Take 75: An Ode To Philadelphia!

[CHARismatic110]

When I realized that my next Take would be my 75th one, I was beyond excited. I wanted to do something special, especially since my last few Takes have been pretty heavy and dark. I thought, why not do a Take on the city I call home? And here we are. Join me as I take you guys on a journey through the city of brotherly love!

Above you'll see a picture of the Philadelphia skyline which holds some of the tallest buildings in the US like the Comcast Center, Mellon Center, and City Hall. I love it the most when it's all lit up at night. Besides just a beautiful skyline, Philadelphia also happens to have some pretty historical places.

The Philadelphia Art Museum (Rocky Steps)

Whenever people learn that I'm from Philly one of the first things they ask about is Rocky Steps. Or they automatically go "Yo Adrian!", which is always funny. But for locals, those steps are just the entrance into the museum. I've sat on, ran up, and sled down those steps countless times. The best part? Watching the sunset in the summer.

The Liberty Bell

I'm sure most of you are familiar with the Liberty Bell so I'll spare you the history lesson. I've on a few classes trips here but I don't think I've ever visited it on my own time. Probably because it's always swarming with tourists!

The Betsy Ross House

Known most for being the house that Betsy Ross lived in when she sewed the American flag, the Betsy Ross House is another tourist favorite. And another class trip favorite. It's pretty cool to actually be able to go inside and look around.

Love Park

Recognize this? It's pretty much the symbol for the city of brotherly love. And this would be Love Park. Located in the Center City section of Philadelphia, this is probably the most empty I've ever seen. There's almost always a bunch of people here. And not just tourist. A lot of people that work in the area will come here on their lunch breaks when the weather is nice. You can also find your local skateboarders here too since it doubles as a skate park. Sadly, it's been closed for renovationsome but I'm excited to see the outcome.

Now that you've gotten a little taste of the history, let's dive into some of the famous Philadelphia cuisine!

Cheesesteaks

Just to be clear, the top picture is what a typical cheesesteak looks like in Philly. The bottom picture what other places think a cheesesteak is. We don't call it a cheesesteak sandwich, or a cheesesteak sub. Just a cheesesteak. Also, I've lived here my entire 28 years of life and I've never eaten a cheesesteak with cheese wiz on it (@WhiteSteve NEVER).

Soft Pretzels

The Philadelphia Pretzel Factory is the most popular place to find these. Best when warm. And don't be alarmed by the salt, it brushes right off. These pretzels are great as snacks. I've eaten one for breakfast before. They also go great with what's next on this list.

Water Ice

If you read my Summer Take from last year, you'll remember me mentioning water ice there as well. People usually think of snow cones or shaved ice when they hear water ice. Not the same. Water ice is kind of smooth. Italian ice (think Rita's) is more along the slushy side. Both of them are huge here. They come in lots of flavors, and as I said, go great with pretzels.

Now that you've gotten your imaginary belly full, let's talk sports!

Philadelphia Fans

Here in Philadelphia we take sports very seriously. So seriously in fact, that we've managed to get a rep. And not the good kind. Philly fans are BRUTAL. We've made many lists for being some of the worst. The four major teams are the 76ers (basketball), the Eagles (football), the Phillies (baseball), and the Flyers (hockey). I'm a huge 76er fan, and yes I know they suck. But you aren't allowed to say so or else I'll show you why why we're the worst 👊.

I could go on and on about my city and all the wonderful things here, but I won't. And just like any other place, there are negatives too. But this is where I'm from. And even though I'm planning to move soon, I'll always rep the 215. Hope you guys enjoy this little taste of Philly!

Stay classy GaGers. 😎

#CHARismaticOut ✌

[redeyemindtricks]

One of my 2 most vivid memories of Philly is waiting for almost an hour in line at the Trader Joe's in Center City.

This was a few years ago. It MUST have been the only TJ's in town at the time (?)... because, holy shizzzz. The lines were totally out of control -- they snaked all the way through the aisles, all the way to the back where all the dairy stuff was.

The other one, Little Pete's (also in center city) at 3AM on some random night. OMG, the fuckin' steak fries, THE STEAK FRIES.
I don't even normally like fries that much, but, OMSLJC. (That's "oh my sweet Lord Jesus Christ")

[CHARismatic110]

Yeah there are a few more now. And random late night food always tastes better!

