Independence Hall In The Morning To Chinatown At Night : A Long Day Re-Exploring Philadelphia.
I have explored the streets of Philadelphia many times over the years. I would visit the city for legal seminars, sporting events or just to enjoy its history and culture. I spent hours walking through its many neighborhoods. I love this city . On my visit last weekend I awoke early Saturday and decided to walk to the birthplace of our Nation, Independence Hall and the surrounding historic district. 
It was a mild and cloudy day for early October. I left my hotel room at the Marriott at first light, which occurs around 7 a.m. this time of year. I walked down Market Street as I have down many times in the past. It has changed so much since my first walks over twenty-five years ago. 
There are many new buildings, shops and restaurants but the bustling city atmosphere remains. And there were still many of the older buildings along the way. Since it was quite early on a Saturday morning I walked on the empty streets. I encountered a few eager tourists like me , some local residents and a lot homeless folks. I enjoy observing people. I also enjoy reading the many sign and advertisements in the shops along the way.
I walked about a mile on the cloudy and mild October morning when I first caught sight of this historic building, Independence Hall. Our Declaration of Independence and Constitution were adopted here. I still get emotional when I see it and think of the great men who gathered here and roamed these same streets. 
Unfortunately, since the tragic events of September 11 2001, you cannot walk the ground except when the visitor center is open. You must pass through security. Before the area was restricted, I remember strolling through the gardens or sitting on the steps many a morning or evening reflecting on the men and events that occurred here. One cold February morning I sat in the morning twilight, with Venus and a crescent moon in the sky, wondering if Jefferson, Franklin or some of the other founders may have seen a similar sight. It is sad the grounds are no longer open after hours. 
It was early when I arrived and Independence Hall was not open yet so I walked through the nearby parks. Amazingly, I found the remains of some old hen of the woods, or as we call them in Northeastern Pennsylvania, ramshead, mushrooms.It seems I am able to find them everywhere I go. 
I continued my walk to Penn’s Landing along the Delaware River. This area has seen a total redevelopment since I first began visiting the city. 
It is now a tourist and historical attraction. I spent a few moments watching the waters of the river flow by, thinking about the first explorers and settlers who first arrived here,
as I also watched the seagulls along the shore.
I next meandered the streets of the old colonial section of the city, walking through historic neighborhoods and business districts such a jewelers row.
Many of the old residences had gardens, some with flowers still in bloom.
I returned to Independence Hall and walked around the Liberty Bell and to the National Constitution Center. None of these attractions were here when I first began visiting Philadelphia. I haven’t had the opportunity to visit either of them and I didn’t have time to visit on this trip but hope to return soon. 
I walked by historic Christ Church and its famous cemetery. Many famous Americans are buried here including Ben Franklin. Unfortunately the cemetery was closed. 
I next walked past the headquarters of the Philadelphia Police Department,
and explored Franklin Square. It has an amusement park,
that was decorated for Autumn and Halloween. Here is a link to some more photographs from my visit to historic Old Town Philadelphia. Philadelphia Old Town Walk. October 6 2018. 
I began my walk back to my hotel and found myself in one of my favorite Philadelphia neighborhoods, bustling and colorful Chinatown. I had planned to visit it the next morning so, reluctantly, I quickly made my way through its busy streets without stopping to see the many exotic Asian shops.
However I couldn’t resist stopping in the also bustling and colorful Reading Terminal Market . You can purchase almost any type of produce, meat, or dessert in this busy marketplace place, 
as well as eat and one of its many different restaurants. 
I could spend hours in this wonderful place but it was lunch time and I had walked over seven miles. It was time to eat. I returned to Chinatown and had a wonderful lunch at Tom’s Dim Sum restaurant. The hot and sour soup was awesome. Here is a link to some more photograph from my walks through Chinatown and the Reading Terminal.
After lunch I returned to my hotel, edited some photographs and tried to take a nap. But t hat wasn’t going to happen when I was in a city like Philadelphia and I was soon back in the streets of the city.
The streets were now crowded as I walked west to the newer sections of the city and the towering buildings that were built-in the last three decades. 
I was headed to One Liberty Place and the observation tower on its 59th floor. This building was the first to exceed the height of William Penn’s hat on his statue atop of City Hall in 1987. For many year no building was allowed to exceed that height. 
I paid the admission fee and took the elevator to the 59th floor. I loved the views of the city from up here but it would have been on a clear day.
I spent about a half hour looking for landmarks and areas of the city I had visited, such as Rittenhouse Square, which was only a small island of green dwarfed by the surrounding city from this height.
It was now late afternoon so I had to return to my hotel. After a short rest and a quick shower I met my nephew Brandon and we walked into Chinatown looking for a place to have dinner. 
There were many options, although all of the restaurants were crowed since it was a Saturday night. We decided to eat at the Penang Malaysian Restaurant. I enjoyed the seafood clay pot and a pleasant conversation with my nephew. 
We roamed around Chinatown for a bit after dinner but it was a long day for me, I had walked over 12 miles, and I was exhausted. So I returned to my hotel and was fell asleep thinking about one more hike in the city on Sunday morning. Here is a link to some more photograph from Philadelphia Afternoon and evening walks. 
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. Declaration of Independence July 4 1776
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