A trip to Philadelphia!

Daughter and I just visited for two days (one night) for the purpose of seeing an orchestra production of Pokemon Evolution!  She is a fanatic over Pokemon, and I like music, so off we went.  We flew to airport, non-stop (2.5 hours), then took the train to town, and then the bus to get around (or walked). We arrived at the bus stop for the trip out to The Mann, which is an outdoor amphitheater.  It was HUGE!  The show was amazing...and even more amazing was being on a bus mostly filled with 13-27 year olds dressed like their favorite Pokemon!  They all seemed like really great kids, and were very respectful and calm.  Not a rowdy bunch, thank God!  I did have to stop and wonder how I got there though!!!  LOLOL.  There were a few other parents on the bus with their kids too, so I didn't feel COMPLETELY out of place!

The Philadelphia Chamber Orchestra did the show, and were absolutely fantastic!  Here is the big screen with orchestra below. 

Conducted by the talented Susie Seiter, who was so inspiring as a young female conductor. http://www.susieseiter.com/

The next day we walked about 7 blocks to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, which was amazing to see!  

This is the room where the Declaration of Independence was signed!  The chair in center back, was the actual chair George Washington sat in!  Here is a close up!

The clock Tower outside which used to house the Liberty Bell.  It did have a bell inside and rang while we were there waiting for our tour to start!

Statue of George outside!

 The Liberty Bell.  I've read the history on that here:  http://www.ushistory.org/libertybell

The first thought we had when we arrived and walked out of the train depot onto Market Street, downtown Philly was that it looked like New York!  It was amazing to see!  The Hard Rock was built into the side of the train depot and Convention Center.  Our Hotel was just beyond the Hard Rock. It was easy walking there, or a bus is always available.

 Just a beautiful view of the columns on the one building, the gorgeous trees there and tall old buildings!

 Our train station get off point from the airport.  It was where the Hard Rock was and our hotel.

 The train tracks, and station.  You have to know there is nothing like all of this in south Florida, so we were really truly in awe!

Inside the train riding back to the airport to come back home!  Sad to be leaving as the weather there was cool, dry, breezy, and as close to heavenly as it comes!

We have to give kudos to the transportation system there by SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) .  We had bought daily passes that allowed us to ride any train or bus while there.  Everything was clean, well run, and the drivers were friendly and helpful.  It was a big adventure, closely timed, and we pulled it off with ease, due to these great people!

The final wonderful thing was this lovely sushi I had at the airport before we left!  

I will miss you, Pennsylvania!!!