The Dreamer’s Blog
March 4, 2024
ODE TO PHILADELPHIA
Dear reader,
if you haven’t guessed by now, I was born in the greatest city in the world. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Contrary to what Philly may seem like to the world, it is a city where dreamers are born. This is my Ode to Philadelphia
It all began for me at Jefferson Hospital in Center City, Philadelphia. Growing up, I moved to different parts of the city. I’ve lived in West Philly, North Philly, Southwest Philly, Frankford, and West oak lane or Uptown (as the locals call it). But the majority of my life, I resided in Logan. Those who know Logan, know it’s not part of North Philly per se. It’s not considered part of the connecting neighborhoods such as Olney or Germantown either. Logan is its own little gem in the heart of Philadelphia. I can remember so vividly my childhood, especially my elementary school: James Logan Elementary. This place is where I was able to be poured into by educators who truly cared. I remember Mrs. Mac, the dean of students. I spent many days in her office due to “questionable behavior”. However, her office became a safe haven for me. She would give me a small, but needed lecture followed by a chance for me to safely express my feelings and my heart. My love for writing began in her office when she made me the Editor in Chief of the Logan Eagle newspaper. I remember many of my teachers, but one person specifically stands out to me. Mrs. Williams! She was my 4th grade teacher and she did NOT play games. Respect was given, but it was also required to give back. I credit her with taking the time out to teach me fundamentals in discipline for my academic life. Thank you, Mrs. Mac and Mrs. Williams, for the love, the lessons, and the fun memories.
Growing up in Philadelphia in my era is simply unmatched in today’s world. There was nothing like a block party to kick off the summer! If you have never attended a block party, it is a time when all the neighbors pull out the grills, invite their families, hire a DJ, close off the street, and have one big party. You would think it was a celebration. But no, it was just summertime in Philadelphia. I remember cookouts during the summer at Belmont Plateau in Fairmount park, or the Plat as its locally called. This is almost a rite of passage for the summer season in Philadelphia. If we’re mentioning the summer time, we can’t forget to mention Penn’s landing. Philly’s premier waterfront. This is a place where I’ve seen concerts, movies under the stars, boat rides, and so much more. I couldn’t wait for mom to tell me to get dressed for a fun day at Penn’s Landing.
Summer wasn’t the only time we had fun though. Although it got chilly in Philly (bars), the memories didn’t have to cease. There was the ice skating at Dilworth plaza (City Hall), and I cannot get the sounds of the Macy’s organ out of my head. Each year around Christmas we would travel downtown to Macy’s to see the light show and hear the historic organ being played. Speaking of Christmas, how could I forget about the Christmas village at Love Park. The Christmas Village is a small market with local vendors and the opportunity to experience different cultures. There’s nothing like watching the snow fall whilst in the midst of holiday joy at the Christmas Village. There’s no fighting, or difference of opinion. Just season’s greetings and love. Literally!
In an effort to not make this super long, I’m going to skip to the part most of you are thinking of. The Food. Do you want a “Philly Cheesesteak”? Let me give you a tip, most Philadelphians do NOT eat at Pat’s and Geno’s when searching for an authentic cheesesteak. Sorry to disappoint. If you want the best cheesesteak, it will be from any of the “papi stores” in the inner city. If you don’t wish to travel to the inner city, I recommend Ishkabibbles (the original location) on South St. They remain one of my favorites in the city. For great wings, Hit up Café Soho on 5th and Cheltenham. For the BEST pizza (my opinion), hit up Atlas Pizza in Southwest Philadelphia. Looking for Water Ice (no we do not call it Italian Ice), I’m a staunch fan of Fred’s Water Ice in West Philadelphia. To complete the Philly food triangle, make sure you go to King’s water ice to get a Pizza Pretzel. Trust me, you will not regret this.
Philadelphia truly holds a special place in my heart. It’s not just where I was born, it was where I learned to dream. It’s where most of my family is from. It’s where I learned to stand after falling. It’s where I starred in my first leading theatrical role. Most of all, It’s the place I think of when I hear the saying “there’s no place like home”. I love you, Philly!
This concludes my Ode to Philadelphia…
-KD
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