Day 4: Philly and Joysie

Today we were in Philadelphia, the city of Brotherly Love (hence the above picture.) Philadelphia. Former capital of the United States. Birthplace of America's freedom. Origin of a governmental system adopted by over sixty other world countries since its conception. Our first stop? Running in Rocky's footsteps at the Philadelphia Art Museum.



After this exhausting morning workout, we drove by the stadiums of the Phillies, the Eagles, and the 76ers. After this, we parked in the city and walked around city hall and a plaza with large board game pieces (artwork) in the courtyard. Getting back in the car shortly thereafter, we drove to South Philly where we all had authentic Philly cheesesteaks for lunch. Neither Fowler nor I had ever had one before. We went to this place called Geno's. It was apparently very popular and there were hundreds of pictures of celebrities who had eaten there. It was next to an urban playground. Perhaps where the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was "born an' raised?"

After this, we found a parking lot and walked to Independence Hall. Then, Daddy caused a ruckus by ringing the Liberty Bell. Not actually, but getting a family photo was quite a challenge among all the groups and hoards of people scrambling to celebrate freedom.


We saw Independence Hall (where the Declaration was signed and the Articles of Confederation and Constitution were written). We also saw America’s first Senate and House chambers and the first U.S. Supreme Court courtroom.

Where the Declaration was Signed (Washington's Real Chair!)

First Senate Chamber

Leaving Philadelphia, we crossed over into New Jersey and went to the state capitol at Trenton. We were unable to go inside because it was closed on Saturdays, but walked around a bit. After Trenton, we went to Princeton where we walked the beautiful campus of Princeton University and also saw Princeton Theological Seminary.

At the university, we went into an open room and art exhibit called the Inner Sanctum where several paintings of former university presidents hung. I was not aware that Jonathan Edwards had served as president there or that the college had formerly been known as the College of New Jersey. Also, a young man held the door open for me at the campus bookstore—the first nice person we’d met since crossing the state line. We’ve definitely passed out of the Southern hospitality sphere. We may need to start using the horn on the car if we’re going to survive on these turnpikes, which by the way, one must pay to use.

We plan to cross the river early in the morning into New York City where we plan to stay for three days.