Since I insist that I have no time to blog with this job, I thought I would make a list of facts about Philly.
-Philly, and all of PA for that matter, is so unbelievably green. I really love it.
-Since Philadelphia was the center of everything related to the founding of the U.S., every business and street name has the word liberty in it.
-Both Nate and I are minorities in this city as far as ethnicity goes, which leads me to the next fact...
-Mexican food is non-existent due to the lack of Mexican population in Philadelphia. I know, it blows my Western U.S. mind that I can't find a Filibertos or Robertos or Albertos anywhere in the whole city.
-This is a walkable city. You can get your essentials at the corner mom and pop store because the city accommodates the pedestrian a little more than the driver.
-West coast standards are west coast only. You don't know what you got till it's gone. Over here in the East, Bathrooms for customers are a hot commodity. Refills on sodas are not standard nor to be expected. Customer service is nearly extinct.
-Like in South America, you can buy a single tootsie roll or Starburst at the corner store, as well as any individual item, like a single roll of toilet paper. Need a single AA battery? No problem, get yourself to a corner store. And they are actually, literally on the corner.
-Cash is everything and cards are mostly useless. Bills are payed with money orders and checking accounts among the Philly population are sparse. Most businesses you visit only accept cash.
-American made cars are far more prevalent than on the west coast. Subaru? Toyota? Nope, try Lincoln, Mercury, Ford, Chevy, Cadillac, GM.
-Hockey is big. It's popularity is still a mystery to me.
-Philadelphia, actually all of Pennsylvania, is a church going people. Muslim, Baptist, Lutheran, Catholic, Amish, Mennonite, Wesleyan, Jewish, you name it. People here believe in God.
-City homes are ALL attached housing, or row homes. Homes in the suburbs are made complete with electric window candles.
-The attitude. I guess that's what all us West coasters notice first when we experience the east for the first time. You just gotta be hard here or your bubbly cheery demeanor will stick out like a sore thumb.
-The health issue. Well, there is a lot of obesity and diabetes. You know the chicken before the egg thing? I just always wonder if the diabetes and obesity is because of the Dunkin donuts and Crown Fried Chicken on every corner or vice versa?
-Terms and acronyms like WIC, SSI, section 8, and EBT are a lot more familiar to Nate now.
-People here LOVE their music. I love that about this city. Especially since lots of it is George Clinton & Parliament, Average White Band, or Earth Wind & Fire. But, I also hate it because I have heard the most disgusting foul music I've ever heard.
-Oh the kids. Cutest kids I've ever seen in my life. They talk to me all day on the streets because every street is FILLED with kids playing outside. They are the best part of this job. Nate bought me some Smarties to carry around to give to the kids, and they about died of happiness when they saw that they were for them. Smarties?! The simplest most unwanted candy at Halloween!! And they loved them!
-Phillies Phill Phillies. Best thing that happened to Philadelphia: The Philies are the only common thread among all demographics and walks of life in Philadelphia.
So far that's what I've learned about this city of brotherly love. I miss you all.
