Touring Philadelphia

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: birthplace of our nation, guardian of our Liberty Bell, site of historic gatherings and signings of documents, etc., etc., etc. From the founding of our "free and independent states" until now, this city has played as instrumental a role as any in forming the land I love above all others. The heritage we possess as Christians in America can be traced back in many ways to the historic meetings held in that city by our Founding Fathers, and Philadelphia deserves recognition and remembrance as host of these infant American days. To remember and better appreciate the history of this city and our country, as well as the blessings of our Almighty God, Mark, Cara, John and I visited Philadelphia this past Tuesday.

Our journey commenced by taking the High-Speed Line from Haddonfield, NJ, into Philadelphia, PA. We rode the train across the Ben Franklin Bridge and disembarked at 8th and Market streets. Departing the terminal, we strolled two blocks to the Independence Visitor Center, located directly across the street from Independence Mall. At the Visitor Center we procured free tickets for access to the Liberty Bell (housed on Independence Mall), perused a few displays, and took pictures and video (Mark had brought his friend’s GL2 with him).

Walking across the street we made our way through security for the Liberty Bell, waiting only about fifteen minutes or so in line. Once inside, the four of us slowly meandered through the (for the most part) "politically correct" nonsensical placards and signs, eventually ending at the Liberty Bell itself. It is sobering to gaze upon an inanimate object that has for so many years induced patriotic speeches, writings, and songs in honor of the liberty we have been granted. Imposing in its simple, cracked grandeur, the Bell conjures dreams of freedom and independence in the beholder, hearkening one's mind back to those who gave their lives for the liberty of their children's children. An important stop during our day, needless to say.

From the Liberty Bell we moved to Independence Hall, site of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and the signing of the United States Constitution. We toured the old Pennsylvania State House, gazed upon the chair of the "rising sun," and considered the events which transpired within that building more than 200 years ago.

After brief visits to a few other buildings in the vicinity, we decided it was time for our mid-day grub. Stopping at Sonny's Famous Steaks, we enjoyed a meal quite carnivorous in nature. While Cara, John, and I each ate burgers, Mark polished off his second Philly cheesesteak in as many days, his first ever within Philadelphia's city limits. To all those who have never eaten a real Philly cheesesteak (i.e., a cheesesteak made in Philadelphia), I highly recommend changing that fact.

In order to gain a better overview of the entire city and its history, Mark, John, Cara, and I purchased tickets for a bus ride around Philadelphia. We sat in the top of a two-tiered bus enjoying the unobstructed views provided by the open air setting (no roof). During our 1 1/2 hour loop we saw, among other things, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Reading Terminal Market, Carpenters' Hall, the Betsy Ross House, Independence Hall, Boathouse Row, Fairmount Park, Benjamin Franklin's Post Office, Elfreth's Alley (nation's oldest residential street), the National Constitution Center, Chinatown, the Philadelphia Zoo, and Penn's Landing. Many pictures were snapped and much footage was shot, to be sure.

Following our bus ride we stopped for some Italian water ice, a Philadelphia treat. Recommendation #2: to all those who have never partaken of this cool, delightful delicacy, I strongly suggest that you change that harsh reality.

Our Philadelphia day trip ended with a brief stop outside of Carpenters' Hall as we finished consuming our respective cups of water ice. Then it was back to 8th and Market streets to catch the High-Speed Line to Haddonfield, from which we drove to Williamstown and home. Our memorable Philadelphia tour was complete.