Greeting from Philly

Philadelphia had been a very warm city for me, though the weather was not warm at all. One month was a very short time to get acquianted with Philly, but I felt it was like my own city. And by the time I was close enough with every corner of the city and was accustomed to the subway, I had to leave my Philly. So dramatic!

Philadelphia, or many people call it ‘Philly’ is the biggest city in Pennsylvania. It is well known as historical city because Philadelphia was the place where the United States of America was born. The city was old, I thought, when I set my feet on the city of Philadelphia for the first time. I stayed for one month during the winter in the area of Temple University in the center of the city. Although my program schedule was so tight, I still had time to explore the city with my friends.

The best way to enjoy Philly is by taking a walk. Taking a walk in Philly will not make you bored as every place is very interesting and beautiful though it was winter and people preferred to stay at home with hot chocolate rather than go out. Moreover, there are murals around the city. Mural is a wall painting just like graffiti but it’s different because mural represents a community and contains a story. The picture tells us something important relates to socio-cultural condition and it becomes the medium for telling everybody in Philly about specific custom, tradition, and important figures. For instance, in a black people community we will see the mural of Martin Luther King, but it is not merely about a group but also about what people need to understand from Philly. Mural also becomes the symbol of diversity which welcomes everybody to come to Philadelphia.

The interesting thing I never experienced was the subway system, another alternative to travel around the city. I was freaked out as I entered the Subway station at the first time because I saw many strange people like gangsters, that’s because I always imagined a scene in an action movie, LOL. Subway is the main transportation mode in most American cities. There are several stations in every stop in Philly such as Cecile B. Moore, City Hall, Girard, etc. We use what they call as tokens to enter the subway. Token is like a coin which costs $10 for three. We can buy token from the token machine or just buy it in the counter before entering the subway. The system is very good, and everybody is so disciplined, so far.

Philly has a high percentage of crime, especially in the North. Many people told me not to walk to the North because gangsters often fight there. My lecturer was even afraid to take the subway after 6 P.M. Otherwise, he would meet people with gun and weapon in their pants. Even many shops that have less security system are closed at 7 P.M. I think Solo is more crowded at  night than Philly. However, Philly is safe, I mean it.

Shopping was not a difficult thing to do especially when we know the best place to do it. We can easily find used books and used stuffs by going to markets and booksellers which are located not very far from the City Hall. Although they sell used stuffs, the qualities are still good. We can get a lower price rather than if we buy new ones. That’s what I like to do.

Visiting some places in Philly was like going back to a hundred years ago in the revolutionary era. I got a chance to visit Independence Hall, the house wherein The Declaration of Independence was signed. The chair of George Washington was clearly seen, and even the detail of the chairs and the pen were still in good order. The museum is also very interesting and attractive. It uses modern technology to present the past. Thus, visiting museum was not a horrific thing like I usually experience here in Indonesia. American people are so proud of their history and respect it by creating such a beautiful and sophisticated museum. National Convention Center in Philadelphia is an example. There is a kind of Movie Theater in the museum that presents the history of America. The movie uses special effects. It gives us experience as if we were part of the history presented on the screen around the audience’s chairs.

The sense of religiosity was also felt in this city. Various worship places can be easily found around the city, from the old ones to the newest ones, from Quakers to Islamic worship places. Even Quakers church of Elizabeth Cady Stanton still exists in a well condition. I also visited the church of noble people, and my friend even sat on the chairs of George Washington’s family. I stayed near the mosque of Nation of Islam in which people used to pray like Christians do, but they have changed into the true Islamic practices now. Some Jewish synagogues are also built in a more modern way.

I got a chance to participate in the voluntary service for Martin Luther King Day on January 17 2011. On that day, American people usually have many community services, either small or big community service. I joined a big community service in Girrard College where people had many activities such as minority discussion and collecting clothes and food for people in need. Some of my friends went to a smaller community service in a church of African American community which provided food for children.

One more thing that unites the people in Philly is basketball. Probably you know the NBA team Philadelphia 76ers, or usually called Sixers. Most people in Philadelphia often go tobasketball games to support their local team, not only male but also females, even children and elders. Last February, Philadelphia 76ers won in their own home. The people in Philadelphia was really happy, and they celebrated the vitory on the street after the match.

Months had passed, and I had to leave Philly. It was just like when you are suddenly forced to stop eating chocolate. I miss the city and the snow. The morning breakfast car selling sandwich, bagel, and Philly cheese steak, strange sound near the Barnes and Noble bookstore in the broad street every morning, and even people holding cup of hot chocolate while walking in a hurry. One more thing, I will miss everyone I never knew saying Salam to me on the street. That’s Philly!

Safitri Bonea P.- SUSI RPA for Student Leaders 2011 Alumni