When Sara and Tony came to visit us this weekend, they wanted a tour of Philadelphia. Well I think they got just what they asked for:
First stop, Liberty Bell. All the tickets for Independence Hall had been given out by the time we went to get ours. So we settled for pictures, but got a chance to see the Liberty Bell up close and personal. D and I had visited it back in 2004, I believe, and probably 2005. I remember when we first moved here everyone who came to visit wanted to see the Liberty Bell, so we became fast friends. It has been a while since we've been back, so it was nice to get an updated picture...one that just might make it into the yearbook.
Then, it was on to The Bourse for lunch. It reminds me of the food court part of a mall. D and I shared a Fiesta Salad from SaladWorks, making sure to leave room for the stuff we were going to get at Reading Terminal Market.
And speaking of the Market, that's where we headed to next...after a quick stop at Ben Franklin's grave. Reading Terminal Market is my favorite of favoritest spots in all of Philly. Everyone we bring there can't get over how much food there is, the variety, and how good everything tastes. There was an "ice cream celebration" going on that day where you could sample all sorts of flavors, but I got my tropical smoothie and pretzel and they were quite enough for me! I so enjoy being there. I guess it takes me back decades ago to the era of open air markets and street vendors. Whatever it is, I'll never, ever get sick of going there. 
We piled back in the car and headed over to the Art Museum a.k.a. the Rocky Steps. It was incredibly hot outside, but that didn't stop us much. There were some cool, and refreshing, looking fountains nearby. I stuck my feet in one of them to cool down and proceeded to slosh around in my flip flops for the next few minutes. It was well worth it.
That's pretty much where the picture-taking ended. We made one more stop before heading home -- South Philly, Home of the Cheesesteak. D and I stayed in the car while Sara and Tony stood in line at Geno's.
We had such an enjoyable visit and hope they come back soon to tour the other half! Free Philly lodging available until May 2008 :).
by Eden , on August 01, 2007 9:49 PM
Glad you had an awesome time with Sara and Tony's visit!!! Love the pics!!
I know what you mean about markets. I always feel like I'm trasported back into the past.
by Anonymous , on August 02, 2007 9:54 AM
Looks like you guys had a great time. How I love Philly, I even love looking at you guys enjoying Philly. Glad everything worked out, did it rain for the baseball game?? Love, Mom F
by Anonymous , on August 02, 2007 10:17 AM
You probably read my comment on Sara's blog about "The Bourse" being the original stock exchange in America or did you already know that? Anyway the pics of Reading Terminal & your description reminds me of the Bazaar in Teheran! It's such a fun place! Glad you had fun & good weather to enjoy Sara & Tony's visit!
by Anonymous , on August 02, 2007 4:23 PM
Looks like it was fun for everyone. Wow, May '08-- that's coming up fast!
by Sara , on August 02, 2007 10:40 PM
I knew that when I wrote my account of our Philly trip, I would leave stuff out--I totally forgot about Ben Franklin's grave.
I think that Liberty Bell pic of you and Dave should definitely make it into the yearbook--it's such a classic Philly picture. :)
I remember you saying how quickly your feet dried off after you stuck them in the fountain--crazy! It's still so hot up here--I'm sure it is down there too. Guess it's making up for all the mild weather we've had all summer. ;)
You guys were great your guides, and we had a great time. Thanks again for having us! Hopefully we'll be able to do it again soon!