Philadelphia

If you recognize the view of this Noguchi sculpture from the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, and this snippet of Chinatown, you will know that our Girl Scout troop was headed toward Philadelphia, PA.






We saw so many things and visited so many places while there. Here are just a few photos of places we visited. Here are Anna, (my)Laura, Megan and Kaitlin outside Betsy Ross's House. She lived in a rather small, rented house. General George Washington actually visited her to commission the flag. The stars and stripes were his idea, but it was Betsy's idea to make the star with 5 points rather than the 6 that the General had suggested. He thought a 6 pointed star would be easier, but Betsy quickly took a scissors and a piece of fabric and with a quick snip snip snip she showed him how easily she could create the 5 pointed star. See? sometimes it takes a crafter! :) She had to hide upstairs in her bedroom when sewing the flag or she could have been arrested by the British and killed for treason to the crown.

Ads for the awesome John Adams mini-series were found here and there. I'm so glad I was able to watch it before our trip. It made it that much more special. If you haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend it!

Here is a little bird friend who shared a shortbread cookie with me while waiting outside Independence Hall for our tour time.







Inside Independence Hall, it is awe inspiring. The architecture alone is worth the visit. However, it is the history that transpired there that brought tears to my eyes and a lump to my throat. I must say that our National Park Rangers who work there are very informative, seem to love their job and are not jaded by how many tours they have given to the thousands of visitors.

We found these little guys here and there on the streets (literally!) of Philadelphia. I figured it must be some form of street art. I did a little research when I got home (since no one we asked seem to know) and found out he is called 'Reflectorman.' The artist must spend time between New York and Philly.























We had a special candle lit dinner at the City Tavern; another historic stop. I highly recommend a visit here. The food was so delicious we bought the chef's cookbook; but more about that another time :) This cake was made using Martha Washington's chocolate mousse recipe. Everything was presented so beautifully. Everyone was happy with their dinner. The adults would have liked to sample the $4,999.00 bottle of wine that was on the menu but alas, it was not in our Girl Scout budget. I wonder how many cookies the girls would have to sell....






















We wrapped up one evening with the 'Lights of Liberty' walking tour. They give you a headset and a tour guide and as you walk through the historic section of Philly, you listen to the story of the birth of our nation while images are projected on panoramic screens set into parks and on historic landmark buildings. Our tour guide encouraged shouts of 'Huzzah!' as the Continentals prevailed and we were happy to oblige. There are loads of wonderful things to see and do in Philadelphia. It is truly a place where today and yesterday happily converge. -CS ^..^