Philadelphia

My third stop was in Philadelphia.

I've stayed here at the Apple Hostel located close to Delaware river in quite central location.

First place I visited was the Philadelphia Museum of Art featuring the famous Rocky Steps and two of his statues! Tourists were running up the stairs and raising their hands on the top as Sylvester Stallone has done in the movie, there was a sizable queue to take a picture with both Rocky statues as well.

From here I went to see the top site on my list of things to visit in Philadelphia: Eastern State Penitentiary, Americas first prison which promoted solitary confinement and emphasized reform rather than punishment. It got closed in 1970s and was kept in the state of explorable ruin ever since it became a museum, it really scratched that urban exploration itch I had for a while. I'd say it was 23$ well spent!

The following day I went to see the most viewed and world renowned attraction of Philadelphia, the Liberty Bell. It was located right in the heart of the city, after a short tour and a picture I carried on to explore Independence and Congress Halls followed by Philosophical Society Museum, it was a whole lot of history to take in for one day!

 I carried on with more lightweight sights after that. I walked by one of Edgar Allan Poe's houses (he lived in few) it got turned into a museum but it was currently closed for renovation. Next I had a stroll through Reading Terminal Market "foodies" main stop in Philadelphia. I chose to have my cheese stake at "Oh Brother Philly" located downtown and it was a delicious calory bomb.

From here, I made my way back to the hostel but since it was still quite early I walked by Philly's historical street called Elfreth Alley and carried on to the Penn's Landing and Delaware River Waterfront where many of the African American slaves begun their hardships.

In this area, I stumbled upon Film Society East cinema and decided to spend my evening watching the new Superman movie, I even got a free popcorn and a "senior discount" for the ticket from a friendly staff member! The movie was good, watching it with the American crowd definitely added to the experience.

The following morning I was catching the Flixbus to my final city stop before flying back to Europe, New York.

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