[redeyemindtricks]

GURLLLL
Under the sports fans part, how could you not mention the fact that there was an actual judge and courtroom -- and even, briefly, a JAIL -- actually installed inside Veterans Stadium for like 10 years?

billypenn.com/.../

[CHARismatic110]

Lol because I was more focused on the actual fans I guess.

[redeyemindtricks]

Also, I say this with a heavy heart, but, I can only give you an A-minus, because the word "jawn" is nowhere in this take.

[CHARismatic110]

I'M MAKING A SECOND PART!

[CHARismatic110]

This was more of a historical, traditional piece. Part 2 will cover things like slang, places I like to hang out and such.

[redeyemindtricks]

Lookin forward to it! <3

The whole jawn lol

[CHARismatic110]

That jawn is gonna be crazy!

[Waffles731]

Isn't this the city where they booed santa.

[CHARismatic110]

Yup. That would be Philly.

[Waffles731]

I'm from Massachusetts and there are lines even we won't cross.
You guys are hardcore

[CHARismatic110]

Yeah, yeah we are. Not always a good thing.

[AleDeEurope]

Nice Take. I've always wanted to go to Philly, plus, it's always sunny in Philadelphia... so nice weather all year xD
I think you should have added hidden gems from the city, though, so that people know more than just the typical things, and to know what actually is Philly.
The cheesesteak is delicious, by the way. I've had it a few times and it's great, though it can't beat Chicago's Italian Beef :P

[CHARismatic110]

Lol I was waiting for the always sunny reference. And I left a bunch out because I didn't want it to be too long. Maybe I'll do a part 2. But anyway, thanks for reading Aleee 😊

Oh and I would've thought you would say Chicago deep dish!

[AleDeEurope]

Hahahha
You should make a second Take, I like these kind of Takes.

Chicago deep dish is delicious, but that's pizza. When talking about sandwiches, the cheesesteak would be the equivalent of Italian Beef.

[CHARismatic110]

Lmao I more than likely will make another. Just for you. And nahhh, nothing beats a cheesesteak!

[EmpatheticLady]

The Sunny reference! 😂

[TripleAce]

Oh good ol' merica. Gotta love that place and their crazy ways. Actually the first thing I think of is fresh prince lol.

That was fun reading though. I enjoyed seeing philli from your point of view. Pretty cool stuff. Is there dangerous parts too? Hows the night. Can you just walk downtown at say 3am and be ok?

[CHARismatic110]

There are dangerous places everywhere. Philly is not exempt. Some areas are worse than others. Since there are lots of nightclubs and bars and such downtown, there are always people out. So you wouldn't be the only one at 3am.

[CHARismatic110]

And thanks!

[Other_Tommy_Wiseau]

"But you aren't allowed to say so or else I'll show you why why we're the worst..."

LOL!!! we've seen them play, that's why we know they're the worst. the 76ers are the worst organization in sports... and that includes the browns! y'all have the worst sports teams, hahaha!!!

also the city is depressing overall

[CHARismatic110]

Thanks for your opinion

[Other_Tommy_Wiseau]

Thanks for axin
~marshawn lynch 2014

😂😂😂

[CHARismatic110]

You're welcome

[WhiteSteve]

Congrats on Take #75! Thanks for the virtual tour, you know I fux with Illadelph! But where are you moving to? Bel Air? I told you to stop fighting and that your mom wouldn't have it...

[CHARismatic110]

Lol thanks homie! I'm totally moving to Bel-Air.

[Dan2287]

I've gone to Philly about 3 times now and always enjoy my stay there. I liked the tours of independence hall and getting to go to the top of city hall which is a beautiful looking building

[CHARismatic110]

It absolutely is. Glad you like to here!

[xHoneyxBeex]

Awesome! I'm a huge history fan so I would love to visit one day to see all the historical sites. You know I'm a farm girl and not used to cities but it looks like a really fun place. :)

[jwhit]

Haha you think Richmond is bad, you'd be overwhelmed by Philly.

[xHoneyxBeex]

@jwhit I know! I totally would. That's why I would never travel to a city by myself. Lol

[CHARismatic110]

I replied to this! What happened to my comment? 😞

[CHARismatic110]

@jwhit how would you know!

