Tag: Pennsylvania

Philadephia: Where it all began

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This city is called the Birthplace of America since this is where the Declaration of Independence was signed 250 years ago. (July 4, 1776). In addition, the city is where the the US constitution was drafted and implemented.

We made the decision to come here a month before our interview/ civics exam for the American citizenship. As we were hitting the books for our civics test, it was hard for us to understand the questions since we’ve only been in the US for 5 years. So we thought, why not learn more about American history from the place where it all started? So we went to Philly.

It was a short drive from NYC (about 2 hours). We decided to spend 2 days in the old city and checked in at the Wyndham Philadelphia- Historic District. The price is very reasonable given that it’s in the historic district. It’s just a walking distance to all famous spots in the city. But there’s a catch! I didn’t know this until we were in the room- the hotel is beside a centuries- old cemetery. *wink

Our room with a view of the cemetery.

We passed by the United States Mint on our way to the hotel.

Started our self- paced walking tour at the Liberty Bell.

This very famous bell was commissioned in 1752 and cast with the phrase “Proclaim LIBERTY Throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants”. It was hung in the Independence Hall where it was rung to alert lawmakers for sessions and summon people during public meetings. It has a definitive crack probably a result of age old ringing.

In modern times, every 4th of July, the young descendants of the signers of the Declaration of Independence tap this bell 13 times. A ceremony called Let Freedom Ring.

Independence Hall

Across the street from the Liberty Bell, you will find the Independence Hall- this is where all the action began. Built in 1733, called at first the Pennsylvania State House, this is Pennsylvania’s first capitol and in 1776, this is where the founding fathers gathered to pass and implement the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States.

It is considered a World Heritage Site. And you have to come in groups with designated tour guide assigned. During winter, the entrance is free which we were very glad. hehe.

Coming inside a building that has surpassed time was very surreal, got goosebumps everywhere and my “probinsyana” self can’t believe she’s actually made this far.

This was the courtroom in the 1700’s. Far right you can see bleachers where the jury sits during trials. Just shows how long the jury system in the United Stated have been implemented.

This is where the founding fathers debated and adapted the Declaration of Independence and the constitution.

The chair in the center called the Rising Sun Armchair is where George Washington sat down during the months when the constitution was made.

I love how the tour was very organized and informative and it goes to show how the US is very patriotic with regard to it’s history.

After that transformative tour (we felt like we are very ready for the civics test. lol), we strolled more on and was perplexed by how much history the city has.

The Betsy Ross House.

Benjamin Franklin’s burial ground

We ended the night with a dinner at an Italian resto a little far but walkable from where we stayed. Being a famous city, it was hard for us to dine in without a reservation.

The next day, we visited the National Constitution Center.

And saw the Founding Father’s in their element. lol

We also went to the famous Rocky Steps at the entrance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The Rocky Steps was a scene from the 70’s film Rocky where the protagonist, Rocky Balboa (played by Sylvester Stallone) practiced for his ride or die boxing match. The scene was so iconic that they have a statue of Rocky at the foot of the steps.

Our last activity before heading back home is to try Philadelphia’s famous Philly cheesesteak. We drove to Geno’s Steaks which according to hubby is one of the best and it didn’t disappoint!

The trip to Philly was a success! We aced our civics test! lol

Overnight Stay at Aquatopia Waterpark, Pennsylvania

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Who needs a private car in New York City where one can use every mode of public transport there is available- which is always. We embarked on another “carless” adventure to Pennsylvania using the old time bus. Apparently, there are buses that could take you to the series of water parks in Pennsylvania with no hassle. With the help pf the ever friendly google, I found out that Martz Bus can take you right at the entrance 3 Waterparks in PA namely- Kalahari, Great Wolf Lodge and Aquatopia. with return trips. Bus departs at the Port Authority Bus Terminal at 8:30 AM and takes about 2-3 hrs to reach the waterpark. Bus fare is 64 USD + plus one way.

Inside the Martz Bus on our way to Aquatopia Waterpark.

The trip was smooth. A stop made and we had to transfer to another bus that would take us to the entrances of the 3 waterparks.

Aquatopia was the last stop.

The good thing about it is we get to stay overnight on the waterpark as they also offer rooms. Entrance to the park is already included in the room price. Check out their website to learn more. We got the King Bunk Suite as there was a handful of us.

King Bunk Suite

After checking in, we decided to have a quick lunch at the Graffiti Pizza which is just inside the waterpark.

I didn’t get the chance to take lots of photos as we we had so much fun with the rides. Our top 5 rides includes the Lazy River, Venus Slydetrap, Storm Chaser, Wave pool and the Flowrider.

Happy faces ❤

Oh and the reason why we came here is because it was my unica hija’s 8th birthday.

Dinner at the Trail End’s Pub and Grille which is just inside the waterpark too!

The day after, we got breakfast at the Hemispheres and enjoyed their buffet- style breakfast. We found out that the chef is also a Filipino like us!

We had so much fun at the waterpark and we wanted to go back again. 🙂

Experiencing the Amish Way of Life

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I remember the first time I saw an Amish couple. We were in Port Authority Terminal waiting for the bus that would take us to Niagara Falls. They looked pretty normal, black clothes paired with hats yet they remind me of milkmaids, of anything that was old and traditional. They on the other hand didn’t use phones as most of us do while waiting in the terminal, which I later found out that they don’t really own one.

We got the chance to visit the biggest and oldest Amish community in the country in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. We availed of the tour to the farmhouse and the Village for 12 USD. Here, one will learn through a tour guide how the Amish people live day by day. W were inside a typical Amish house.

The Amish community practice the virtues of simplicity, family, community and humility. They keep themselves out of the limelight.

Amish kitchen. They live by simplicity which means they don’t use electricity. At night, they would use make shift gas lamps.
Amish bedroom. On the right you see children clothes which are made and sewn by the females. Their clothes style and color are made based on status just like a male’s beard and mustache determine his status in the community.

They raise their own livestock and make their own food.

And they have their own school which teaches fundamental education and Dutch, German and English languages.

The tour was very informative which made me admire their resilience to stick to traditions despite the fast changing society. Being there was like going back to basics.