Philadelphia – Less Big Apple more “Brotherly Love”

24Sep08

Although I go to school in a Philly suburb, I’ve never gotten into the city as much as I would like. I’m a travler and doer at heart, but often far too lazy or exhausted from life obligations to see everything I would like. Maybe one day perpetual-caffinated me will kick in and life will be better, but alas, until then, I’m afriad I am often more inclined to stay put. Up until recently have not really strived to know Philly well at all, but now, as a Philly intern, I am somewhat (willingly) forced to.

And let me tell you, all is not as it as back home, but much is actually pleasantly surprising. Meaning, 1) Philly is not New York.  To be honest I cannot put my finger on it, but the overall reaction I have during my morning and afternoon commute is that there is so much less a sense of … urgency. In New York everything is fast, everything is bold, everything is important. Not that Philadelphia is without its importance, but you can’t help but feel that everything is much more down to earth, much more local. Consequently, 2) Philly has a really cool local feel for trendy restaurants, shops, and other events. At my job I do a lot of event listings for local boutiques, cafes, festivals, and the like, and I’ve totally been missing some awesome Philly swag this whole time! Like the fact that Capogiro (which I have frequented – closest thing to Italy I’ve found) occasionally has tomato and basil gelato. Or that Giadia De Laurentiis is going to be at the King of Prussia mall this week. Or that I could have gotten Alanis Morisette tickets for super cheap last minute? (I’m not really that much of an angry chick, but who doesn’t live music so cheap it feels like you’re pirating it?) I must say, as much as I love love love New York and all its truly justfiable glory, Philly has impressed me these past couple weeks. It feels like an insider secret nobody talks about – obviously, because quite frankly I don’t know if anyone else on the East coast gives much ado about Ben Franklin and his hometown. Justified? Well that’s up to you.

I won’t give up on my Big Apple quite so easy though…ah New York. And go Mets.

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Tags: Alanis Morisette, Capogiro, cool stuff, Giada De Laurentiis, internship, New York, Philadelphia