[jwhit]

Lol good idea!!

[xHoneyxBeex]

You did? I guess it didn't post :( What did you say?

[jwhit]

Lol huh?

[CHARismatic110]

I said that you'd love the history here and that I had to turn you into a city girl so come visit.

[xHoneyxBeex]

@jwhit Who are you referring to? My last comment was for Char. haha!

[xHoneyxBeex]

@CHARismatic110 Ah, okay. Well yes, I'd definitely like to visit someday, especially to see the Liberty Bell. That looks pretty cool. :)

[jwhit]

Char asked me how would I know? I'm like how would I know what lol?

[CHARismatic110]

@jwhit well you said you've been so that answered my question

[CHARismatic110]

Honey, come see meeee

[xHoneyxBeex]

I need to. You mentioned in your take that you were moving though! You haven't told me that! Where are you going?

[jwhit]

Yeah that's why I was confused because I submitted my own opinion to back it.

[CHARismatic110]

I love your new profile!

And it's not soon, soon but eventually.

[xHoneyxBeex]

Thank you! And oh okay, well you'll have to keep me updated on that! :)

[CHARismatic110]

Of course I will.

[Jersey2]

Boat House Row at night is my favorite

c2.staticflickr.com/.../...333201_0e3e32fbce_b.jpg

[CHARismatic110]

Omgggg I completely forgot about boathouse row! I love it at night too!

[Jersey2]

The world could use more people like those in Philly... the no shit, tell you like it is kind of people.

Hmmm, we forgot the Mummers Parade... so much about Philly to like!

[CHARismatic110]

No, the Mummers Parade is in part two!

[Jersey2]

Sounds good

[lareina05]

I love this and it's nice to see somebody else fromPhilly born and raised. not going to lie I have had a Jim's Cheesesteak with Cheez Whiz at 2 a. m. and it was really good

[CHARismatic110]

Lol thanks! And a lot of people like cheez wiz on them apparently. I can't do it.

[TheSwedishGuy]

At first I thought the title of this myTake was "Take 75: An Ode To Pedophilia!" and I was like wtf :D

[CHARismatic110]

Lmao omgggg!

[Spiorad_Aisce]

Nice Take - I had a vague notion about a lot of those things - It is good to have them laid out and explained by a native.

[CHARismatic110]

Lol vague notion?

[Spiorad_Aisce]

I am not American so that is my excuse - I didn't know the full details of any of the items, you filled in a few blanks.

[CHARismatic110]

Ahhh, ok. Gotcha.

[Octavius]

You gotta lick the liberty bell...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uKF9JpGCPU

[CHARismatic110]

Lol no licking

[AleDeEurope]

Thought the same thing when I read that part xD

[Poppykate]

I agree! Start licking! Life is way too short!

[YourFutureEx]

🆒 title
And thanks for taking me to Philadelphia. Sounds like an awesome place to live :)
I had a 76ers jersey when I was a kid lol

[CHARismatic110]

Thanks dude! There's so much history here. I think you'd enjoy it.

[YourFutureEx]

I wish my motherland was that cool.

*jelly*

[CHARismatic110]

Oh pleeeease. It's probably nothing in comparison.

[YourFutureEx]

Well, yeah. It has great history. But now, it's the shittiest city of the state. Thank god, I relocated to the best city of the country.

Thanks for being so kind and generous lol.

[CHARismatic110]

Lol you're welcome

[BelleGirl21]

I'm soooooo glad to hear you can have a cheesesteak without cheese... nasty stuff. I think I need to come visit Philly!

[CHARismatic110]

Come visit me! And you can have your cheesesteak whatever you like!

[CHARismatic110]

However*

[BelleGirl21]

Oh it's on my list now! 😀

[CHARismatic110]

Yayyy!

[TheBraveLion]

The city just makes me wanna do this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmXHRnxknrQ

:p

[CHARismatic110]

Lmao *hands you an umbrella*

[TheBraveLion]

You don't believe me do you? ;)

[CHARismatic110]

Lol I believe you, I just don't know why

[ImNotCreativeEither]

The skyline picture you chose doesn't include the Comcast Center...

[CHARismatic110]

Because it's fairly new.

