Continuing the theme of our trip, "The National Parks and Monument Tour", we thought it only fitting to spend a day in Philadelphia. What a better way than to head right for Independence Square. (The last time I saw this was with my family in 5th grade.)
We had about a mile walk there from where we were parked and got absolutely drenched in a downpour. Yes, I was glad to see the Liberty Bell and yes, I was glad it was in a covered building. You can see Independence Hall in the background.
By the time we headed for a tour of Independence Square the sun had come out. It was just a hop, skip and a mud puddle or two away. We took a tour and saw the original room that housed the Supreme Court from 1791 to 1800.
Across the hallway was Independence Hall, originally called the Assembly Room of the Pennsylvania State House. This is where delegates met and created the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
Good thing about being short is I get to be upfront with the school kids:). Great for taking pics and learning a thing or two.
Next on the tour was Congress Hall, where both houses of Congress met from 1790 to 1800.
Here's the House of Representatives...
And here's the Senate. Yep, these are the original colors of the room.
Some Interesting facts: the Senate and Congressmen only got paid when they actually showed up so there was never a gov't shutdown. Also, there was never a seating chart. All members sat together, unlike today where they sit along party lines. Wow...what a concept. And look how much they accomplished!
The skies had turned sunny and blue so we used the opportunity to walk a bit around town. Here's Betsy Ross' Home.
I liked the entrepreneur who had an international flag shop across the street. Good one.
Here's the oldest residential street in the U.S. - Elfreth's Alley. It was established in 1702. It was very charming with the brightly colored doors and shutters, brick walk way and cool lanterns, but I couldn't imagine living here with everyone peeking into all the windows and courtyards.
We had fun walking around the different neighborhoods.
Ned embracing his inner Rocky.
One of the best parts of the day was exploring Reading Terminal Market. Wowza, it's about a football field size old train depot crammed with every type of food you could imagine. Delis, bakeries, Dutch, Indian, Thai, Amish, Jewish, Italian foods to just name a few.
Every nook and cranny is used from diners to cookbook stalls. The longest line was for the hand rolled donuts served by Amish girls. And no, I didn't have one.
Perhaps you'd like a whoopie pie
Or a pretzel dog?
Ah...a Philly Cheesesteak!! Of course.
Thanks Philadelphia for a fun day.
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