The Mennobrarian

A side trip to Philadelphia

02:25, Friday, July 11, 2008 .. Posted in Travel .. 4 comments .. Link

For the past few days we have had company, and it has been a wonderful blessing as we got to know a distant cousin. A lady, who, up until now, had always just been some lovely bride in a photo on my Grandmother's dresser. Now, she is so much more.

When company comes to town, it sometimes forces you to be a tourist in your own backyard. You strive to come up with interesting day trips, and you try to convince one another that there is plenty to do around here.
"I know! We could go for a walk down by the river and then go shopping in the historic district!"
"No, there's nothing there."
Sigh.

We took our cousin to Philadelphia for a day of sight-seeing. Despite it's drivable proximity and geographic closeness, one never thinks to go to Philadelphia unless you need to drive over it via I-95 to get to the airport. Or maybe you would go there if there is a special museum you want to visit. Philadelphia is unkind to anyone with a car, and there is scant public transportation, yet practically no parking either. That is just my opinion. Yet, we braved the traffic and smog and the very visible soot to see the Liberty Bell, the National Constitution Center, and to take a historic tour of the city. Many times, when I drove by tourists walking along Independence Mall, I wondered to myself, "Just what are they looking at?"
Now, I know.

We took a "duck tour" in one of those old retired military vehicles that can go from land to water in the flip of a switch. Completely gimmicky, terribly fun. It took us around the colonial part of the city and into the Delaware River.

All the times I've passively driven by Washington Square, I never knew that buried beneath it were the graves of 11,000 people who had died in the yellow fever epidemic.

The liberty bell. Heavy, and heavily guarded.

Betsy Ross' house...another lady who liked to sew. Not a great picture- the vehicle was moving. Like a lot of the buildings, it is made out of a brick technique that is resistant to musket fire.

And so while the past few days were a joyous time to spend with family, it is now time to get back into the routine of things. There are weeds to pull, peppers to pick, grass to mow, meals to make, and so much organizing to be done. See you back in the garden!

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Untitled Comment

03:42, Friday, July 11, 2008 .. Posted by gabbie427
Oh, isn't it nice to meet old family like this!!! I remember one of my favorite people when I was little was my grandmother's cusion, Oka. She was just a lovely person!

Thank you so much for taking us along your tour of Philadelphia!!! I loved looking at the pictures.

God's Blessings,
Amy Jo

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03:50, Friday, July 11, 2008 .. Posted by haflinger
Hi Monica sounds like you had a nice time.. Lucky u. Now that tour car-boat or what ever is called sure is different looking.. Have a nice weekend..
Blessings SIster Brenda

Betsy Ross

06:15, Sunday, July 13, 2008 .. Posted by Anonymous
How funny, I just read a short book on Betsy Ross I picked up at a garage sale! It talked about the Liberty Bell, and everything. I loved seing your pictures, I'm glad you had fun.
Christine

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07:51, Monday, July 21, 2008 .. Posted by missourimom
I feel the same way when people come visit us here in MO!! And I definitely played tour guide a LOT when we lived in NYC. Amazing how many old friends you have when you live somewhere cool!!