A Little Bit of Paris

Benjamin Franklin Parkway is Philadelphia's Champs Elysees. Fountains, small parks, statues, monuments and flags from every nation lend a formality that gives the Parkway its own special aura. The Parkway is a place of parades. In September there is "Super Sunday," with all the public institutions participating and Philadelphians, usually a quarter-million or more of them, joining in. In recent years, the Parkway has been the starting point for a bicycle race which is part of the international racing circuit. In fact, the race was on held on the June 8th this year.
In the beginning, the Parkway was an architect's and a planner's dream — something breathtakingly bold for the staid old city. Then it became a cultural mecca — a center for museums and educational institutions. Today the Parkway stands as a triumph in urban planning.

Logan Circle is one of Penn's original five squares, and it, was once used as a burying ground. Whether William was also buried in the square we don't know, but in 1825 it was renamed for James Logan. Eventually the graves, mounds and hillocks were removed or leveled. And now it is one of the most beautiful spots in the city. The square has become a circle with the waters of the Swann Memorial Fountain by Alexander Stirling Calder providing a graceful aerial water ballet.
My favorite and one of the great libraries of the country is main branch of The Free Library of Philadelphia. I remember visiting the library one spring break from Lincoln University to see if I could examine the book the "Kama Sutra". I had learned about the text in Philosophy of Eastern Civilizations class. I couldn't check the book out and in fact, I don't remember learning anything from examining the book.
There are always exhibits of interest in the entrance hall, concerts, lectures and films throughout the year. There is a cafeteria on the roof, and during the summer you can eat alfresco and enjoy the panorama of Philadelphia.
Let me give you another taste of Philly with a video tour as I continue to make my way to my final destinations. Enjoy!