Leaves

Philadelphia, while popular as a convention destination, attracts only a meagre number of tourists. We happened upon an Australian couple recently. Their 21-day coach tour of North America's East Coast had stopped en route from Washington DC to New York. Both cities warranted a two-night stay. How long did the coach stop in Philadelphia? Two hours!

Just enough time for the jersey-clad Eels fans to have their photograph taken with the "Rocky statue" near the foot of the "Rocky steps" (a.k.a. the Philadelphia Museum of Art). Likeness of Sylvester Stallone aside, the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall appear to be Philadelphia's most popular attractions.

Independence National Historical Park, utterly desolate in winter but for the hardiest dog and bambino walkers, has lately been dotted with costumed actors reenacting events and telling tales of times past. Elliott's interest in such things is fleeting. He'd rather play with the leaves, which is what he's doing above.