Reflections from the City of Brotherly Love
Philadelphia is a city of many faces. The well-planned grid of streets provide structure for its distinct neighborhoods, with hidden treasures nestled in its corners. The best places exist by word of mouth. You might try to find them yourself, eventually to discover you've passed it many times before. Similarly, living in the city has its own basic form. Working, eating, talking. Within the skeleton of daily activities blossoms the real life, replete with unexpected adventures.
The rich history permeates the city. Its splendor originates from the buildings where the Declaration was approved and the Constitution drafted and signed. It radiates down cobble-stoned streets, basking in its own glory in the elegant houses of Society Hill and integrating into the mentality of West Philly. It can even be felt in the poorer neighborhoods of South Philly, though here it is sadder. Here history is distorted, reflected back by faces of those whose struggles are equally permanent.
The past is preserved not only in museums and memorials, but in the buildings that give the city support. Even the frat houses are built in the Colonial style. Trees compete to provide your shade, onlookers lounge in their many porches, and when it comes to businesses, smaller is better. Together, they remind you of a time when houses were not built simply to house people, but they were homes, passed down through the generations. Life is simpler, slower, here.
There are new things too. The glistening tower of Amtrak headquarters lights up in a dazzling grid of red and blue at night, perhaps in an act of patriotism. The numerous hospitals expand into newer, bigger buildings. The quintessential eating experience was the Philly cheesesteak. Now it is the food truck. Here the past and the present are at peace.
When you stroll through the streets of Providence, you are bound to run into somebody you know. It is comforting, in a way. When you wander around Philadelphia, you are bound to get to know someone you didn't before, even if it is for a few brief minutes. Adding to the friendly, open atmosphere is the plentiful outdoor seating. Very European.
Philadelphia has its shortcomings as well. Smoking is still allowed in public establishments; I had just forgotten how good it felt to come home at night still smelling like me. People don't recycle here, or if they do, the garbage man doesn't. Wines and spirits are sold in wines and spirits stores, but beer is sold for extravagant prices in pizza parlors. Sometimes the pizza parlor is really just a front. It is a Pennsylvania thing, as well as the create-your-own six-pack of exotic or usual beers.
It is easy to fall into a groove. It cradles you, welcomes you home. If you are so lucky, climb onto your roof and enjoy the serenity. The excitement will be waiting for you.
The rich history permeates the city. Its splendor originates from the buildings where the Declaration was approved and the Constitution drafted and signed. It radiates down cobble-stoned streets, basking in its own glory in the elegant houses of Society Hill and integrating into the mentality of West Philly. It can even be felt in the poorer neighborhoods of South Philly, though here it is sadder. Here history is distorted, reflected back by faces of those whose struggles are equally permanent.
The past is preserved not only in museums and memorials, but in the buildings that give the city support. Even the frat houses are built in the Colonial style. Trees compete to provide your shade, onlookers lounge in their many porches, and when it comes to businesses, smaller is better. Together, they remind you of a time when houses were not built simply to house people, but they were homes, passed down through the generations. Life is simpler, slower, here.
There are new things too. The glistening tower of Amtrak headquarters lights up in a dazzling grid of red and blue at night, perhaps in an act of patriotism. The numerous hospitals expand into newer, bigger buildings. The quintessential eating experience was the Philly cheesesteak. Now it is the food truck. Here the past and the present are at peace.
When you stroll through the streets of Providence, you are bound to run into somebody you know. It is comforting, in a way. When you wander around Philadelphia, you are bound to get to know someone you didn't before, even if it is for a few brief minutes. Adding to the friendly, open atmosphere is the plentiful outdoor seating. Very European.
Philadelphia has its shortcomings as well. Smoking is still allowed in public establishments; I had just forgotten how good it felt to come home at night still smelling like me. People don't recycle here, or if they do, the garbage man doesn't. Wines and spirits are sold in wines and spirits stores, but beer is sold for extravagant prices in pizza parlors. Sometimes the pizza parlor is really just a front. It is a Pennsylvania thing, as well as the create-your-own six-pack of exotic or usual beers.
It is easy to fall into a groove. It cradles you, welcomes you home. If you are so lucky, climb onto your roof and enjoy the serenity. The excitement will be waiting for you.
