It’s Not Only About History…
The most astonishing fact that I have recently learned is that the city of Philadelphia in the state of Pennsylvania where I live is NOT the only Philadelphia in the world! Did you know that there 12 places named Philadelphia in the USA? Other “Philadelphias” are located in the states of: Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, New York, New Mexico, Missouri, Mississippi, Indiana, Illinois, Arkansas and Alabama. Not to mention multiple “Philadelphias” around the world! Precisely in Brazil, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Turkey, Paraguay, Namibia, Liberia, Jordan, Jamaica, Germany and Costa Rica.
But my article is about the one and only Philadelphia that is, undoubtedly, the historical heart of the United States.
The Declaration of Independence signed here was a major step of establishing the new nation. And the Liberty Bell became a symbol representing the rights and freedoms of people from all around the world. Nevertheless, Philly has so much more to offer to the tourists than a plain typical set of historical monuments.
As a rule, city guides start their story mentioning the origin of “Philadelphia”. It’s a well known fact that the pacifist William Penn founded “the City of Brotherly Love” (by the way, the state of Pennsylvania was named after him), but few know that even centuries later the atmosphere of Philadelphia still perfectly suits its name.
The Atmosphere
“In Boston they ask, how much does he know? In New York, how much is he worth? In Philadelphia, who were his parents?”
These Mark Twain’s words outline the essence of the city population philosophy. Here people remember their roots and proudly display them. Philadelphia reminds me of a friendly, caring mother who had “adopted” dozens of children from different parts of the world…I have never seen so many different people in my whole life! I get a feeling as if I have travelled around the world staying at one place. With the impressive diversity of people of all origins, races and religious beliefs, Philly resembles to a mini New York, just without crazy traffic jams and yellow taxi cabs everywhere. Each ethnic group here exists within its community and carefully protects traditions, but, at the same time, it is gently integrated into a large and friendly family of fellow Philadelphians.
An “A-student” Syndrome
Did you know that in the middle of the XVIII century Philadelphia was called “American Athens”? The reason for such nickname was simple enough-under the influence of the free Philly spirit American arts and medicine bursted in development. Glory of being a pioneer firmly entrenched in the soul of the city. The first zoo as well as the first children’s hospital, alongside with the first library and the first commercial bank were all opened in the City of Brotherly Love.
The Cultural Life
Whenever you visit Philadelphia, have no worries about the lack of fun activities. If you happen to be a loud street holidays’ fan, the annual New Year Mummers Parade, Thanksgiving Parade or a bright orange-green St. Patrick’s Day March will fill you up with the spirit of joy and endless happiness.
Foodies will definitely appreciate the diversity of street food festivals, the brightest star among which is a famous Philadelphia Cheesesteak festival. No one can leave Philly without trying its specialty.
For those seeking to feed their mind with new information, the city on the banks of the Delaware River is eager to open the doors of the Art Museum, the Franklin Institute and Please Touch Museum, where all the exhibits can not only be contemplated at but touched as well.
The Transportation
The total majority of locals drive cars. Though in downtown it is much more convenient to use the subway ($ 2.25 per ticket), since finding a parking spot can be a real challenge. But there is some good news for cyclists: Philadelphia is one of a few cycling-friendly US cities: 435 miles (about 700 km) of cycle tracks are an excellent proof of my point. Prices for bike rental start at $ 4 per trip.
Every 15 minutes from 10 AM to 6 PM Express Philly Phlash buses take you along 22 city sights for $2 per trip or $5 per day). Isn’t it a great alternative to often exhausting walking excursions?
Top 5 Things to Do in Philadelphia:
- Try cheesesteak in two rival restaurants-Geno’s and Pat’s to decide which steak you prefer; eat a soft pretzel together with an Italian ice at Rita’s (like a true Philadelphian would).
- Stroll along the Benjamin Franklin Boulevard to find the Ukrainian flag among 109 flags of other countries and be impressed to read “Україна” under the English “Ukraine”.
- Copy Rocky Balboa’s jogging routine (through the Italian market to the foot of the Art Museum) and,afterwords, take pictures with the statue of the most famous movie boxing champion.
- Look at the early edition of the Edgar Allan Poe and Charles Dickens’ stories at the Free Library. Glance at the black stuffed Raven that once belonged to Dickens, and served as an inspiration for Edgar Allan Poe’s writings.
- Dare to experience a 10-minute flight on the height of 400 feet (122 meters) inside a hot air balloon to see Philly from a bird’s-eye view and, finally, fall in love with our incredibly authentic city (12$ per person or $40 per family of 4 people).
P.S. Hopefully, I managed to make at least one person want to come to Philadelphia! Welcome!
Ukrainian in Philly 