Philladelphia was a smorgasbord (sp?) of character spunk, what was so disappointing about New York was entirely made up for by my couple of days in this entirely misunderstood city. Where people see grime, I saw living breathing spaces of self expression. The elitist attitude that encompasses a lot of American major cities was completely absent here. The public spaces in these neighbourhoods became evolving reflections of the people who lived there. The graffitti was spectacular and completely without the negative, destructive ‘tagging’ connotations. In the so-called bad neighbourhoods every spare piece of wall space was turned into a piece of art with 4 storey murals covering what could have been an eye sore of blank industrial wall space.
There were so many treasures to be found in Philadelphia. Magic Gardens: In this place you felt like Alice down the rabbit hole. An evolving installation of mosaic works from artist Isaiah Zagar, Magic Gardens is a labryrinth, in which I could have gotten lost for hours on end. The epitome of found objects art this place took my breath away in terms of scale and absolute unabashed creativity. Such a culmination of a life times worth of work could not be better asked for by any artist, and has completely transformed and highlighted the amazing potential exhibited in Philly’s South Street. This is the kind of excursion from the norm that any traveller revels in and words escape to describe the beauty and migic instilled in the walls here. These photographs should speak to you, more than I ever could… but unfortunately will never do the actual experience justice.
So my love for rugby is not a secret to anyone… and unfortunately American football just doesn’t make the cut. With fields that have the moisture sucked out of them so that the pretty lycra uniforms and excessive padding don’t get too muddied in the process of show boating and throwing a ball around. It’s no wonder that these giants of the field would pale in comparison to real rugby. In fact before this trip I thought that all American sports were pretty weak in the brute force and primitive instinct which is why I so love to watch sport. However, this was before I was introduced to Ice Hockey and the Philadelphia Flyers. My first experience of this sport could not have been better. Great tickets and a great winning game for the Flyers. Not only is this sport exactly as rough as it needs to be to meet my criteria, but the fans are absolutely impressive. Definitely going to keep and eye on this American past time.
Philadelphia Cheese Steak: Well, a trip to Philly would not be complete without indulging my tastebuds with this piece of cultural heritage. A past time so great that it even has it’s own lingo attached. I had to order a 'Cheese Wiz Wit’, for those unfamiliar with the term… this means that I ordered a pile of shaved seasoned brown bits that they like to call meat, on top of a foot of a baguette, then covered in the oh so apppetising orange cheese-like substance which comes in a can, topped with onions… does that not just tickle your taste buds? I am glad I can say I have experienced this once in my life, but after finishing the monster, I will not be repeating the adventure. Not exactly a loss to my culinary life.
I did of course indulge in a few more touristy photo opportunities around Philadelphia, such as Pen State University my first Ivy League experience, the LOVE statue, Rocky steps and City Hall. All of which I thoroughly enjoyed with the help of my trusty guide and host Chelsea. This is a city I just love and plan to visit again and again.