MONDAY MAY 18, 2015
On good advice from just about EVERYONE we take the SEPTA transit train to downtown Philadelphia from our RV park in Lansdale, PA instead of driving and procuring a parking space for my truck. Quickly notice a big difference between this ride which travels through OLD well aged neighborhoods & buildings vs. the San Diego ride from Carlsbad which runs through new, vibrant & active neighborhoods. Exit the train at Market Street Station which is considerable size to begin without being underneath a HUGE mall! Mark landmarks before we wander lost up through the FOUR story maze of stores and by a small miracle walk onto 8th Street. Follow our second best advice and visit the INDEPENDENCE VISITOR CENTER for excellent advice, maps, attraction tickets and agendas from the gracious hosts.
INDEPENDENCE NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK
LIBERTY BELL CENTER
First on JoAnn's list is the Liberty Bell and we are greeted by a long line of school kids on a field trip. We soon discover You can study American History from a book in a classroom but the ONLY way to learn and enjoy it is to experience it first hand.
INDEPENDENCE HALL
Next step into history after a quick lunch at world famous SONNY'S CHEESESTEAK home of the original Philly Cheesesteak is INDEPENDENCE HALL. Let me interject a quick opinion about cheesesteaks which I have eaten hundreds. Maybe I have been spoiled out West with the spicy meat, spicy pepperjack cheese, green chilies, tasty sourdough buns but over-hyped originals of over cooked beef, cheese-whiz, lettuce on a bland hoagie bun just don't compare. Give me a Macky's cheesesteak ANYDAY! Back to history and once again it is goose bump city as we walk through the hallowed halls where all the important ideas, thoughts, and dreams came together to create what is to become the United States of America. Can't FEEL this from a book. It was so cool to be in the same room as our founding fathers were in when creating the declaration of independence. This is where it all happened before Washington DC. became the seat of the government.
BETSY ROSS HOUSE
Seems like everyone connected with the formation of our country were just ordinary folks and Betsy Ross was no different, just a seamstress with no idea just how important her small part would play out in our history.
ELFRETH'S ALLEY
This is the oldest continuously inhabited residential street (since 1720) in America. Of course I think there might be some folks in Santa Fe, New Mexico who will argue that point.
CHRIST CHURCH BURIAL GROUND
This cemetery's most famous person is none other than Benjamin Franklin. His famous quote of a penny saved is a penny earned has somehow been construed by brides to be if they toss a coin onto his grave and it lands heads up it will bring them good luck in marriage. Sorry to the guys as there is NOTHING in superstition that will bring you good luck by getting married. These headstones are so old and weathered most of the writing has beed worn off!
NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER
It has been a very LONG day by the time we tour this museum and watch the informative history teaching performances. Most interesting to me was learning the printing process in those days of placing a wet cloth on the original document to soak up some of the ink then place cloth on the engraving plate to mark it for the engraver's to cut. Did enjoy the statue room to commemorate all the signers of the declaration of independence. All but three representatives signed the declaration of independence.
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