Philadelphia calling

“I think the family deserves a vacation after the hectic preparations and successful conduct of the Upanayanam,” said Shankar as we watched the early rounds of World Cup. “More so it will be a thanksgiving to the two boys who gave a good account of themselves,” added Sunita, accustomed to their restlessness at the stroke of the sixth minute, anytime anywhere. “Also a reward for doing their Sandhya Vandanam regularly and keenness to learn by-heart the mantras before the other,” quipped Aunty, who knows a little too well about their me first syndrome.

After a few deliberations, the choice fell on Philadelphia, for two reasons. Shankar has official work there for a week. Second, an engagement ceremony in Boston thereafter. “So let's take two weeks off to cover both Philadelphia and Boston,” came a unanimous verdict. Shankar would attend office in Philadelphia, and Sunita would join us only in Boston as she has a product-launch deadline in her office. The boys thus couldn't be more joyous. A field day. It is Thatha Patty all the way, except when Dad returns to hotel from work late in the evenings. “Breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, all our choices”, they hurrahed.

Declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage City, Philadelphia is a historic city that witnessed America's Declaration of Independence, the writing of the Constitution by its founding fathers, the city where the country's national flag was designed, the Liberty bell (which of course cracked when rung and is now a museum piece), not to speak that all the three houses, viz., the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary, all located within a radius of two miles. It was in this Congress Hall that one of the founding fathers proclaimed: “Now I am neither a New Yorker, Pennsylvanian, nor a Virginian. I am an American.” That spirit still pervades, 242 years later. How about a similar feeling back home after just 71 years, one must be wondering.

Most of the sightseeings are walking tours, manned by volunteers. The Constitution tour that we picked up was for two hours. He took us around all the historical places and explained with such clarity that if only it was transcribed verbatim, it could easily become a book that needs no editing. So good choice words and expressions.

When he found the group just lending their ears, he said, at one point, “I would very much like it to be an interactive session.” That was enough for Rohan, the younger one, to go hand in hand with him for the rest of the tour and load him with questions so much that he might have wondered why he at all mooted an interactive session. At the Benjamin Franklin's cemetery, Rohan asked him, “Why are people throwing pennies where he is buried?” “Good question. I don't know if it has anything to do with what Benjamin said, “A penny earned is a penny saved.”

The World’s (or, America’s?) first bank is located in the city. The second largest bank was shut down by orders of the President since their activities were not beyond question. “Can anyone guess what architecture does this building resemble?” “Athens, Greece.” Ashwin answered promptly. “10/10”, the guide awarded him the marks.

“That, over there, is the National Treasure,” pointed the guide. Can anyone guess who acted in the movie by the same name? “Nicholas Cage and Sean Connery,” I said, but he didn't award me any marks.

Unlike many museums where “don't touch” is the hallmark, the Franklin Science Museum authorities want visitors to gain hands-on experience on how a sewing machine works, or a vacuum cleaner operates, etc. As we stepped out of the building, we felt we, the two seniors, were the best beneficiaries.

The next was to go to prison - nay, to what they call penitentiary - an old-time prison-house where some of America’s notorious criminals were ganged up. To give a feel of walking through prison cells housing hardened criminals on both sides, some audio effects are in place, we were told. Alas we had to choose instead a visit to the Revolutionary museum, with cinematic effects.

As we drew near the end of one programme at around noon, the guide asked, “Any questions?” And the first to raise hand was Ashwin, “Any good restaurants over here?” He is accustomed to long walks only under compulsion.

(Next: Meeting oldest family member en route Boston)