Sunday, August 17, 2008

The Festival of Living

This weekend was... in a word... cultural. And it demonstrates another aspect of the city that I LOVE, which is that you can walk a few blocks and always find something delightful going on that you had no idea was happening. 
On Saturday we went on a walk. It was hot, 
but with the breeze as you walk it was bearable. And the way the sunlight hit every building and tree and created shadows on the road made strolling totally worth it. We made our way up Pine Street and found ourselves at a craft fair/farmer's market near South Street. There were vendors selling crafts, photographers displaying their local work, and fresh fruits and vegetables laid out in a colorful array. 



After that pleasant surprise, we made our way to Penn's Landing where we found an Indian (the country) festival going on complete with vendors, performers, and the sweet smell of curry
 wafting through the tents. We stopped to watch some children singing and some women dancing in bright orange costumes and tinkling bells on their ankles. Then we browsed through the clothing and jewelry being sold. Finally we made our way home. 





Then Sunday we went back to Penn's Landing for a Carribean music festival. The acts included rappers, reggae singers, and dancers all wearing colorful flags to represent their home countries. 

We always hear about the U.S. being a "melting pot" of cultures and ethnicities, but a lot of times (and I'm guilty of this) we stick to what we know because it's safer. This weekend was great because we branched out and saw some different populations that inhabit the city -- making it the colorful, diverse place it is. 

Cars under the South Street Bridge to Penn's Landing


Sculpture on the South Street Bridge


Steps up to the back of Independence Hall

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