Let's Celebrate The East Coast Way!

You all know what today is right? The 4th of July! Today, 236 years ago, the final version of the Declaration of Independence was adopted by The Continental Congress. Ever since then, the Declaration of Independence has been cherished as our country's symbol for liberty. So how did I start this historically significant day? Well, I didn't hear my alarm which means I overslept, and I missed eating breakfast with my cohort. I walked down the streets of Philadelphia with my bagel, while the rest of my cohort walked beside me with their breakfast already in their bellies.

Since there was no class, we were able to spend the whole day with our chaperone, Mr. Lawrence. Mr. Lawrence first took us to the annual parade held in front of none other than Independence Hall. The parade was made up of all the aspects that make America, America. There were actors dressed as famous historical figures, firefighters, soldiers, veterans, dancers, and some of the many cultures America is home to. Even though the parade had not yet finished, we were drained from the scorching sun and had to grab some lunch.

David enjoying the parade.

Abraham Lincoln.

One energizing lunch later, and we were off to our next stop. We made it to "Party on the Parkway" in a matter of minutes. The "party" was actually a ton of food vendors, activities, people, and of course, sun. We quickly found shade in a grassy area where the majority of my cohort decided it was a perfect time for a nap.  I, on the other hand, was wide awake, so I took advantage of the time to give my mom a call. 

Mariko enjoying her slice of pizza.

Soon after the call everybody woke up, and we were off for an early dinner. We were eating dinner at that time, around 4:40 PM, because there was going to be a free concert in the parkway, and there would be no time to eat afterwards. We went to Pete's Pizza, which is a small pizza place. Mariko, Clara, Alysa, and I shared a 14" combination pizza.

When we were back in the parkway, we got some bad news. The concert was free, but you had to buy tickets for the good seats. Oh, and guess what, tickets were sold out. We had to watch the concert from the curb, but it wasn't too bad of a view. The concert featured The Roots, Queen Latifah, Joe Jonas, Common, and a few more artists. The one person I was really looking forward to seeing was Joe Jonas. I will admit that I may have let out a squeal or two when he came on, but I for sure let my inner fan girl out when his brother, Nick Jonas, came out. Nick wasn't on the program that was handed out earlier in the day, so I don't think I have to tell you that the crowd, myself included, went crazy when Joe invited him on stage.

You probably won't be able to see, but Nick and Joe Jonas are on stage!

What's a 4th of July with no fireworks? Unfortunately we didn't get to see many fireworks because it was getting pretty late, and we had to head back to the Penn campus. The fireworks decided it was time they made an appearance right after we left the parkway, what perfect timing! We walked back to campus, with one Wawa stop along the way. Upon arriving we were informed that nobody was back from watching the fireworks. We took advantage of that, and each one of us dashed to the bathrooms for a much needed shower. As for tomorrow, I have class to attend in the morning, which I am very excited about, so Goodnight everybody and Happy 4th of July!