Today was our last wild day in Philadelphia. The day started with a small group getting up early to visit the Italian Market. When the group got there, fresh produce of all colors decorated the street. In shops, there were meats, breads, pastas, cheeses, oils, chocolates, and many other Italian dishes and foods. The street, although short, was quite the site. Everything smelled, tasted, and was fresh and delicious.
After the market, everyone met at N.S.C.C. headquarters. From there, we walked to City Hall and toured the gigantic, unique building. We saw many rooms used for conducting business and making decisions. The highlight of the tour was going to the top of the tower, under the William Penn Statue, and looking out to see miles in every direction. When the tour was over, we ate at Reading Market Terminal. There was food of all sorts. The place was filled with different dishes of almost any culture thought of. Later, we split into groups to experience different parts of Philadelphia. The groups went to historical sites, colleges, shops, stadiums, and the Rocky Balboa Statue--depending on what group each person decided to go with.
At night, some people went out to a club (18 years and up) and danced to Techno. The other group experience First Friday and walked around different stores and art galleries. The art was fantastic.
On the First Friday walk, the group bumped into two Alma Students participating in the Philadelphia Center experience. They also went to Christ Church and visited the gravesite of Robert Morris, ancestor of Katie Steiber (class of '06). Robert Morris signed the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, the Constitution, asked Betsy Ross to make the flag, and had George Washington stay in his home.
At night, some of our group ran up the Philadelphia Art Museum Steps one last time. From the top of the stairs, Philadelphia is gorgeously lit at night. We have all had a blast in Philly.
