We the People

Wow!!! What a day! I kept hearing those words, “We the People”. They have made me think a lot about what they mean. Being in the place in which our country was created certainly brings them home in a whole new way.

It is amazing how much I fit into one day. It felt like time kept expanding so I could fit it all in. My morning started with the subway (for the third time in my life) out to Fifth Street to see Independence Hall. It was humbling and fascinating all at the same time to be standing where our forefathers signed the Declaration of Independence and to think about what that meant for them. I saw the place where the second and third presidents were sworn in, moments that tested the government they had created. Next was the Liberty Bell. It was extremely cool to see in person but what surprised me was how deeply it spoke to me about our beauty, flaws and all. There will be a post later on about this. Other highlights included seeing Arch Street Meeting House, a place I had heard about from Carole Spencer in our Christian History classes. To actually be there, to walk on the street they used to cover with straw to quiet the horse hoofs, was incredible. I love being in places I’ve only heard about! I also saw where Ben Franklin is buried, toured the Betsy Ross House and learned about our first flag, and visited Christ Church that is steeped to its steeple in history.

You can imagine after all that walking I needed a break and since I still had nearly the whole afternoon, I took a rest down at Penn’s Landing, a place I didn’t think I would be able to fit in to my schedule. After a breather, I headed toward Franklin Center to see where Ben Franklin’s house once stood and his post office. After walking through some lovely 18th century gardens, I headed up to the National Constitutional Center, another attraction I didn’t think I would be able to fit in, to see their exhibits. The show where they talk about our country’s birth and following struggles, I admit, brought tears to my eyes. The circular exhibit was also chock full of information and interesting interactive media.

There were many other things I saw as well. It was a very fun and educational morning and afternoon! After five, I walked to Emily’s work through China Town (GREAT egg rolls!) and she showed me some of the city squares which thrilled me! After a drink at an outdoor cafe facing Rittenhouse Square, we had dinner with some friends of hers which was delicious and the conversation enlightening on many subjects. It was great to get a taste of urban living. We even took a taxi home (second time in my life to be in a taxi). Now my feet are recovering and I am ready to head to bed.

Tomorrow I am walking along South Street which Emily tells me has some very uh… interesting stores to ogle at followed by the Magic Garden which she says I will love, going up to the top of City Hall to see the view, having lunch with Emily at the Reading Terminal Market with a tour of the Friends General Conference offices, and then on to the Rodin Museum and the National Philadelphia Museum of Art and then back to the city center. This will involve TONS of walking. It’s the sandals for me tomorrow!

I have lots more pictures than this (of course) but I thought the ones of me would be more interesting to many of you. Enjoy!

Independence Hall

The Liberty Bell