Last week, I went to Philadelphia, but it was closed

Last week, I went to Philadelphia, but it was closed

Last week, I had the opportunity to visit Philadelphia, a city known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and iconic landmarks. As a fan of the legendary comedian W.C. Fields, I was particularly excited to explore the city that played such a significant role in his life and career. However, much to my disappointment, when I arrived in Philadelphia, it seemed as though the city was closed.

W.C. Fields, born William Claude Dukenfield in 1880, spent a significant portion of his early life in Philadelphia. He began his career as a juggler and vaudeville performer in the city before eventually making a name for himself in Hollywood as a comedic actor. Fields' unique blend of wit, sarcasm, and physical comedy made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, and his influence can still be felt today.

One of the reasons I was so eager to visit Philadelphia was to see some of the places that were important to Fields during his time in the city. I had hoped to visit the Walnut Street Theatre, where Fields performed early in his career, or perhaps take a stroll down South Street, where he was known to frequent the local bars and restaurants. However, when I arrived in Philadelphia, I found that many of these places were closed or inaccessible due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the disappointment of not being able to fully experience Philadelphia as I had hoped, I still found ways to appreciate the city's connection to W.C. Fields. I visited his grave at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, where fans from around the world come to pay their respects to the comedic genius. I also took a walk through Rittenhouse Square, a park that Fields often visited during his time in Philadelphia, and imagined what it must have been like for him to stroll through the same streets and alleys that I was now exploring.