miss akay

Reflections on Philly as I move onward!

Every few days I drive from Philly to Washington, hang-out and renovate the condo for a few days and then return up to Philly. The weather has been swelteringly hot and I am simply not used to it! It feels like cruel and unusual punishment. How and why do people tolerate weather like this, I frequently ask myself. My poor friends must be sick of all my comments and complaints!

Reflections on Philly... will I miss Philadelphia? Good question. I don't have the answer to that. The weather won't be worth missing, because it's the same thing in DC, for the most part. There are a few good places to eat that I will miss (maybe) (though I can't think of one to give as example right now) like the BYOB places.

But Philly has certainly left its impression on me. I heard that it is considered the "fattest city" in the United States, but I don't agree. Practically everyone I know here works hard at staying very fit. During the summer months clothes get smaller and conceal less skin. For me, that translates into, "crap, I better get myself into really good shape!". Hence the spin classes five days a week. Besides, the girls in Philly tend to get dolled up, no matter where they are headed. High heels to the library. Tiffany bracelets to the gym. Catchy looking purses if you're walking down the street. People seem to pay a lot more attention to their appearance than in SF. That's not to say that the people in SF look sloppy (but who knows... maybe I will think that when I return), but there are a lot more who go "au natural" and in my opinion nearly everyone looks great there. It must be the smiles and attitude! Happiness makes anyone beautiful, don't you think?

Other Philly influences: Music! Driving around the city, I always have my radio tuned to hip-hop. That was never the case before. I don't have an explanation. Maybe the other stations suck! But they play it in nearly every bar and club, which contrasts the DJ'ed elecronica of San Francisco.

I should probably pack up and hit the road! I am off to Virginia for the week, but will return for the final pack-up and Science lecture next Monday night. (Last night's lecture went very well, btw... periodic table and atomic structure... the students LOVED it....)

posted by miss akay @ 9:53 AM