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Photography travel Uncategorized

28 Hours in Philadelphia

February 29, 2016

I got to spend 28 hours in Philadelphia over the weekend. I caught the train to Philly from New York on Friday at noon. I arrived in the city at 2pm on Friday and left the following day at 6pm via BoltBus (only $10 – totally worth it!).

Philadelphia is a colorful city rich in history, culture and unique in character. Despite the brief trip, I managed to pack in quite a few of the major attractions of the city, to my surprise. Within 28 hours,  I was able to (aka my recommendations):

  1. Enjoy a campus tour of the University of Pennsylvania: I was fortunate to have been given a tour of UPenn by a family friend who is currently pursuing his PhD here. This Ivy League school was founded by Benjamin Franklin and is one of the first universities in the U.S.
  2. Visit Liberty Bell: The Liberty Bell is an iconic symbol of American independence.
  3. Check out Independence Hall: Independence Hall is where both the United States Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were debated and adopted.
  4. Catch a glimpse of Magic Gardens: Although I didn’t make it inside the gallery space, I got to view some of the unique and quirky mosaic art work from the side walk. Magic Gardens is a gallery space on South Street in Philadelphia. It is the largest work created by mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar.
  5. Eat Cheesesteak at Jim’s Steaks: I had cheesesteak for dinner at one of the highest rated cheesteak places in Philadelphia. Although the dish was filling and greasy, it was most definitely delicious!
  6. Ice Skate at Rothman Ice Rink: Despite my lack of ice skating skills, I had alot of fun. This rink also provides amazing views of the Philadelphia skyline.
  7. Get Cultured at Philadelphia Museum of Art: This museum was made famous by Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone)’s famous run up the front steps, now widely known as the “Rocky Steps”. In addition to the great architectural views, I got to check out the International Pop art exhibit which is currently running. The exhibit showcases Pop art’s emergence as an international movement, migrating from the UK and the US to western and eastern Europe, Latin America, and Japan.
  8. Indulge my senses at Reading Terminal Market: Philadelphia’s historic public market is home to a wide variety of food stalls, offering baked goods, fresh meats, seafood, southern food, icecream and more.

 

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Trainride from New York to Philadelphia

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Colorful street art makes me happy

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Liberty Bell: The symbol of American independence

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Independence Hall

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Philadelphia Museum of Art

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Philadelphia Museum of Art: Rocky Steps

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International Pop Art Exhibit

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Reading Terminal Market

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Pine Street

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Despite the brevity of my trip, I had a wonderful time exploring this city for the first time.  Whether you’re a history buff, culture junkie, self-proclaimed foodie or simply in need of a weekend getaway, you’re bound to have a great time in Philadelphia 🙂

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Neighborhoods new york Photography Reflections travel Uncategorized

Falling in Love with East Village

February 3, 2016
east village

I’ve decided to start a photo series and commentary centered around the neighborhoods and cities I’ve visited. To kick off this passion project, I’ll begin with one of my favorite neighborhoods in New York – East Village.

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A Cultural Melting Pot of Art, History and Good Food

I moved to the East Village last September. Over the past 6 months, I’ve enjoyed exploring all this eclectic neighborhood has to offer. The more I discover, the deeper my fascination.

The East Village — the blocks east of the Bowery between Houston and 14th Streets, was once considered to be part of the Lower East Side, but began to develop its own unique identity and culture in the late 1960s, when a flurry of artists, musicians, students and hippies began to move into the area.

The neighborhood has since emerged as a center of the counterculture in New York, and is regarded as the birthplace of several artistic movements, including punk rock and the Nuyorican literary movement. It has also been the site of protests and riots. Although in recent decades it has been argued that gentrification has transformed the character of the neighborhoodEast Village is still known for its diverse community, vibrant nightlife (boasting the highest concentration of bars in the city) and artistic charm. Recent years have seen an influx of trendy bars, street art, boutique shops while an abundance of affordable eateries has made the East Village, the mecca for budget-minded foodies.

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Neighborhood Gems

Here is a list of my favorite spots in the neighborhood:

  1. Cafe Orlin: Cafe Orlin is a charming cafe serving American & Middle Eastern food. I recommend the hummus with mushrooms and avocado toast (pictured below). These mouthwatering appetizers will leave you craving for more.
    www.cafeorlin.com

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    Cafe Orlin: Orlin burger, hummus with mushrooms and avocado toast

  2. Kenka: Located on the lively St. Marks strip, Kenka serves tasty Japanese street-style food and beer at a reasonable price. It’s quirky and risqué décor make for an interesting culinary and cultural experience. Don’t forget the cotton candy machine on your way out. Upon receiving your check, you’ll be given a small cup of pink sugar that you can spin into your very own cotton candy (pictured below).
    www.kenkanyc.com

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    Kenka: Enjoying cotton candy after the meal

  3. Spot Dessert Bar: Spot is an innovative dessert parlor that serves delectable Asian-inspired desserts. The line is usually long but it’s always worth the wait! My personal favorites are the honey toast and green tea lava cake.
    www.spotdessertbar.com
  4. Jules Bistro: Jules Bistro is a charming, intimate French restaurant located on 8th street, between 1st and 2nd avenue. The warm cosy ambience, live jazz music and delicious food make for a great date spot or a fun night out with friends.
    www.julesbistro.com
  5. Bean Cafe: The Bean is the quintessential East Village coffee shop. The staff, décor, food and beverages as well as music are inspired by the vibe and personality of East Village. It’s a popular spot for students, entrepreneurs, creatives and neighborhood residents who want to get some work done while enjoying a nice cup of coffee.
    www.thebeannyc.com
  6. Box Kite: This cosy little coffee shop is a neighborhood favorite for East Village residents. Come here to enjoy a cup of quality coffee and soak up the low-key ambience. House, hip hop and experimental music is often blasted through the speakers, giving this neighborhood coffee shop an edgy and modern feel.
    www.boxkitenyc.com
  7. Tompkins Square Park: This popular park in the middle of the East Village is a perfect centerpiece for the eclectic neighborhood (pictured below). It is where the lives of artists, musicians, families, students and old neighborhood residents intersect.
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Tompkins Square Park during Storm Jonas 2016

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Despite its grit and grime, East Village is a fascinating, lively and trendy neighborhood with a cult following. It’s culturally diverse community, plethora of food options, dynamic nightlife and artistic allure make it one of my favorite neighborhoods in New York, and quite possibly, the entire world.

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