A Taste of Philly Campo's

Like I said, I gladly wore it with pride. Make sure you grab some napkins before you go out side you'll need one with whiz. Don't let the shirt stain deter you, it's well worth it. Seriously though, Campo’s has great sandwiches. You haven’t lived until you try the “Godfather”: Chicken, Broccoli Rabe, Sweet Roasted Peppers, Sharp Provolone, Grilled Tomatoes and Onions on an Italian roll. For me an Italian Hoagie is still my favorite and Campo's makes a great one. Their Italian Hoagie is so good I recently sent two overnight to a friend formerly from the area who now lives by Buffalo, NY and she was in heaven. So if you’re traveling in a wheelchair and want a taste of Philly, Campo’s is wheelchair accessible and a great place to relax, have a sandwich and people watch. Quite a few historical sites are right around the corner so it's the perfect place to put on your list of places to visit.

When you’re in a wheelchair you learn there are some things you’ll have to learn to do without. Thanks to Campo’s, Cheese Steaks and Italian Hoagies aren’t one of them. Located at 214 Market St in the heart of Old City Philadelphia I was able to wheel myself right in the door, order my steak and then sit out on the sidewalk and enjoy the sites. They do have seating inside but it is a little cramped and the day was so beautiful I didn’t even consider sitting inside. Like a lot of Folks I ordered my steak with “Whiz” and then proudly wore my badge of honor for the rest of the day because a big glob of whiz dripped on my shirt.

The Betsy Ross House

The Betsy Ross House

I visited the Betsy Ross house the other day, what an experience. I naturally couldn’t go upstairs with my wheelchair but I was able to tour the 1st floor and the courtyard out back. Built circa 1740, the Betsy Ross house is one of those examples where I take what I can get. While others may complain the upstairs isn’t accessible with a wheelchair I’m glad I was able to enter it and see the beautiful restoration of the building. Putting an elevator in a 273 year old building in my opinion would take away from the homes’ charm. There’s a beautiful courtyard with a fountain in the rear that is also accessible where you can grab a hotdog and listen to a story from Betsy herself. Now I know there are debates over whether Betsy actual designed the flag. I don’t really understand what the big deal is. Betsy and her husband owned an upholstery business and also made flags during that time period. If not her, someone else obviously designed and stitched the flag in a place just like this. Good enough for me. Philadelphia has done its’ forefathers proud with

this one. Truly a step back in time and one you can enjoy while traveling in a wheelchair. I'm curious if others agree with me on whether there should be an elevator in this building. I myself don't want to see the historic integrity of this treasure compromised. I was tickled pink I could get inside and have that feeling of awe thinking it all happened here.

Free Images to Download

time and would most surely go broke trying to fulfill all the requests. I uploaded my 1st two paintings to test my new gallery out and will be adding more photos and paintings in the next few days. Please feel free to download any image you want, all I ask is it be for personal use. I don't mind seeing one of my images hanging in someones den but I don't want to see them in a magazine or billboard. Please like and or share my page on Facebook so others can enjoy. Thanks Bill

I have been surprised and humbled by all the comments I have been receiving about my photos and artwork. Who thought a hobby would get such a response.  I have been getting requests for prints of some of my images and figured the easiest way to do it is to provide the original files for people to download and take to their printer of choice. Click Here for the Download Gallery. I am a one man show, taking pictures, painting, designing this website, writing my blog and of course Traveling in a Wheelchair. I neither have the

Rittenhouse Square Philadelphia

There's not enough space in one blog post to post enough pictures to show you the splendor of this park. The map to the right shows you the layout of the park and the paths, all of which are wheelchair accessible. No need for help getting pushed, if you're able the paths are flat and smooth as can be. As the morning gets later you're apt to see vendors line the perimeter selling anything from flowers to artwork. This park is amazing, it's not a giant open park but a park with nooks and crannies where there is always a place to find a quiet cozy spot. If you're a sun worshiper there is open field for catching some sun.  If it's hot there are plenty of trees to sit under and get some shade. View of one of Liberty Place's Towers from the park

One of the five original squares William Penn planned, this park has it all from beautiful sculptures to a reflecting pond, trees, benches and grass galore. For those of us in a wheelchair we couldn't ask for more. What a way to spend a peaceful spring or fall morning. The best way to describe Rittenhouse Square is it's an oasis in the middle of a hustling and bustling city. Rittenhouse Square is one of the things our city planners from long ago got right. I'm sure if William Penn were alive today he would be smiling and thinking this is what he had in mind. Map of Rittenhouse Square If you like music you're sure to find a band in the center of the park by the gazebo and a few other musicians in different nooks around the outer circle. When lunchtime gets close there are quite a few restaurants across the street from the park, many with outside seating where you can just wheel right up to the table like the Rouge pictured below. If you're traveling in a wheelchair and are looking for a nice spot to relax and people watch Rittenhouse Square is the place to go.

Yo Adrian, I did it.

Just getting started

Yo Adrian, I did it!  The classic line from Rocky II when he won his first Heavyweight Boxing Championship.  I chose this title for my first blog post for a reason.  For those not familiar with the Rocky movies the underlying theme throughout was the grit and determination he had. He wasn't a gifted athlete, as a matter of fact he was clumsy, slow and not too smart.  Despite battling boxers who were much bigger, were better physical specimens and had all the latest modern technology for training he beat the odds. He had the one weapon none of his competitors had "Determination and Grit".  If you're like me and have recently

found yourself without the use of your legs that's exactly what we need to experience a full and wonderful life. "Grit and Determination" Now I'm not here to tell you it's going to be easy and that your life doesn't change, but I'm not here to tell you it's the end of the world either. I'm here to tell you a positive, never give up attitude and sticking to your rehab so you can build up your arm strength will help you to live an enjoyable and productive life.  I did it at age 54 so those younger

A little over halfway up

Finally at the top with arms raised like Rocky

should have an easier time.  Those a little older will probably have it a little harder but it's still there for the taking. Like Rocky in the movies, we need to push and challenge ourselves.  When we do, the rewards are unbelievable.  The feelings of accomplishment push us even further to achieve more than we or others ever thought we could. Today I challenged myself to climb the Art Museum steps that Rocky ran up everyday while training. With the use of my arms and my rear end I boosted myself up one step at a time until I got to the top. BTW there is an accessible path that does go up to the top for those who are not able to climb the steps like I did. So why did I do it?  First off myself!  I, like every other tourist found great satisfaction climbing to the top and saying "Yo Adrian, I did it!" Second, when I climbed to the top I was treated to the spectacular view in the Photo I took below.  This Photo means a little more to me now.

My prize, the same breathtaking view Rocky saw.

It's my hope in the weeks, months and years ahead I can have a collection of photos and posts about all the wonderful places I've been able to see and enjoy so that others will be inspired to go out and live life.  Trust me life doesn't end, a new journey begins.

Hello World

Photo of Suburban Station Philadelphia, Pa

I chose a picture of Suburban Station in Philadelphia, Pa for my first post for a reason.  I am wheelchair bound and the train is one of my favorite modes of transportation as I embark on my journeys. It’s my hope that others will see my blog or website and realize life doesn’t end if you find yourself in a wheelchair, a new journey begins.

God has given us this wonderful gift called life and it is still there for us to enjoy.  My motto is “With a little patience the world is more accessible than you think!”  As the weeks and months go by I’ll be posting pictures that I take from my wheelchair to show people all the wonderful places one can enjoy along with some helpful tips and reviews.

Don’t look for negative reviews of places you can’t see, I’ve found there are too many places I can enjoy to dwell on the negatives.