But it was not as I imagined...it was definitely a run down poorer feeling city. We found our B & B- it was ummm..well, about a block away from a full security PRISON. Um..no, I am not kidding. Full on barbed wire ..and a very interesting crowd for visiting hours.. Toto we are NOT in Kanas anymore...and frankly we are not in Lancaster anymore either!
That's right - we drove around for about 15 minutes and I made an executive decision to drive to Philly. I did not feel safe staying in the B & B with Tessa. We had a small cottage on the back of the B & B and I know I would have been up all night. As we headed out on route 30 I saw the quaint area that I THOUGHT we were staying in. Yes, I did research, Yes, I looked up the B & B on trip advisor and read about it in guide books. Strange.
Sooo..off we went to Philly. We did see Amish people as we drove on Route 30 - in their horse and buggies. Oh well. Not all trips are perfect!
We managed to check into the Marriot downtown Philly. I had actually read iffy things on this hotel but I was using points for two of the nights so it was going to be fine. I was more then pleasantly surprised. It is a lovely property and seems to be in a decent area.
We checked in no issues (I was stressed as it is VERY busy) - had a nice dinner at the Melting Pot at Tessa's request and were in for the night.
I had to return our car this morning so headed out to do that early.
Off we went to Independence Hall. We saw the Liberty Bell and the area where the declaration of Independence was signed and the Constitution was ratified. I was very interested (I believe more so then Tessa) as having watched much of the recent John Adams as well as the significance that the Liberty Bell has represented over the years...
This afternoon we walked around a bit and then had "tea" at the Four Seasons - what a treat! It was lovely. There is an old Church - St. Peters right across the way and I have a thing for old Churches and drug Tessa in there. She said to me "Mom, didn't we ALREADY SEE St. Peters"... well, she meant St. Peters IN Rome. I think she definitely has traveled for an eleven year old :-).
I have to say over all Philadelphia has a strange vibe to it. People say New Yorkers are not friendly - well, that has not been my experience. I will say that over all people here seem very depressed and there are many homeless and very down and out people. It is slightly depressing. Very angry people walking around.... I am smiling and realize people are looking at me like I have a third eye.
The weather has been VERY warm! I think it is warmer here then in Southern California right now. So much for the Pea-coats we brought!
I did go to Macy's... It is the old Wanamakers
Not sure what the morning will bring. We are here till Wed. in the morning.
Again - hope everyone is doing well.
Lots of love,
Dawn & Tessa
3 comments:
It just has a strange vibe over all. I thought of you and McK and Bob here at Temple.
Lancaster! so funny! I can totally see myself doing the same thing... oh yeah, i think i have actually done the same thing! what a great experience and memories!
Oh I totally thought of you cuz! I said - no way we are staying here and on we went straight to Philly!! Who would have thunk there was a PRISION in Amish county??? LOL
Post a Comment