Homeward Bound

Our story picks up in Philadelphia. After the long but fun day that left us passed out in unfamiliar beds for the last time, we geared up for a final day across the country. 

The morning began with the bright light of Philadelphia streaming in through the window helping to kickstart our tired brains. We began by packing up our bags so that we would be totally ready to go and could enjoy the morning before our flight out and about around the city. 

Ana basking in the morning light

With our bags packed and ready to go, the day started on an exciting note when we found that two out of the four hotel elevators were experiencing leaks, creating a waterfall like situation on the inside. Ana and I were both very grateful to have made it in one that was still working, and with that, we stored our bags behind the counter and stepped out onto the streets of Phillie. 

The fire truck called to sort our the elevator

Our first stop was the famous Reading Terminal Market for breakfast, and even at around 9 in the morning when we arrived, the place was bustling. Full of unique shops, restaurants, boutiques, and fresh produce all tightly packed around each other with small isles for patrons to peruse the products, guided by neon signs overhead, the place made quite the sensory wakeup call.  

One of the many lively shops in the market

We all were immediately drawn to a lively crepe stand right by where we entered and spent a few minutes exploring our surroundings until our food arrived, and was subsequently devoured. We spent the next couple hours in the market, scurrying through the seemingly endless maze of shops, and getting lost more than once as we smelled candles, purchased gifts, and gazed at the tempting delicacies that many shops had to offer. 

Soon we were finished with the Reading Terminal Market, if only to leave room for other activities in our day, and made our way on foot to another popular Phillie attraction: the Philadelphia Magic Garden. A true testament to one artist's dedication to his craft, and his neighborhood, the eye-catching reflective installation was started as part of a successful effort to keep the city from building a highway through the residential area. Although the Magic Garden is immediately visible from the street, the true majesty of it can only be enjoyed from inside. 

Upon entering you are immediately greeted by light bouncing from every direction and vibrant colors that seem to jump off the walls. It helps that the mosaic nature of the installation means many of the pieces are quite literally poking out of the cement surfaces towards you. I enjoyed walking through the structure, but liked, even more, sitting in the corner where I could slowly take in the intricate details surrounding me. 

Ana in just one nook of the Magic Gardens

From the Magic Gardens, we moved further on foot to a quick pit stop for some energy giving snacks and drinks before resolving to enjoy a nice lunch in the historic area of Philadelphia. This turned out to be a great idea because while waiting for a spot in the restaurant we stumbled upon Benjamin Franklin's house and original post office and print shop. Getting to learn more about such an important member of America history, and the founder of UPenn was certainly a treat. 

The still sanding home owned by Frankin next to his own

We enjoyed our lunches, grabbed some deserts for the road, and headed to the airport.

It seems that the traveling gods were not in our favor once again, our flight was delayed to the point where we were put onto another one, from there we barely made our connection in Pheonix, and the cherry on top was my bag being lost somehow in Houston. 

On our way home

Altogether, we were pretty tuckered out when we finally touched down on Oakland, but still in good spirits and so happy to be home. We made our way deliriously through the airport for the last time and all reveled in the well missed cool climate of the Bay Area. 

When the doors of the van opened back at ECHS and we had made it full circle to where it all began, the first thing I did was hug my mom, so happy to see here in person again. 

At 1:30 in the morning my brain was not hanging on particularly well but we managed to take some pictures, sign cards for the amazing sponsors that made our trip possible, and give each other all one last big hug, promising to meet up again soon. 

Rockstar cohort and best friends

The long day ended with the happy faces and wagging tails of my dogs and a quick text to my friends from VSA letting them know I had indeed made it home.