Philly: Static & Sticky
okay, so, like, i’m pretty sure i’m running on fumes and lukewarm coffee. the humidity here is… intense. i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. 989 feels like 6, temp min 8.97, temp max 11.44, pressure 1008, humidity 42, sea level 1008, grnd level 995. seriously, my brain feels like a damp sponge. i landed in *Philadelphia yesterday, and honestly, it’s a weird mix. like, aggressively historical, but also… sticky. in a way that goes beyond the humidity.
I’m staying in this tiny Airbnb in South Philly, which is basically a brick box with a surprisingly decent view of a dumpster. it’s… authentic. let’s go with that. the neighbors are mostly older guys who seem to spend their days yelling at pigeons and meticulously watering their window boxes. if you get bored, Newark is just a short drive away. someone told me that the cheesesteaks here are legendary, but also that you have to be prepared to fight for one. i’m cautiously optimistic.
Spent the morning wandering around Independence Hall - felt like stepping into a history textbook, you know? a little overwhelming, tbh. then I stumbled upon this amazing little record store, Vinyl Frontier, and spent a solid hour digging through crates. found a first pressing of a Pixies album. small victories, people. small victories.
Here’s the gear list, because apparently, that’s what everyone wants:
My battered *Roland TR-808 (obviously)
A ridiculously oversized *camera bag (seriously, it’s a small suitcase)
A notebook filled with scribbled ideas and half-finished lyrics
A portable espresso maker (essential for survival)
A collection of *vintage sunglasses (for maximum cool)
A *rain jacket (because, Philly)
I overheard some drunk advice at a bar last night - “Don’t go to Reading Terminal Market after 6 pm. It’s a chaotic mess.” noted. also, “the murals in Mural Arts Philadelphia are worth the trip, but be prepared to be stared at.” fair enough.
Speaking of murals, I spent a ridiculous amount of time just wandering around, snapping photos. the city is covered in them. it’s like a giant, colorful explosion. I found this one near South Street that was just… mesmerizing. it depicted a giant octopus wrestling a cheesesteak. you know, Philly.
I checked out Yelp for some food recommendations and found this place called Pat’s King of Steaks - the original. I’m going to brave the crowds and see if the hype is real. I heard that the wiz wit is the way to go.
Someone told me that the best way to experience Philly is to just get lost. Apparently, that’s how you stumble upon the hidden gems. I’m embracing the chaos.
Seriously, the vibe here is… static. like a slightly out-of-tune radio signal. but there’s something compelling about it. it’s gritty, it’s real, and it’s definitely not boring.
I’m heading to Eastern State Penitentiary later. Apparently, it’s haunted. i’m not saying i believe in ghosts, but i’m also not saying i don’t*.
I’m also trying to find a decent coffee shop. the ones here seem to be serving something called “cold brew concentrate.” i’m not sure I’m ready for that level of commitment.
I heard that the best way to get around is to just walk everywhere. it’s a good way to see the city, but also a good way to get completely lost.
Anyway, that’s Philly for now. I’m going to go find a place to crash before I completely lose it. wish me luck. and maybe send coffee.
Check out more Philly adventures here!
Find the best cheesesteaks!
Explore the murals!
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