Philadelphia, PA

Saturday

Made it. With literally seconds to spare. After a potentially killer sprint from the T to the bus terminal, we were half expecting applause and cheering from our fellow passengers as we mounted the Bolt bus. Instead, we had to scramble on board, hearts thudding in a flustered frenzy and claim the only 3 seats that were left unoccupied.

First impressions of PHILLY on arrival: 

• The city of brotherly love <3

• Blossoming white and pink trees everywhere

• Clean, bold buildings

• Artistic ambiance with sculptures and Murals dotted about the streets

• Cosmopolitan city with lots of space

• Gridded

• Striking historic connections

• Quiet, as if everyone was hiding from us, apart from the odd suited office worker

Staying with Tay and Lisa who live in the outskirts of the city - Molly's connection - they are planning to move to turkey within a few months so we were lucky to catch them in the States. The train dropped us in Elwyn and Tay was there to pick us up with jolly open arms. Their neighborhood was fenced and resembled a scene from The Stepford Wives movie. Neat lawns, perfectly pruned flower beds, white picket fences and two story houses which welcomed us before we even stepped through the front door. Lisa was in the middle of cooking a wholesome dinner for everyone and was busying about the kitchen when we arrived. This was just the beginning of the overwhelming hospitality in their cosy home. We were completely spoiled as guests with irresistible meals, deep conversations, movie nights, the best tour guides, a family environment, and all the other cherished extras that good friends bring.

Sunday

Early rise. Blow up bed was still inflated despite the pasta, chicken, GIGANTIC strawberries and white wine indulgence the night before. After getting scrubbed-up and refreshed for the site seeing day ahead, we all grasped a toasty cup of tea to flush down some maple pancakes and crisped sausages that were served for breakfast. Hopped on the train into town, maps on laps to plan our route around the renowned spots of Philly. Tay was our personal photographer all day, catching glimpses of our fun in the sun at every given opportunity.

Love sculpture - JFK Plaza

Rocky Statue

Museum of Modern Art

 

Philly sky line from top of the famous 'Rocky steps'

Murals

City Hall

Independence National Historical Park is known as the birthplace of our nation and includes the Liberty Bell, and Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. 

 

Lunchtime had to be a Philadelphia Cheese Stake. The bread sub filled with shredded beef, American cheese and fried onions wasn't exactly something I'd usual reach for but when smeared with ketchup and freshly served, it hit the spot.

A table was reserved for dinner at Maggiano's, a decadent Italian restaurant in the center of the city. The polished brown tables and chaired were complimented by the European red and white checkered tablecloths. Our booth was lit by a glistening chandelier and the waiters were all suited and shined for a night of fine dining.

Monday

The breakfasts over the weekend have been like no other. Omelette, cheese, turkey, tea, fruit and bagels cluttered our plates. Charlie the cat was pouncing behind the sliding glass doors in a playful manner as he watched the squirrels and birds nibble on the nuts that were flung onto the outdoor decking. It was time to say our goodbyes to this fabulous pair and wish them all the best for their future endeavors on our side of the Atlantic. Cannot thank Tay and Lisa enough for having us to stay in their elegant home.

Philadelphia's Magic Gardens is a mosaic visionary art environment, gallery, and community arts center that preserves, interprets, and provides access to Isaiah Zagar's unique mosaic art environment and his public murals. This was a vivid end to our Philadelphia experience, Mum would have definitely been inspired by the creative clutter of glass, bicycle wheels, bottles, plates, tea cups and many other objects that were set in concrete.