A few weeks ago something pretty bad happened to me. Sitting in my car in a parking lot, thinking about the recent turn of events, I started crying. Couldn’t help it.
A woman going to get into the car next to mine noticed. She came over and asked if there was anything she could do.
Of course there’s nothing this stranger could do to help me. But she saw a suffering person and approached me, willing to at least express concern.
Who knows, this woman could be one of those people who drives 50mph in the left lane of highways. Yet this little act of kindness to a stranger shows a caring soul.
Not everyone in Philadelphia is rotten and mean-hearted. Yes I rant about the inconsiderate behavior I encounter on a daily basis but I know there are good people here as well.
God bless that woman who rendered compassion. Wish this city had more folks like her…but you are right…it is comforting to know that there are still some amongst us anyway, though very far and few between. Hope things are going better for you now and glad to see that you are back in the saddle!
yes thanks for sharing this its good to hear when people are nice here.
i’m glad you started this site again ! i missed it !
After just under 9 years in Philadelphia (plus one in KSQ and one in KOP), I have decided to leave the region and move on. However, as much as I rant about the city, there were some nice memories I will take with me.
Things I will miss from Philly:
1. The cannoli at Isgros.
2. The home-made mozzarella balls from Claudio’s Cheese Shop on 9th Street in the Italian Market.
3. The double espresso at Fante’s every time I went to the market to shop. Or not shop.
4. The thin prosciutto pizza from Gianfranco’s in Olde City.
5. The baguette at Fork Etc. (IMO the closest to the French baguette I used to buy when I lived in Paris)
6. The buffalo, bison, venison, ostrich and lamb burgers from the only bar I would frequent on 2nd Street, Sassafras Café.
7. Carpenters Hall for it’s historical meetings.
8. Many fine BYOB’s (Gnocchi, Lolita’s, Cochon, Radicchio, D’Mitris).
9. The city was built on a grid system which made it easy to navigate the core of the city.
10. The walk from 3rd and Race to Rittenhouse Square. Many buildings are just so beautiful to look at, yet we rarely look up to notice.
11. The double noisette at La Colombe on 19th Street at Rittenhouse Square. Also a great place to eavesdrop on conversations and meet a few people from abroad.
12. Riding my bicycle from the Delaware River to Valley Forge National Historical Park. Yup. With a double espresso stop at La Colombe in Manayunk…both ways.
13. West Kelly Drive during the summer months when it is closed to traffic and allows us cyclists, runners and roller bladers to exercise in peace.
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A few people that worked in Philly that made my interactions with them memorable:
The baristas at La Colombe. Their attitude and the ability to laugh at those new customers that wanted sugary flavoured drinks like the ones at chain coffee shops.
Mariella, owner at Fantés. She is like the Italian aunt I never had, who was also living in the same city as me.
Ben at Claudio’s. The only Philadelphia black I know whom I can speak to about hockey; who is always sporting his Flyers hat; and his hockey goatee. Oh, and he knows his cheeses the best amongst all the Italians in the shop.
Gianfranco, the owner of the pizzeria. That guy is always smiling (except when Italy loses).
The Israeli girl at Café Olé who is always smiling and polite whether they are super slammed just after 8 AM, or quiet at 3 PM.
The staff at Fork Etc. They were always so helpful and super nice as they punched my only frequent customer card.
The Mexican cooks at South Street Souvlaki, who always greeted me in Spanish.
The Mexican staff at La Locanda and Olde City Pizza. Son buena gente.
Everyone that invited me to their place for a home cooked meal. I thank all nine of you who made those nights memorable during my eleven years in the Philadelphia region.
Ciao tutti!