Zebra Tales
2022-23
Arjun '24

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

I’ve long admired much of the Founding Fathers’ legacies – they were talented policymakers, brilliant orators, and shrewd statesmen. I will never, however, be able to reconcile with their decision in 1800 to snatch the American capital away from Philadelphia. With all due respect, their choice demonstrates exceedingly poor judgement, and taints my view of them. I simply cannot fathom a single arena in which Washington, D.C. surpasses Philly! I suppose the cherry blossoms are nice to look at in the spring, but I can only imagine how much more productive the government would be if lawmakers were breaking bread over a platter of sizzling cheesesteaks…
Upon returning home for Thanksgiving, I had the pleasure of visiting Philadelphia with my family. I grew up in a small town just a few minutes away from the city, and Philly has always held a cherished place in my heart as a place of great intrigue. In comparison to the relatively intimate setting of Groton, the thriving urban environment was a jolting experience for me!

It can be difficult – and maybe even impossible – to concisely describe Philly’s invigorating culture, but the closest I can get is through a sensory image: visually, Philadelphia has stunningly unique architecture, with modern high-rises sitting directly next to Revolutionary-era buildings. Your ears will be graced by the cacophony of music which the city has given birth to, which ranges from the Philadelphia Orchestra to the works Johnny Coltrane and Meek Mill. For the ambitious culinary enthusiast, the city of Brotherly Love is a gold mine: a rich history of immigration has enabled the rise of a diverse food culture. Whether you want to explore the Reading Terminal Market or book a table at Dante & Luigi’s (watch out – the mob once attempted a hit here!), there’s something to satisfy everyone’s palate. 

Despite Philadelphia’s many strengths, there are also undeniably large-scale issues affecting its residents. The visible effects of the opioid epidemic continue to endure, and disparities in the city’s educational systems, housing, and healthcare, caused by decades of neglect, affect millions. Nonetheless, I am inspired by Philadelphians’ resilient spirit, and cannot wait to return to the city.

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