Philadelphia

Tom has still had things to wrap up at work though we have got a lot of playing in.  He finished one afternoon so we decided to go spend the day in Philly.  Found a cheap hotel out by the airport then got up the next morning to go into the city.  The shuttle bus driver suggested we leave our car and take the train in.  It would be cheaper than paying for parking in the city and definitely more fun!  So he dropped us at the train stop and off we went.  It dropped us at the Reading Terminal Market where we wandered a bit and which was just up the street from Independence Square and the Liberty Bell.

We invested in a piece of chocolate covered bacon so we could at least say we had tried it.  NOT worth the $3.50

                                           Tom had me strike the pose on the street

 The last time we were here the kids were little, it was summer and there were tons of tourists.  It was so nice to just walk up to the bell and right into Independence Hall.

 I'm wishing I had read nothing but American History during our time in DC.  Too late now! But the history is really just a little overwhelming.  THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE and THE CONSTITUTION!  Ben Franklyn, George Washington (and his rented house up the street) and Jefferson.  Just sitting around in this building working on a couple of documents.  Mind blowing

 As we get ready to head home to Utah I'm looking for paint combinations.....I like this one.

                                    Happened onto the Betsy Ross house but didn't go through

 The shuttle driver also told us about this little alley that is the oldest neighborhood in America.  We HAD to go find it.

 How charming are these places?

 I'm also putting shutters up when we get home.....hence......

 So then, we came around the corner and found THIS place!

 Gorgeous!  And like stepping back in time!  1911 to be specific.

So we slip into this little back room and come upon this......they're making chocolate.  Like grinding it for hot chocolate and special teas.  WHAT?!!!

 So we watch him grind these beans down with a stone and I have a hot chocolate that is oUt Of tHIS WORLD!!!!

 Had to buy a little box of chocolates for Tom to take to his white elephant party.

 I just love it when serendipity allows you to find such a heavenly place.  We spent a good long while there chatting with the chocolate masters.

 Had to stop for a Cheesesteak.....

 ....and  check out the visitor's center  (Rocky and the Mummers)

 It was a great day and we had a relaxing ride back on the train before driving a little out of our way to see Valley Forge.  Took a quick drive through the grounds but they were getting ready to close it off.  Still gorgeous.