Days 9 & 10 - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

It is Friday and Saturday, June 8 and 9.  The weather is perfect. This is going to be very difficult to write and to select only a few pictures out of the 200 we took in just 1 1/2 days.  Philadelphia, known as the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection is a very historic city.  So much of our Colonial, Revolutionary, and Federal-period heritage is preserved here.  American’s began their quest for freedom and independence from the British.   It was temporarily the capital while the permanent site was being prepared in Washington, D. C.  The district named after our 1st President, George Washington.  I’m on overload right now with all the history. Benjamin Franklin is a key historic person in this city.  He was our first ambassador, he revised parts of the Declaration of Independence, was a diplomat, inventor and philosopher.   George Washington and John Adams created the office of president here.  Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence in 1776.  We also have Betsy Ross who is credited with making the first stars and stripes flag. You need to spend a week here to visit all the historic buildings, museums, homes and churches.  Also see the Liberty Bell.

Independence Hall

 In addition, it is the home of the Phillies, Eagles, Flyers and 76ers.  Unfortunately, the Phillies were out of town so we didn’t get a chance to go to a baseball game. It is also known for its Philly Cheesesteaks, which we enjoyed as well.  Everyone claims to have the best but we went to Jim’s and were very happy w/our choice.  There are more restaurants than I’ve ever seen in any other city.  Also a huge market where you can either buy produce, meats, fish, flowers, etc. or eat a meal there.  You better like crowds if you go there. The streets are covered with people no matter what time of day or night.  A lot of them live and work in the city so they walk everywhere.  That was a good thing for us as we ate our way around the city.

We ran up the stairs of the Art Museum just like Rocky Balboa in the movie; however, we found out that he only went up one flight of stairs.  Of course, I needed a bit of refreshment afterwards.

While touring in an open topped bus, we saw many fountains, statues and homes such as Betsy Ross's house above.  I can only hope that some day you also visit this historic but fun filled city.  So many things to see and do.