What’s the best way to explore a new city?
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I’m from Philly. So, in some way, that could make me as obnoxious as the title of this post. In case you’re unfamiliar with Philly people, we aren’t necessarily the politest lot you’ll run into, but we are kind. In other words, we might tell you to go fuck yourself, but if you’re lost or in trouble, you might find yourself invited back to Ma’s house for rigatoni and sausage. Like most big cities, Philly has a smell, a vibe, a language that lets you know you’re there. And those aspects cannot be sampled from a trolley or tour bus while a docent yammers into a microphone; you have to feel the pavement under your feet, buy a cheesesteak from a street vendor, and sink your teeth into a soft pretzel that has absorbed enough carbon monoxide to put down a medium-sized canine.
Anytime Kathy and I are in a city for the first time, we say, “Let’s go slumming” (that’s our pet idiom for going off script), then lace up our walking shoes and hit the pavement. Our objective? A pub, a bakery, the aroma of an ethnic festival. No need to count steps; we’ll be hoofing it for hours. If I don’t need a shower after exploring a city, then it was a misuse of my time and an empty experience.
So, if you come to Philly, decide to hoof it, and get lost, one of three things will happen: Someone will take you by the hand and lead you to your destination, or they’ll give you directions so detailed and long-winded you wish you hadn’t asked, or you’ll end up back at Ma’s for rigatoni and sausage.
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