The skies cleared Wednesday, and with some adjustment, the itinerary for our last day in Philadelphia came together. Most often when in the city we try to get everyone as close to the "top" as possible, in order to look out over the area. We chose the Philadelphia City Hall Observatory as the location for some pics from up high. We took the lift to the sixth floor, then the kids and Janie went the the top (just under the feet of William Penn's statue) while I read up on the history of the building. In essence, Philly City Hall is the grandest in the land. Noted as the largest in the US, it's controversial expenditure in the late 1800's raised the eyebrows and ire of critic and taxpayer alike. Janie said the view was great and, although the man on the elevator was less than extroverted, well worth the look.

Back on the ground, next stop was the Philadelphia Museum of Art.  This museum hosts the steps that Philadelphia's fictional Rocky character, clad in sweats, ran up to raise his arms high in victory.  A Stallone like statue sits to the right of the stairs and its well worn path and popularity is evident.  We checked our coats and began on the second floor working our way down.  Highlights included the Arms and Armour exhibit, the French impressionists (Monet is a favorite) and the Modern Art rooms.  No scavenger hunt for Monica, but she did find some activity sheets that helped with maintaining interest.  Grand old building which Peter said, after speaking with a staff member, was due for for specific expansion and renovations.

Just three/four blocks from the Art Museum is the infamous Eastern State Penitentiary (ESP).  Shades of Alcatraz, we entered through the castle-like front gates and walked into a world not seen until the late 1900's.  ESP was really one of the first incarceration facilities in the world designed to, in Puritanistic fashion, rehabilitate the prisoner. Based on the Puritan belief that there is good in every man, the penitentiary founders sought to achieve this through isolationism (from both the outside world and inmates) providing inmates with the maximum amount of time away from others to reflect and atone for wrong doings, prompting change and successful reintegration with society. Critics purported that the isolation drove prisoners mad.

We started with a History Channel introduction via video in what was once the visitor/prisoner conference room, prior to meeting up with our ESP guide.  Very informative! Then we took the afternoon tour (of which we were glad) with our guide who brought to life the many phases the facility had morphed through since inception to eventual closing in the third quarter of the 1900's.  We toured one of the original cell blocks, looked at the architectural advances of the period, as well as the ensuing "expansions" and moves away from early isolation based treatment to serious issues with overcrowding.  Stories of Capone, prison breaks, and life in the prison balanced the tour content.  This was an excellent stop for an inside out look at how prisons have very much reflected societal change in North America.  Kudos to group running the facility and our very knowledgeable guide.

We scampered cross town and home after a busy day to "recharge" for a bit. No panhandlers, but as we walked in front of the Catholic Church we did pass up a reporter's request for our comment regarding the selection of the Pope. We got changed and cleaned up, then set out for our second pro-sport event of the week, an NBA Sixers vs Heat contest. This time the trip to South Philly was completed with ease, and we once again entered Wells Fargo early to find comfy seats that gave a good view of the court below. Fun watching the warm up, listening to the fans, and really to join all eyes in the arena on Lebron James, arguably today's best player on a basketball court anywhere on the globe.

The game was fantastic, as the Sixers managed to keep pace with Heat (riding at that point a 17 game winning streak). At the end of the game, it came down to James exercising his will on the court and carrying the Heat through for another win in a close 98-94 margin. We all got caught in the excitement and were swept up in the crowds energy being in such a tight game. Even at the loss, the crowd left in good cheer after seeing the home team competitive! We rolled north on the subway for our last night in Philly and to assemble plans for making our way home. Great evening in a fine city.