Philly Fun
I know I said I probably wouldn’t be doing much blogging, but I just couldn’t help myself. Katie and I had so much fun today. I can’t think of any words that can adequately convey just how great it was.
We drove into the city and parked in the theater parking lot. From there we walked a block away and ate lunch at Ted’s Montana Grill. Katie had pot roast. Bison pot roast. It was delicious! I was chicken and had a plain old beef hamburger.
After lunch we walked around a little bit because it was too early to go to the theater. It was drizzly and very windy and as we walked up to a red light at a corner I told Katie to stand back so she didn’t get splashed by cars driving by, though it didn’t really seem to be a problem. So guess what happened. I got splashed by a car driving by. I think they did it for a laugh. I certainly know I would have been laughing if I’d been them. Heck, I was laughing and it was me!
The ballet was performed at the Philadelphia Academy of Music and that alone was worth the price of admission. It’s the oldest opera house in the U.S. which is still used for its original purpose. Built in 1855, the theater is known as the Grand Old Lady of Broad Street and it’s simply beautiful. Of course you know I could go on and on about the history of the building, the chandelier, who all has been there, etc., but I won’t bore you with those fascinating details. I’m probably the only one who gets into all that stuff.
I wish I would have had my camera with me because the photos I found on the internet just don’t do it justice.
The first picture is looking at the seats from the stage and the second picture is of the gas lanterns they still use today. Never fear. I’ll get better pictures eventually.
The ballet itself was incredible. The sets were phenomenal, the costumes were spectacular, the music was divine, and the dancing was superb. I even teared up when the Philadelphia Boys Choir sang while snow fell on the beautiful dancing snowflakes. It’s almost like I can’t handle so much beauty or something.
When we left it was starting to rain so we ditched our plans for walking around for a bit until we found just the right place for dessert. Instead we stopped at the Cheesecake Factory at the King of Prussia mall and grabbed some cheesecake for the family. Of which I am now off to eat!!
(Hey Beans! We were totally there at the same time because we got there a little before 4:00! Where were you sitting? We were sitting in the front left corner looking at the building. lol)
as a transplanted philadelphia boy (and former frequenter of the cheesecake factory in KoP) i loved this post!
Ooooh, this sounds like so much fun! Glad you had a great time.
That DOES sound like a fun time. Bison pot roast even sounds good!I, too, love old theaters. The architecture and artistic detailing of days gone by is just not matched anymore. Old train stations, too.A few years ago, my Sister in Laws and MIL and I went and saw Mamma Mia at an old theater in L.A. It was STUNNING inside. I couldn’t help but to take pictures, but got in trouble for doing so by the ushers.Merry Christmas, Jenster!
Hotwire – I’m glad I could accomodate you! lol And thanks for visiting.Monnik – It was one of those days that Katie and I will remember for ever.Becky – Which theater was it? I’ve been in a good deal of theaters in L.A. so I may have been there. And I love old architecture, too. Like old train stations. ALSO, Mamma Mia is going to be playing at this theater in a few months and I’m thinking about seeing it. :o)
Hi Jen,This is so exuberant and sweet and descriptive! I felt that I had gotten all dressed up and was in the seat next to you!I love that you’re so alive and such a feeling human being that you sometimes are struck breathless by beauty. What a fabulous way to live your life.I hope you and your family have a lovely Christmas, Jen.Peace and blessings,Jill
that’s fun! I am glad you had a fun time. And Ted’s is in the building I work in!!We saw Wicked at the Academy a while back and it is a beautiful building . . .We are seeing Rent soon I hope, and I think that may be playing there as well.We were sitting in the section right behind the hostess . ..I’d never actually sat in that part before. Funny . . .Off to service now-where I will allow my 4 year old nephew some time to play with some friends and run off some energy!!Again, I am glad you had a good time, and that Katie has such a fun mom!
Hey, Jen! I’m so glad you and Katie had such a wonderful time at the ballet. Kameron was just in her first Nutcracker on the 15th — she was a butterfly. Oh, and my sister was the Rat King. 🙂 I only saw bits and pieces of it all from the wings, but it was awesome! You and Katie will have to come out here next year to see it — I can get y’all backstage passes! LOLPilot Man will be in your general area late tonight — he’s taking the red-eye from Denver to Newark. They’re running a bit low on pilots right now, so he volunteered. I’m certain he’ll put in a good word for us all when he passes Santa!Big, Giant, Christmas hugs, Jennifer
Just stopping by to say Merry Christmas!
Hey, Jenster, Merry Christmas!!!
Jenster, your holidays sound like so much fun. I cannot think of anyone who deserves it more. Merry Christmas. May you continue to shine your light wherever you roam, whether in the blogosphere, with the kids in your preschool, at home…everywhere. Sending love and hugs and hoping we MIRL sometime this side of heaven.xxxooogretchen
Oh how lovely! I hope you and your family had a fabulous Christmas. Hugs and a Christmas wish for a special and magical New Year for you and yours.
I’ve never been to Philly, thanks for the trip :)Merry Christmas and Happy 2008!
Hi Jen, it’s raining here today so your splashy story was especially funny. (Of course, I mean that in a literary way! I’m awfully sorry you were splashed, but it did make for a good story.)Loved the pictures too. Philadelphia is so beautiful, I think. I lived in Paoli until I was 5, when we moved to upstate NY. Still have family in the area and while we see them a few times each year, we haven’t been to the city in ages. One of these days….Anyway, happy holidays, and happy blogging! Katie
Hope you guys had a wonderful holiday!
Sounds good to me! Well… All except for the getting splashed part. Don’t know if I would’ve laughed… ;o)
Sounds like a magical night!! Getting splashed, fits perfectly into Murphy’s Law, and will go nicely into Katie’s funny memory bank. You two have the most wonderful adventures together, but this sounds especially nice.Loving the cheesecake!XOXOXO