Life in the Slow Lane (The Pearl): Aug. 21

Day 156 - Birthplace of America

Penn's Landing Marina

The weather predicted storms for the afternoon so we got moving early this morning. Our first stop was Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest continuously inhabited street in America. Most of the surviving homes here were built in the mid 18th century, but they have been people living on this street since 1703. On our way to Independence Hall we passed Betsy Ross's home...the streets of Philadelphia are full of history. Visiting Independence Hall was very inspiring. We were in the same rooms where our founding fathers met to lay out the principles our country was built on. Men we have read about all our lives, like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock and John Adams were in these rooms. Visiting all these historical places has really brought American history alive for us. Our next stop was The Liberty Bell, it's housed in a museum of its own...when you view the bell you can see Independence Hall through the window. The bell hung in the bell tower until 1852. It still symbolizes the never-ending quest for freedom and the need to remain forever vigilant, for liberties gained can also be lost.

Stan and I enjoy seeing large unique markets, so we went to the Reading Terminal Market. It was opened in 1892 under the tracks of the Reading Railroad train shed. It was fascinating to see all the different booths. We enjoyed riding through the streets of Philadelphia seeing the old architecture and historical places. Our last stop of the day was the Italian Market; they claim to be America’s oldest outdoor market. We felt like we had stepped back in time. They had wonderful prices and we picked up some fresh cherries, lettuce, red peppers and onions.

We had a great day in Philadelphia...and we didn't get wet! The rain started shortly after we returned to the boat, but wasn't as bad as predicted. We have been very lucky with the weather.

Elfreth's Alley

Betsy Ross's House - she is credited with making the first stars and stripes (which we saw in DC). She produced flags for the government for over 50 years.

Independence Hall was built between 1732 and 1756 as the State House of the Colony of Pennsylvania. Two great documents were signed in this building. The Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, and the United States Constitution in 1787. (Picture from the Internet)