We finished our visit to New York City with another Yankees-Oakland
game in 100 degree heat on Saturday. An uneventful but exciting 4-3
victory by the A’s. I wised up and took the boys to the souvenir
shops after the game to avoid the massive crush for the train which
made the ride, and especially Logan’s because he gets overlooked by
the crowds, hugely more comfortable. We had a lovely dinner at a 20
seat Italian restaurant on East 53rd Street called Radicchio Pasta and
Risotto.

We arrived in Philly by Amtrak on Sunday afternoon and headed straight
to the historical area. We managed to visit the Liberty Bell Center,
Independence Hall and surrounding buildings and the wonderful
Independence Visitor Center. Afterwards we hiked for a few score more
blocks in search of dining and observing Philadelphia along the way.
The large older cities of the US are interesting in how the cityscape
changes from block to block as well as building to building as some of
the pictures demonstrate.

I always find it thought provoking to view history in Washington, DC
or someplace like here that focuses on our country’s founding and early
history. The film “Independence” that we viewed at the Visitor Center
was inspiring and yet another reminder that those people were able to
compromise enough to put together a whole country. Wouldn’t they be
embarrassed by our “leadership” today.

Phillies and Padres on Monday then off to Washington on Tuesday. This was fast.