Monday, May 5, 2014

Three Days in Philadelphia – Part 1

The Artist Doll and Teddy Bear Convention is over for another year and I have photos from our three days in Philadelphia. I think the best thing is for me to post them in chronological order rather than by subject matter because that is really all over the map. From the quirky to the historical, and from the dolls to, of course, the bears, there was a lot going on.

The drive up to Philadelphia was in the rain. Not just drizzling or dreary rain either. This was serious-pouring-down-buckets-flooding rain. It was the first thing anyone talked about on arrival. Whether or not they drove in it or their flight was delayed by it.  Sebastian’s view was mostly of the windshield wipers going at full speed.

What a difference a day makes!  The sun came out and we were able to mosey on down to Philadelphia where we happened upon this quirky building.

You couldn’t help but stare and be curious wondering what the heck this was all about.  There were mirrored tiles and ceramic ones as well as glass bottles and bicycle tire rims. What??!!!

Not to be left hanging, we soon found out this place is quite the oddity and even made the Roadside America list of places to see in Philadelphia.

It’s called Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens and is the vision and work of artist Isaiah Zagar.  The following photo is of just one of many walls.

Of course, we bought tickets to explore it from the inside.  We didn’t have to buy a ticket for Sebastian.  He was allowed in for free.

It is very much like a maze with tunnels and grottos and walls adorned with glass and tile mosaics.  Look closely below – I did as suggested and took one!

It was fun walking through it and seeing all the work that took  years and years to accomplish.  I would like to see it at night sometime.  I bet that would be cool.

Art was everywhere in Philly.  It seemed as if every wall had a mural.  I took photos of many of them.  Here’s a huge one.

More art in the form of sculpture on the South Street pedestrian bridge.  It’s called “Stroll”.  These figures are very tall!

We sort of missed lunch so these cupcakes from Philly Cupcakes kept us going until dinner.  Sebastian said he didn’t have any problem with it as long as he was allowed a few bites.

Philly Cupcakes didn’t have chairs and tables – it’s a strictly get your cupcakes and go kind of place.  Which we did.  We took them over to the Reading Terminal Market where we sat down to eat them.  This flower sign outside caught my attention.

Sebastian wants to play a game of “Guess Where I Am” so we might do that next time.

As for me, I’ve mostly unpacked but there are still a few things here and there that have to be put away.  That will be my Monday task and while I’m doing that maybe Sebastian will finish the laundry.  Yeah, I know.  Keep dreaming!

signature

10 comments:

  1. Both Magic Gardens and the Terminal are 'must sees' for time in Philly. The murals are wonderful to see, too. glad you enjoyed your holiday.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Lelia,

      I have a feeling we only grazed the surface of all there is to see there. What we saw we really enjoyed but we now have a bucket list for our visit (or visits!).

      Thanks for stopping by!

      ~ginger

      Delete
  2. no deja de sorprenderme todas las cosas geniales que visitas, me encantan y muchas gracias por compartirlo , es fantastico

    besitos

    Mari

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Mari,

      We happen upon some very interesting things and love these unexpected surprises. That is what makes exploring interesting and fun. I'm glad you enjoyed the photos. More to come!

      hugs,
      ~ginger

      Delete
  3. We are so intrigued
    with that house made
    of bits and pieces
    Hugs Kay.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Kay,

      I think this is something you would enjoy seeing. As I know there are things that I would find intriguing where you live. It's funny how the things around us we get used to seeing and when someone from somewhere else comes along, we get a chance to see them in a different light. I love that! It makes you appreciate the birds and the trees and so much more!

      hugs,
      ~ginger

      Delete
  4. What, the famous author and tour guide Sebastian doing laundry? Oh Miss Ginger, give me a break.

    You do the laundry and let him use your puter, OK?

    Heaps of Hugs
    Prudence ♥

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Prudence,

      You are too funny! I only suggested that perhaps he would 'finish' the laundry that was already in progress. And like you suggested, I would be 'dreaming'. I know you know who is in charge, right?

      :D
      ~ginger

      Delete
  5. Hey SEBASTIAN, You are back. Boy have we missed you! Phew-ee, we thought you were lossered.
    Alan says Philly didn't look like that when he lived there, but that was ancient ancient history, after all Katy was only wee, nearly as wee as we, so it must have been AGES ago.
    That looks like a cool museum thingy and the cupcake was just bear sized we think, so we hope you got your fair share, you know, about most of it, 'cept maybe for the odd crumb or two for the humins.
    Hugs,
    Jock and Zeke

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jock and Zeke,

      Yes guys - we are all back and Sebastian didn't get lost! Yea for small miracles. Philadelphia is jam packed with so much to see. I know we only touched the surface in the small amount of time we had there. Sebastian wants you to know that he made out alright on the cakes and other things - like chocolate and cookies and stuff. I'm glad he has friends like you looking out for him!

      hugs,
      ~ginger

      Delete

We appreciate your comments so much and love reading them! Thank you for visiting bearbits!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...