What a week! I started on Monday, June 1, and what a whirlwind. The park itself covers a bit of territory for a city.
The Liberty Bell is a treat for everyone and it was for me as well. From 1976 – 2003 the bell sat in a glass pavilion. In 2003 it was moved to the Liberty Bell Center, newly built and open to the public. It has many exhibits throughout the building telling its history.
Then came Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed. It may sound a little corny but itnwas a little emotional to see the actual area where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed.
There are 3 other National Historical sites in Philadelphia:
- Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial
- Edgar Allen Poe National Historic Site
- Gloria Dei Church National Historic Site
More to follow on these in future blogs!
But before I get too far ahead of myself, let me tell you about where we are living. I rented a studio apartment which is likely just about 500 square feet in size with a trundle bed. Upon arrival though we found the studio was not finished and we were put in the ‘penthouse’ until ‘the studio’ is complete. I just learned he has rented the penthouse as of June 20 so we will be moving soon. In the meantime, here are some pictures of where we are currently.
This was a local Reuben Sandwich. It was good but not as good as New York’s!
My schedule is 8:30 – 5:15 daily from Thursday through Monday. I don’t deny that by the time Saturday rolled around last week I was very ready. Since I didn’t take my regular days off the first week they gave me a Saturday and then I started my normal days off. That was great. I’m averaging 1400 steps per day and my goodness was I tired come Friday at 5:00pm. I don’t think I moved at all that Saturday. LOL.
The training has been extensive and very high quality. The Rangers are all so giving and forgiving of the things I know they had to tell me about multiple times. I don’t really have my thoughts together yet as to all that I’ve learned after the first week. It will take me a few days to put the puzzle of information together. Then next step will be to learn some “fun facts” to share with visitors as well as the correct answers to their questions. This is just the tip of the iceberg but thought I would share a couple Ranger pictures. I’ll have more as time goes by. If you are visiting a National Park this summer be certain to tell them thank you. They have a wealth of knowledge and a love of our parks. I’m so grateful for them!
Franklin completed the design for the Glass Armonica (or Harmonica as it has been called here in the states) in 1761 while living in London. We have 4 rangers who are adept at playing it. Luke is one of those who really enjoys it.
Well, this has been a bit more disorganized than I’d prefer. I’ll get better once the firehose learning style slows down and I begin to pick up a more relaxed knowledge base which will be very soon. I’ve found the Philadelphia ‘center city’ to be friendly and very walkable. The streets / sidewalks are a bit uneven and cobblestones are the dickens to walk on. Yes, I must admit I’ve fallen a couple times. Never having learned the art of putting my hands out to break my fall means both falls were hard ones but no broken bones thank goodness.
Fall#1 went unnoticed except for this young man who was 1/2 block down the street and asked me if I was okay as he passed. I said, “sure” and got up and moved one. However I was drenched as I had purchased a glass bottle of vodka and it shattered. I walked the remainder of my way home wet from top to bottom. What a site!
Fall#2 was a little more productive. I tripped and went down hard in Rittenhouse Square. Lots of people were enjoying the great weather and a couple a little younger than me came and helped me get up. LOL. They were so worried the gentleman suggested I sit for 5 minutes or we were going to have to take him to the hospital as he was so worried about my fall. I assured him I was fine but the blood flowing out of my thumb gave me a reason to sit for a few minutes. There were no serious lasting effects except that it hurt to breathe for the next 3 days (and sneezing was a nightmare!) and my thumb is still healing. But, “I’m good” as I always say. LOL, life is so much fun!
And on an up-note, my friend Joan from San Antonio introduced me to her family, Bonnie, who lives here in center city Philadelphia. WHAT A DELIGHTFUL LADY. I’ve met with her once and hope to connect with her again in a couple weeks. I can’t wait.
Life is indeed what you make of it. Have a great week and I’ll visit again next week. Love and Hugs to all.
Mara (excuse any mistakes please)