Windows

Windows, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

The ISTE conference gave me a window into what is happening across North America. It was wonderful to meet with so many of my virtual friends, and especially with my Flickr friends. I had the opportunity to take a photo jaunt with a few of them: @colemama @NedraI and @kaytech. You can see us reflected back - each ready with our cameras.




Here are some of the photos from that walk. Elfreth's Alley is in the historic area. Some houses are well kept, others need a little TLC.

Montreal has many old buildings that now have external fire escapes. There was a lot of that in Philadelphia, too.

We passed old buildings and newer ones, often in the same block.




I can never resist interesting windows or beautiful ironwork.



Many more photos were taken - too many to upload. It is interesting to see what each of us noticed, how each of us looked and chose to photograph. Flickr friends are now face-to-face friends.

Ben Franklin

Ben Franklin, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Thought I would share some of the public art in Philadelphia. Benjamin Franklin gets around - he can be found in many places in the city, including his grave. I love his lightning hair!

This temporary mural covers work. It certainly makes strolling through a pleasant experience.

This is part of a mural on the side of a pub. You have to look a while to find all the whimsical details - a flavour of Philadelphia.

This was in a store window - part of a village built by children. The "slate" roof was beautifully done. Some buildings even had graffiti - so much part of our modern cities.

Love and the Homeless

Love and the Homeless, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

This iconic sculpture sites in a park in downtown Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love. Ironic to see the sign as the pool is surrounded by benches full of homeless men. Notice the sleeping bag near the water. There is an astonishing number of homeless.

Walking from the hotel to the ISTE conference (with a few detours), I passed some beautiful murals. Philadelphia is full of murals and other art work. I am always impressed by cities that value art. Public art is accessible to all. It speaks to the emotions and elicits laughter, a smile and even tears.

As Philadelphia is a very flat city, walking is easy, but benches are available for those who need a rest or just want to stop to admire the architecture.

William Penn stands atop Philadelphia's City Hall overlooking the city. He must once have been able to see far and wide. Now modern buildings tower over the city obstruction his view in some directions. 

Masonic Temple

Masonic Temple, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Photo: June 26, 2011

There is quite a variety of architecture in Philadelphia, from the ornate to the stark modern structures. This is a detail from the entry way to the Masonic Temple (built in 1873). As you can see, each column is decorated differently. My hotel room featured a large print of a photograph of these columns.



This is the entry way - (photo taken a few days later).