America's Independence

Today Shawna took me to Philadelphia, PE (thanks Shawna!), to be a real tourist. We first saw Independence Hall, a major place for the US because this is the place where the declaration of independence was signed! Then on to the Liberty Bell, which is a great symbol of liberty. For those who have seen the movie 'National Treasure" you will remember these two sites. Nicolas Cage is at Independence Hall to find spectacles in one of the bricks of this building. He then moves on to Liberty Bell, which has been taken out of the Independence Hall and is now on display in a building next door (Nicolas Cage also mentions this in the movie). This typical bell can clearly be recognised by the big crack in it.

We also visited the Betsy Ross House (no photo). Betsy Ross is a lady who made (one of the) first American flags. Originally it was with 13 stars. Now there are fifty, one for each state.


Although it was a bit rainy, it was a great day. And we ended with THE thing to do in Philly (Philadelphia): eating a cheesesteak. What an experience this was. For those who do not know what a cheesesteak is (I didn't know either). It is a sandwich principally of thinly sliced pieces of steak and melted cheese on a foot long roll. We went to Jim's Steaks, apparently the most favorite place in Philadelphia. A lot of famous people have been here.

There was an enormeous queue until outside around the corner. It took us probably 45 minutes before we could order, but it was worth every second. Although it was quite a torture as well: being able to see them make these tasty cheesesteaks in front of you, knowing that you still have to wait in queue for a while...

Too bad that eating the cheesesteak took only 15 minutes... But what a pleasure it was!