Philadelphia

We drove to Philadelphia from Washington D.C.  Traffic is something Garmin and I don't like.  So when we ended up right next to the sports complex just as a game was ending traffic was everywhere.  Eventually about 11:30 at night we pull into our hotel in downtown Philly.  The girls were excited to see how high up we were.

The next morning we headed to the Independence Hall center.  Our first visit was the Liberty Bell.

It was very interesting to read the history of all those who call it their Liberty Bell.  It is a hope for many who don't share in the same rights as others.

This view was a little disappointing.  The top floors of Independence Hall are being remodeled due to a proper drain never being installed causing some rot.  They did put up a mesh hanging at least that gives you an image of what it might look like.

Our tour of the inside of Independence Hall was full of great history.  The chair at the top to the right of Marissa's head is the actual chair George Washington used during the writing of the constitution.  It was so exciting to be where so much of our history took place.

 We took in the gallery of portraits.  These were amazing to see of pictures I've used in my lessons.  Above is Martha Washington.

Marissa conned the park rangers to do a portrait of her to add to the gallery.  

She will add a whole new dimension to the gallery.

Next to Independence Hall is the old Congress building.  This room housed the first meetings of the House of Representatives.  Where the ranger is standing is close to where John Adams took the oath for president.  History!!!!

Upstairs is where the Senate held their meetings, decorated much nicer.  Most of these chairs were the originals.

Our next stop was a true Philadelpia steak sandwich.  We were told to go to Jim's Steaks.  Quite colorful, busy and loud.

The girls had theirs with Whiz, Dale and I stuck with Provolone.  Both were pretty good.  (I'm sorry Philadelphia, but I'm an Italian Place girl through and through.)

A very popular place.

The girls had some places they wanted to see.  They took their dad, I took my tired feet to the hotel.

The girls went out by themselves to a cafe, but worried a little since there was a curfew at nine for teens due to the flash mob problems.  One cop did look long and hard at them but they got back okay.

Goodbye Philly.