Philly or Bust – Day 2

Early to rise!  We were up, had a delicious breakfast, and were on the way to Philadelphia – first view of the skyline! – with our trusty driver, Perry.  Thank heavens for Perry!  And Anita!  What a tour guide.  She had everything planned and organized and it was a wonderful blessing.  We stopped first at the visitor’s center to pick up our tickets to Independence Hall, which were for 2pm.  Our walking tour was scheduled for 10am so we filled in the time and got in line for the Liberty Bell.  Just standing there, looking at that bell, knowing it had rung to celebrate our declaration and proclamation of freedom was awesome.

When we lined up for our walking tour, our guide was full of life and humor and limitless information.  We walked for two hours, going past statues of our founding fathers – much, of which, focused on Ben Franklin:  His original home, his grave site, the first post office, and even a photo shoot with the gentleman himself!  We stopped to learn about Betsy Ross – maybe she lived there, maybe she didn’t. Maybe she sewed the first flag; maybe she didn’t!  We walked past Christ’s Church and cemetery, where so many of the people who forged our nation attended worship services together and are now buried together.  We saw the Ben Franklin Bridge which leads to New Jersey – Don’t go to New Jersey!  Why, you ask?  We have NO IDEA!!! 

Elfreth Alley!  Oh, I loved that place, and wanted to just walk up and down.  The oldest, continually inhabited street in the United States.  Quaint 18th century homes with bright colorful fronts and inviting decor.  I LOVED it!

Finally it was time for a lunch break, and where better to eat than Sonny’s – Philly cheese steak sandwiches!  Oh, yum!  With full tummies we toured Independence Hall – another awesome experience, hearing about those turbulent days of our nation’s first steps.  We walked through Carpenter’s Hall and had pictures taken there , then went through the US Mint (where, incidently, you can purchase a new penny in a little glass bottle for $5.99!).  So many firsts:  First bank, first post office, first flag, first everything for me!  One street had a long line of carriages for hire and as tempting as they were, we learned an incredible amount of information from our early morning tour guide! 

We walked through the Signer’s garden, walked down the side streets with bright painted murals.  History everywhere we looked.

Then we headed home for a walk around the quiet neighborhood, a late dinner of grilled salmon over salad greens, great conversation, and the making of never-to-be-forgotten memories!  Stay tuned for day three!