Also Seen in Philly

Our time spent exploring Philly was just a teaser, of course.  We didn't even get into the Museum of Art because it was closed when we got there.  We had to settle for a fountain and some sculptures on the grounds instead.

If you recognize the image below it's because this is the setting for the famous steps scene in the movie "Rocky".  Unlike most folks who just get their picture taken flexing their muscles outside we really did want to go in.  If  I ever get back I will plan better so I don't miss it!

A stop that I'm really glad we made was to Reading Terminal Market.  When the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad's terminal opened in 1893 the market was already up and running underneath the railroad station with 250 specialized dealers and 100 farmers occupying the stalls.

There aren't that many there now, but everything looked an smelled delicious!  Cory and his friend declared their lunch delicious, but I wasn't wowed by the baked goods.  Maybe that is a good thing, or I would have had trouble walking back to the car?

Train service to the Reading Terminal ended in 1984, so no rumbling or rushing, just downtown workers grabbing lunch and tourists eyeing up oddities like these unique chocolate offerings.

Kitchen items and cookbooks are also for sale, I purchased the Reading Terminal Market Cookbook but haven't had a chance to try any recipes yet.

Last in this collection of treasures is the Congregation Rodeph Shalom's detailed architecture.  Founded in 1795, it is the oldest Ashkenazic synagogue in the Western Hemisphere and the current 1927 building is an exotic Moorish Revival delight.

Photographs on the internet indicate the inside is even more exotic than the exterior, a reminder to always try to walk through the door but time wasn't on my side that day.