Tag Archives: Constitution Center

The 2018 Road, Day 23: A Father’s Greatest Joy

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Posted by on in Family, Historical, Social, Travel

June 17, 2018, Philadelphia-

We began the day with what was billed as “A Farewell Brunch”-and it was enough to last me, at least, until late afternoon.

Here are a couple of scenes from the morning.

Son is explaining to his  second cousin about his work on a ship in the Navy, whilst YH and the little guy’s parents look on.

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My younger brother, Mom and the lovely bride are enjoying the morning.

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Once we had indeed made our farewells to the family, Aram, YH and I headed over to the Korean War Memorial, just inside Penn’s Landing.

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We headed back towards the Independence Historic District.   A few late model buildings caught our attention. The Ritz-Carlton is mostly high rise, but uses this domed structure for its lobby, convention center and main dining room.

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Here, you get a view of Philadelphia City Hall.

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We took in the Alexander Hamilton exhibit at The Constitution Center.

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Then came a visit to the Liberty Bell.

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I managed a selfie with the former Pennsylvania State House bell, now a national symbol.

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We then returned to Independence Hall, checking out the East Wing and courtyard, for a bit.

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The last act of the day was to head to Jones Restaurant, on Chestnut Street, and enjoy a Midday repast of  tomato soup with a grilled cheese sandwich, hearkening back to my childhood.          The best present, though, was having Aram here and getting to meet his love.

Leaving the happy couple to enjoy the Philadelphia evening, I headed south, to Baltimore.

 

 

I Felt Like The Waterboy

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Posted by on in Family, Historical, Personal Values, Social, Spiritual, Striving, Travel

June 17, 2018, Philadelphia-

From Friday night until about 11 A.M., today, my biological family was giving my youngest niece and her new husband the respect and honour they completely deserve.  The wedding rehearsal dinner, and all that pertained to food, last night and this morning, were among the richest and most generous culinary festivals I have seen in many years, now.

I stuck to grilled fish, as my entree, for each meal, but the hors d’oeuvres for the two dinners were an astonishing parade, and no words could do justice to the intensity of the work done by the planners, the servers and the wedding party itself.  Then, there was last night’s musical troupe, who gave their all, with a constant stream of dance-able music.  Thus, for the first family wedding, in memory, I was relaxed and out on the floor, tripping the light fantastic, rather than tripping over my two left feet.  Like Adam Sandler’s water boy, in the movie of that name, I was hearing the voice of his buddy: “You can dooo eeet!”     So I danced, almost constantly, to tunes from the 1960’d through today, though I sat out the slow songs. Some things just don’t get done, for a  long time afterward.

This weekend was special in another way:  My son and his girlfriend came, clear from South Korea, for the wedding.  So, Father’s Day was also the most meaningful in years.  We went about  taking in the historical core of Philadelphia, in particular, the American Constitution Center, parts of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center.  The Korean War Memorial, near Penn’s Landing, was also of interest to Y.H., she being a Korean national.

Summer is in full swing here, sticky and hot, but the sky has been clear and calm, all three days.  After a light supper, I have to bid farewell to Philly, to my new “little family” and to the new Mr & Mrs.  I’ve watched that girl grow up and with her entry into the full bounds of marriage, I found tears coming even more readily than in betrothals past.  Long may this, and all my family’s unions, last and bring happiness.