My First Trip Report Begins- USA & Canada

[irv]

Given that you've had 58 replies and 1713 views, I'd say a few peeps are taking an interest .

Actually 23 of those replies are mine, probably a few of the views as well

 

[DontGetMeStarted]

Irv thanks so much for this great reading...I am planning a trip to Washington ( Memphis and Nashville too) in a few weeks so I loved reading this, well done

 

[irv]

So our trip to Washington had come to an end, we caught the shuttle for our final journey to King Street Station. One thing I haven't commented on was how easy it was to travel by public transport, this was our sole means of getting around (apart from Shanks Pony ) just need to remember what colour line you are on and if necessary where to change. We caught the train to Union station for our Amtrak journey to Philadelphia, if you haven't been to Washington it is a city I can recommend visiting. The next part of the journey had begun.

 

[Nug300]

100% with the Washington recommendation. We were there for 3 days/2 nights and didnt even scratch the surface.

You can nearly spend a day each in the museums alone they are that good.

 

[irv]

When we went to Canada in 2011 we did a few train trips that we enjoyed, I thought this mode of transport in the US would be similar, was not disappointed. IMO train travel over here is comfortable, efficient and reasonably cheap. Plus you get to see parts of the cities you would not otherwise see.

I have spoken previously about homelessness here, the amount of people roughing it under railroad bridges was significant. I know we have the same problem at home, but with the much larger population here the problem is amplified particularly for someone like us from a regional centre.

Train left relatively on time, we arrived in Philadelphia around 12 pm. Our hotel was only about 100 metres from the railway, checked in, then out and about to get our bearings. First call was the tourist information centre to pick up some brochures, we ended up in the Reading Markets with its large array of food stalls, dinner for two people for around $13 US, can't get much cheaper than that. We only had 2 nights here, we were looking forward to the next couple of days to explore.

A few photos from Day 1

 

[mrs.dr.ron]

Our son lived in Philadelphia for 2 years. We have spent a lot of time in the Reading Markets stuffing our faces with Amish pastries :shock:

 

[irv]

Sometimes it is only when you go back to the metadata on your photos that you can recall where you were on a certain day, now it all comes flooding back :/ We were early enough to score a tour of Independence Hall that afternoon, the site of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the drafting of the original constitution. The thought crossed my mind that these people were debating their future before we were officially discovered by the Europeans.

Goes to show how young a nation we really are. After leaving Independence Hall we discovered the memorial to the Irish settlers, I am again impressed with the detail of these memorials.

Tomorrow we will visit the Liberty Bell and the city in general, it was a balmy 37 c.

A few more day 1 photos

 

[irv]

Our son lived in Philadelphia for 2 years. We have spent a lot of time in the Reading Markets stuffing our faces with Amish pastries :shock:

Thank you for your reminder as to the correct title

 

[irv]

Don't worry Irv, I reckon there are plenty of people taking a sqiz at your TR. Remember the time zone difference when wondering why no one is looking at your thread when you are.

I am with Drron as well, these TRs provide great memories for yourself, and they also allow you to express the joys and wonders you find in travel - never wasted.

Not worrying it will be what it will be. As a first time poster I guess you see lots of comments up front that gradually die off. Like JohnM said look at the reads, probably a more accurate guide to the reviews.

Regards

 

[Hvr]

I loved Philly and was very impressed with the hall where the Constitution was written. The Americans do history very well. The Liberty Bell is another amazing sight having seen it on television and heard about it previously.

I caught the train from Boston to Philadelphia and the Bostonian's told me I was travelling from where the action was to where the paperwork was done.

I also went to Citizens Bank park to see the Phillies play the Mets, my first and to date only US baseball game.

 

[irv]

I loved Philly and was very impressed with the hall where the Constitution was written. The Americans do history very well. The Liberty Bell is another amazing sight having seen it on television and heard about it previously.

I caught the train from Boston to Philadelphia and the Bostonian's told me I was travelling from where the action was to where the paperwork was done.

I also went to Citizens Bank park to see the Phillies play the Mets, my first and to date only US baseball game.

Unfortunately we did not get to Boston, timetable did not fit. Never say never

 

[irv]

Day 2, we hit the streets of Philadelphia, no we didn’t visit the steps made famous in the Rocky movies as I was unlikely to run up them and jump in the air. Again a place with history and architecture that has been preserved, I must give it the yanks as previously posted, they do history well.

To say we plotted our way around the city would be a lie, we came, we saw, we wandered. We ended up around Logan Square in Walnut Street and generally cruised around this precinct before making our way back to visit the Liberty Bell around lunchtime. Again in the mid 30’s, they know how to put on summer.

A lot of history in this city dating back to mid 1600’s, but also a mix of the old and the new, will let the photos do the talking.

 

[irv]

On our way to the Liberty Bell, a couple of detours, the first to Betsy Ross House, a lady who some have credited was the first maker of the American Flag, others have said this is incorrect.

I suppose unless you were there in the late 1770’s you will never really know.

Definitely not a McMansion, I wonder how some of today’s generations would adapt to these conditions.

Photos follow

 

[irv]

Our next detour was Elfreths Alley and Bladens Court, a superb collection of old homes that have been preserved in their original forms. No cars in here, narrow winding alleys, the homes radiate history. If only the walls could talk.

A few photos.

 

[irv]

Our final stop, the Liberty Bell, not very well made apparently, but an important part of US history.

That evening looking out our window I note there has been a contest between a SUV and a couple of stanchions, stanchions would on observance next day probably weigh at least a hundred kilos. If you look you can see the marks where the first one hit the wall, unfortunately the SUV was unable to knock out its second opponent, lucky no one was in the way.

We resume our journey tomorrow by train to the Big Apple for a ten day visit, have been looking forward to this part of our journey.

Last photos of Philadelphia

 

[mrs.dr.ron]

I think every American school child has to visit the cracked bell

 

[OATEK]

Did you quietly sing the Davy Crocket theme song?!!

 

[jastel]

Good report, been and done most of these things. Done Washington once in 40 degrees and once in about 4 degrees.
I noticed the homeless as well but never had any problem with them...I was told the Washington CBD has more CCTV cameras than anywhere else in America.
Was lucky with a personal tour of the Pentagon with a friend who worked there...got a clip on "visitor" badge as well, saw more than the general tour she said. Including the real podium.
I liked the way the décor and furnishings got more expensive as you went from lackeys to Sergeants to Generals as you went up the levels.
Maybe because I had an appointment but was easier to get into than an airport for me.
Arlington was the only place in the whole USA where people were quiet and respectful I found.
The memorials and Smithsonians were very interesting as well.

Did you do the Rocky steps run in Philly?

 

[irv]

Did you do the Rocky steps run in Philly?[/QUOTE]

No, you must have missed my post however running up the steps and leaping in the air was not on my agenda

 

[irv]

Did you quietly sing the Davy Crocket theme song?!!

Sorry, forgive my ignorance but as Pauline Hanson once said "Please Explain"