Billy Penn

Hey all!  Sorry it's been a while since I last wrote - apparently the phone jack in my apartment was ancient and a few days ago it ceased to work.  I finally just got Verizon out to fix everything up and am super excited to have my beloved internet back!


Anyway, I had a pretty cool experience a few days ago and I wanted to share.  This photo was taken from the top of the Pine Building - the oldest branch of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, and, I believe, the oldest hospital in the country.  I asked the woman at the front desk in the main hospital if I could go up to take photos and she gave me a pass and sent me on my way, no questions asked, no accompanying guard, nothing.


I was alone in the building for two flights - absolutely no one else was there.  One tiny spiral staircase led all the way to the roof, but it was locked, so I took this from just below out of an ancient, dilapidated window - creeping along floorboards that looked like at any minute they'd collapse.  This, ladies and gentlemen, is the William Penn no one remembers.  I am fairly certain everyone else in my class tried (and some of them got very close) to get above the statue at City Hall, but my guess is no one thought to walk a few blocks to 8th and Spruce for a completely different picture.


You have to admit.  It's pretty cool.