28, STARS: 1

Sorry to hear about your grandfather passing, but at the same time glad that you got to know him.

As far as the airport goes, info on what is open when is here:

< http://philamarketplace.com/info/hours >

"MyJeepGetsStuckInTheSnow" (myjeepgetsstuckinthesnow)
05/08/2017 at 20:41, STARS: 0

Sorry for your loss.

Cheesesteak. The two popular ones are not too far from the airport but I don’t know if I would try it on a 4 hour layover.

"f86sabre" (f86sabre)
05/08/2017 at 21:38, STARS: 1

Travel notes: yes, someplace will sell you booze at that hour.

Sounds like your grandfather worked hard to make the world a better place. Remember the good times and live to his example.