Day 50 – June 9, 2007 – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Last night we arranged for a free shuttle to pick us up this morning at our hotel. We figured that it would be easier to take the shuttle, since parking can be difficult and expensive in the city. The shuttle was provided by the trolley company free of charge, provided that we bought tickets for their tour. Seconds after we entered the shuttle, the driver abruptly asked me how I was going to pay for my tickets. I gave him my credit card, he swiped it and we were on our way.
The trolley tour featured hop on – hop off privileges with 20 stops around the city. We decided to take the full 90 minute tour around before deciding on what to do next. The tour was very well done and our guide was informative. In addition, we saw a lot of places that we might have missed since our time here is so limited. Our tour was given on a double decker bus in lieu of a trolley. I was happy with this, since the upper deck on the bus provided better views!
Philadelphia is a very historic city in many ways. One interesting fact about the colonial buildings is that they were taxed based on their width. We found many skinny houses located throughout the historical district. In fact, there are over 2000 buildings dating back to the 18th century in Philadelphia. That is more than anywhere else in America. Unfortunately, over the years, many of these buildings have deteriorated along with the neighborhoods containing them. While some of the houses have been restored, most of Philadelphia’s colonial areas look run down. In fact, most of the older areas of the city leave a lot to be desired. One of the neat things they have done in recent years is paint murals over the graffiti throughout the city. The murals add a very nice touch to areas that otherwise are very ugly.
When the tour was over, we decided to go to the Independence Visitor’s Center. This is where they give tickets for tours of Independence Hall. We have reservations for tomorrow, but I thought that if we could get tickets for today it would be better. We were able to get tickets for 12:30pm and take the tour.
From Independence Hall we went over to see the Liberty Bell. In American culture the Liberty Bell is one of the greatest symbols of our freedom. It rang in the bell tower of Independence Hall when the Declaration of Independence was signed. Shortly after that moment, the bell developed a crack. They tried several times to fix the crack, but never were successful. Today the bell no longer rings, but it is a great symbol of what the United States stands for. After taking a few minutes to look at the bell, we decided that it was time for lunch. We walked about 10 blocks down to a food market and ate at Rick’s Cheese Steaks. (Rick is Pat’s grandson!)
Tomorrow in lieu of going back into Philadelphia, we are heading west to the Civil War battlefield at Gettysburg. We were supposed to go to Gettysburg before Philadelphia, but sometime in Washington D.C. it slipped my mind. Gettysburg is a place that we don’t want to miss so it warrants a little back tracking. This pushes back our arrival in New York to Monday. We can’t wait!
We want to thank everyone for the comments and emails. Your support is truly appreciated and keeps us going.
The Coomer Family
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SHAWN REECE LOVE YOUR FACE ON THAT 10.00 DOLLAR BILL YES I DO!!!!!!! SOUNDS LIKE YOU HAD A GREAT TIME. I AM HAVING A WONDERFUL TIME WITH YOU. THE HISTORY IS JUST SO INFORMITIVE WOW!!! LOVING EVERY MINUTE OF IT!! I WAKE UP AND THE FIRST THING I DO IS LOOK AND TO SEE IF YOU HAVE POSTED AND ANYTHING. OH SHAWN I FORGOT WHEN I WISHED YOU A HAPPY AND HEALTHY FATHERS DAY I FORGOT TO TELL YOU NOT ONLY ARE YOU THE BEST FATHER TO YOUR SON BUT YOU ARE THE BEST SON TO YOUR MOTHER. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR THAT. YOU ARE THE BEST!!! YOU ARE ONE OF A KIND. WE HAVE A VERY SPECIAL KIND OF BOND AND FOR THAT I AM VERY LUCKY AND I MISS YOU MORE THEY YOU WILL EVER KNOW!! TAKE CARE BE SAFE AND ALWAYS DRIVE CAREFULLY. YOU HAVE SUCH A SPECIAL FAMILY AND I LOVE YOU ALL VERY MUCH. JASMINE AND SHAWN REECE AND 2 VERY LUCKY PEOPLE AND YOU TWO ARE VERY LUCKY TO HAVE THEM AS WELL, SO YOU GUYS ALL TAKE CARE OF ONE ANOTHER. KEEP UP THE WONDERFUL WRITING I’M ENJOYING FOLLOWING YOU THROWOUT ALL OF YOUR TRAVELS!! LOVE AND MISS YOU GUYS VERY MUCH!! CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU AGAIN!! LOVE MOM AND GRANDMA XOXOXOXOX