We both throughly enjoyed ourselves, indulging in history for the most part – where else in the States would you start? As the impressive guide in Independence Hall said, speaking mostly to a class of 8th graders, this is the first dot in the ongoing join the dots that is America. He made a valiant attempt to encourage them to engage in the gun debate, making the point that amendments remain live and each generation must express its view. Some kids, and hopefully the teachers, got the point. The pupils who will no doubt carry guns may not have.
The guides we encountered were universally impressive – both National Park Service and independent – enthusiastic and knowledgeable, wanting to share the excitement of the late 1700s. The most impressive was perhaps in the Second National Bank of America – now an Art Gallery of portraits of the main players from the colonial/revolutionary period – who discoursed for 45 minutes, keeping us both interested. What was striking was the influence of the Enlightenment, and how British the colonials remained even ’til as late as 1775 when it began to tip. And all because of the idiocy of the British Government. How things change … oh no wait.
We loved Christ Church which is an elegant and light filled building with a history that goes back perhaps twelve generations! We were shown round by a lovely lady who knew Perth, having worked there when Scottish Amicable was taken over, and was clearly a Democrat. She was worried about their candidate in 2020. Biden was too old, and there were simply too many other candidates. People now seemed to be accepting Trump and she thought Pelosi had to seek impeachment, if only to prevent his behaviour becoming the new norm.
Interestingly, this theme was repeated at wine o’clock at the Monaco where we spoke with two scientists, one Swiss, the other German, over for a meeting with their American Board. The Swiss lady, who had lived in the States, was horrified how her boss, an intelligent and not illiberal man, positively supported Trump. He told her he liked the way he upset the norms, but chillingly had added that since Trump wasn’t after him, he accepted his offensive behaviour. The German colleague laughed, and observed that much the same had happened in his country once. I cheerfully observed that at least HMQ had toned him down and reminded him of the benefit of global order as opposed to isolationism, They were pleased that I kept referring to myself as a European, as distinct from the piggy eyed blond lady beside us who became increasingly red faced as we chatted happily. Obviously a Trumpette but not prepared to engage.
That is not to say for a moment that we had anything other than positive experiences. It is a matter of joy at how polite the Americans were. They can still queue, and the sheer industry they display shames me. Useful doing the sites.
We also visited the Reading Terminal Market and Rosie shopped in Macy’s lest you think I was cruel. It was a magnificent C19th shop in a building akin to Frasers in Glasgow. Better still it has the world’s largest working organ – the pipes in the photo are fake and the vents above open and shut as the range is played! But the music was sublime and made my day more than tolerable as Rosie indulged.
Finally, good news for those who were beginning to worry, there will be a brief and separate special interest post to follow for those who like ships!