[ImNotCreativeEither]

9 years. They're already building the second one. Plenty of skyline pictures have it.

[CHARismatic110]

Are you the skyline police?

[ImNotCreativeEither]

Just saying if you're going to specifically state that the picture includes a building you should make sure it does. Besides you want to choose a picture which accurately represents the city as it is.

[CHARismatic110]

This whole Take represents the city. I chose that picture because I liked the way that it looks. But I see what you're saying.

[EmpatheticLady]

Be right there! Coming up for Love Park and the food! Om nom nom.

[CHARismatic110]

I'll be waitingggg

[EmpatheticLady]

Gimme dat cheesesteak.

[lisa16]

Love It!!! Lived there for 16 years, now live right outside in delco! :)

[CHARismatic110]

Awesomeee! Thank you!

[lisa16]

welcome :)

[Pat8707]

SAAAAMMMMMMEEEE. Well, actually I live in an apartment in University City for school but I grew up in Delco. Went to MNHS.

[lisa16]

@Pat8707 coolio :) i lived in southwest philly till i was 16, then moved out to springfield

[Pat8707]

YES. REPRESENT. Also I'm happy that you included the fans lol. There is one thing you forgot though, South Street. You can't beat South Street.

[CHARismatic110]

Waittttt, are you a fellow Philadelphian?

[CHARismatic110]

And part 2 is coming! I wanted to include all of that but I didn't want it to be so long.

[Pat8707]

@CHARismatic110 You bet I am. In -w-e-s-t- (the suburbs of) Philadelphia born and raised. On the playground was where I spent most of my days. Chillin' out maxin' relaxin' all cool, etc.

[CHARismatic110]

Lol aweeeesomeeee

[Pat8707]

Also, don't forget to use the most common phrase used in Philadelphia; "I'll fight you"

[CHARismatic110]

Lmao yes sir

[jwhit]

Haha yes, Philly fans are some savages especially Eagles fans!! I've been up there numerous times because I have family up there. It's a pretty cool city.

[CHARismatic110]

Yeah Eagles fans are hardcoreeee!

[jwhit]

That's an overly nice way to describe them, but it's what I expected lol

[CHARismatic110]

You know what! 👊👊👊

[jwhit]

And that's why Philly fans are savages lol

[CHARismatic110]

Fight me!

[jwhit]

Lol NO!! City of Brotherly love my ass!! lol

[CHARismatic110]

Lmaoooo punkkk

[jwhit]

Lol whatever!!

[Maxemeister]

I know cheesesteaks and Balboa, one of those was not mentioned.

And when I say Balboa I mean the statue, mayn!

[CHARismatic110]

The steps is where the statue is, dork.

[Maxemeister]

Really? How would I know that? I'm not a Philidelphiite! Plus u give it NO MENTION!

[CHARismatic110]

Philadelphian! And you put 2 and 2 together!

[Maxemeister]

Except I didn't! Cuz I thought your city would have more than JUST ONE dedication to Rocky Balboa, AKA the only reason I know your city exists!

[CHARismatic110]

Our city is so much more than Rocky! You aren't event old enough to appreciate him! Best it dweeb!

[Maxemeister]

What is Philadelphia besides Rocky then? Eh?

AND I HAVE SEEN ALL FOUR ROCKY MOVIES I CAN APPRECIATE THE MAN THAT DIDN'T EXIST

[CHARismatic110]

Maxipad! Don't be dissin my city, punk!

[Maxemeister]

I WILL DISS YO CITY IF I GOD DAMN PLEASE

U KNOW PLENTY ABOUT MY CITY AND IT ONLY HAS A MIRRION PEEPS. Y'ALL KNOW ABOUT FERGUSON AND HOW WE'RE RACIALLY DIVIDED AND SHTUFF

[CHARismatic110]

I didn't even know what city you were from!!!

[Maxemeister]

St. Louis yo! I THOUGHT U KNEW ME

:'(

Lol the fact that u know what city I'm from based on the word: "Ferguson" says enough

[CHARismatic110]

Well, that's not the same!

[Maxemeister]

YEA IT SORTA IS

[CHARismatic110]

Maxi! Must enter always debate?

[Maxemeister]

I am the master debater, after all!

[CHARismatic110]

Mhmm