Elfreth's Alley

Elfreth's Alley is a little side street in Philadelphia that is called the "oldest residential street in the United States." It's a very pretty little street. The current homes were built between 1728 and 1836, but the street has been home to residences since 1702.

Museum Week

Independence Day is apparently not enough in this lovely city. Instead, we have had Independence Week. A number of museums contributed to the festivities by waiving their admission price for a day.

On Monday, I foolishly fell for the lure of free admission and went to check out the Franklin Institute. I'm glad I went but apparently every parent in Philadelphia with two or more children had also heard that there was free entry. It was packed with too many people, and the majority were children. Still, I got to say hello to Ben:

Thursday's experience was much better. Ben was once again sighted. He's everywhere!

I snapped a picture of the Mint:

and then made my way to the Constitution Center. The crowds were a little less chaotic and a little more mature. There was a wonderful exhibit of photographs of the Kennedy family, taken during JFK's campaign and presidency. There was also a great exhibit on the Bill of Rights and a beautiful display of the various state flags. 

I also inadvertently walked by Ben's grave and the Arch Street Friends Meeting House.

William Penn deeded the land to the Society of Friends for their use in 1701, originally to be used for burials. The Meeting House was built later and is still in use by the Quakers.

Fireworks!

I got my fireworks fix a little early this year. June 29th was the start of Independence Week here in the city of Brotherly love. My cousin was in the city for a conference, and she I made plans to meet for the festivities at Penn's Landing.

We found a pretty spot underneath a gazebo of sorts and enjoyed some life music before the fireworks barge moved into place. We ended up being perfectly located and the pyrotechnic display was lovely!

The finale was perfectly timed to end with a beautiful rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. 

Just another pretty street...

There is something incredible about blending functionality with beauty. When on the vespa tour in rome, which I mentioned in my last post, our guide Valentino showed us a beautiful neighborhood of Rome. He told us that this was socialized housing. It was gorgeous. Homes were unique, well-built, beautiful. He told us that this came about during a period when politicians realized that residents would take better care of something that was beautiful, even if they didn't own it. It also sends a message that everyone deserves a clean, safe, and even beautiful place to live. 

I love that message. I think of it when I'm walking around cities now. In so many of our cities, the economic status of the neighborhood can be inferred from the exterior of the homes and the condition of the streets. There is a supposition that renters will damage a property and owners will improve it. Why is this?  I'm a renter, with no desire to buy an apartment or a house at this point in my life. But I have a desire to make my living space as beautiful as possible, in the same way that any home owner might!

Well, that was a bit of a tangent! I started thinking about all this on Sunday as I walked around the Old City of Philadelphia. Trees shade beautiful brick homes and small side streets. I love this part of the city, but I also know just by looking at the neighborhood that I can't afford to live there. It prompted the above thoughts, making me wonder why we think a higher income bracket should correlate with the beauty of one's home. 

This is just one pretty little street in Old City. I loved the raised brick flowerbeds on either side of the doorway and the contrast of the blue shutters and door with the red brick. As I walked by another alleyway, my senses were suddenly overwhelmed with the sweet smell of honeysuckle. (It was certainly one of the typical smells I have learned to associated with urban side-streets!) Still, it was a wonderful reminder to savor the moments of beauty that our Creator slips into our days. 

First days in a new place

And I'm back in a city. The second half of May was a flurry of decisions and changes. A friend contacted about a vacant room in a three-person flat in Philadelphia, I began applying to jobs, and resigned from my teaching position. 

Saying goodbye to my class was very difficult, but there were many factors outside of the classroom that were making it more stressful. My manager was incredibly understanding and supportive. One of my students nearly made me cry. When I informed the class that I would be leaving, several students responded by saying, "No! We will miss you." Ana looked at me and said, "Will it be better for you, Hope?" I didn't want to diminish the importance of my life in Harrisburg, but I felt it was important to be honest. I told her it would mean chances for a better job and the opportunity to live in a big city again. She smiled, nodded, and said, "Then we will be happy for you." 

I had an interview on Friday for a teaching position, but after the interview, I felt it wasn't the right job for me. It seemed completely irrational to turn it down on Monday when they called to offer it to me, but it was the decision that gave me peace. I have been blessed by friends and family who have kept reminding that my Provider will bring about a job at the right time. 

This past Sunday was moving day. I've been attempted to reduce my belongings for several months now and that eased the packing process tremendously. Mom, Dad and I packed my things into my brother-in-law's pick-up truck, and off we went. Despite my father's jokes, we didn't resemble the Beverly Hillbillies...much. 

Most of this week has been rainy and cold. As a result, I haven't been out exploring very much. My apartment is on the tenth floor, and it has offered beautiful views of the city with shelter from the rain.

I made my way to one of several local coffeeshops today. (I felt I was in danger of becoming a hermit if I didn't leave the apartment!) The coffee wasn't fantastic, so I likely won't be returning. Given that it could have just been an off day, maybe I'll have to go at least once more! It has a nice atmosphere. Thankfully, I've got several choices in a several block radius around me, including an Ethiopian cafe and a Lebanese bakery (baklava, basboosa, and kanafe a few blocks away...oh my!) I'll keep you posted on my explorations and opportunities in the coming weeks!