PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The snow caused quite a mess on Independence Mall, forcing the closure of historic sites for the day to give crews a chance to clear the sidewalks and paths.

Wanda and her mother Vivian were admiring the history of the mall. They wanted to go to the Liberty Bell Pavillion but found it shuttered. They weren’t your average tourists however, and not even tourists by choice. They are from San Francisco and were originally destined to visit family in England. However, when they got to Philadelphia Sunday night, they found out their flight was canceled. They then spent the night at the airport, eventually got on the train and Market-Frankford El and made their way to Independence Mall.

They were trying to make the best of a difficult situation, taking pictures of the historic sites in the frigid cold temperatures. Wanda said they are hopeful about a promised flight connection. “They said that we’re going to get re-routed to Germany now and then to England,” Wanda said.

When asked if she was worried about getting stuck in Germany, Wanda said, “I don’t know. Hopefully not because I don’t know any German.”

Vivian said they booked their tickets three months ago and did not have the winter weather in mind.

Mom and daughter hope to be in England by Tuesday.

Reported by: Mark Abrams, KYW Newsradio