Going to college in a different city has shown me one important thing: I LOVE Philadelphia. We have the best food, for example: cheesesteaks and hoagies. We have the best convenience store, obviously I am referring to WaWa. We have the most dedicated sports fans, even though we haven't seen a Championship title in a long time. But most importantly of all, we have pride for our city.
Now I know the whole argument... The "you're not from Philadelphia, you're from just outside of Philadelphia." But I am here to tell you one thing: if you're 10-25 minutes outside of Philadelphia... you're essentially still from Philly. Most likely, if you're like me, your parents grew up in Fairmount or Roxborough. Then they wanted Swim Clubs rather than running through fire hydrants when it was hot out, so they moved to Lafayette Hill, Conshy, or Plymouth Meeting. The pride for the city is just as strong in the suburbs. Philly is in us all. Now... what are some signs you take pride in the great city of Philadelphia?
1. You love Cheesesteaks.
This is the trademark of Philadelphia... but you don't touch Geno's and Pat's because they are the tourist sites. You stick to places like Dalessandro's or for the JOP's, Pudges is a great option too.
2. You love Hoagies.
What is a sub? All I know is hoagie. Get me a roll, throw some cold meat and toppings on it, and there's my lunch. Also, you haven't had a real tailgate without a hoagie tray from Lee's or Primo's.
3. You love going "Down The Shore."
Oh those Wildwood Days or those Ocean City Days, or those Sea Isle Days, or those Avalon Days... You get the picture. This is where we vacation in the summer, and you pretty much always run into someone you know at a WaWa at one of these shore points... We all just migrate to South Jersey for the hotter months of the year.
4. You love WaWa.
You stop here almost every day. Maybe it's for a hoagie, maybe it's for a quart of iced tea. Regardless, this place brings you joy whenever you walk through the doors.
5. You say "Wooder."
If you ask for a "wooder" in a restaurant in a different city, they will not understand you, but who cares?
6. You eat "Wooder Ice."
No I'm sorry, I don't know what Italian Ice is. However, I could get you some free Rita's Water Ice on the first day of spring!
7. You devour "Tasty Cakes."
Acme has a sale on tasty cakes... 2 for $5, so naturally you get 4 boxes, and all of them are gone the next day.
8. You top your ice cream with "Jimmies."
If you say sprinkles... get out of here. They're jimmies.
9. You love "Crab Fries."
You can't have a good Philadelphia sports game without them. Thank you Chickie and Pete for the best fries to see the earth.
10. You hate Septa.
Yeah we try to avoid this when possible, but sometimes you just gotta hop on and know, yes it will suck, but you gotta love it anyway. Plus the new trains are pretty nice.
11. You support the "Broadstreet Bullies."
You are un-Philadelphian if you haven't gone to a Flyers Game
12. You attend the Eagles, or the Iggles, tailgates.
The most intense tailgates ever. If you've never been, just watch "Silver Linings Playbook" for a little taste
13. You commend the Philadelphia Phillies... "World F*****g Champs".
Chase Utley, we miss you. 2008 will forever hold a special place in our hearts, and when we all skipped school because we had "Philly Fever" so we could go to the Championship Parade.
14. You still love the Sixers too....
You probably even have an Allen Iverson jersey somewhere in your house.
15. You say "Yous."
"What're yous up to tonight?" Sounds so much more natural than "What are you guys doing!"
16. You celebrate New Years with The Mummers.
The true spirit of Philadelphia is exemplified on New Years... which is the best start to our year.
17. You enjoy Soft Pretzels daily.
No, I'm not just talking about the Pretzel Factory. I am talking about being at a stop light, rolling down your window and throwing the guy with the shopping cart full of Pretzels and waters a five... also wondering where he got these delicious pretzels but not caring.
18. You attend concerts at Susquehanna Bank Center.
Ok, yes, this is Jersey. But you just hop on the speedline right into Camden, and there is where us Philadelphians tailgate for country concerts, the hottest artists, and of course Jimmy Buffet.
19. You have had a picnic, walk, or run alongside Boathouse Row.
There is nothing more beautiful on a nice day than enjoying yourself next to the Schuylkill River or walking past and seeing the lights at nighttime.
20. You eat Scrapple and Dippy Eggs for breakfast.
If you don't know what scrapple is, don't ask. You won't want to know. All you have to know it is delicious alongside some dippy eggs... or otherwise known as Eggs over easy.
21. You know Birch beer isn't actually alcohol.
In fact, it comes in different colors. And it tastes pretty good with any Philadelphian food of your choice.
22. You have ran, or painfully just walked, up the Rocky Stairs.
There's no better view than getting to the top and seeing the skyline of your favorite city.
23. You hate Dallas, you hate New York, but... you LOVE Philly!
If you're a cowboys fan...bye. Giants fan? Just leave. But if you're an Eagles fan, sport your gear around. Wear the emerald green everywhere you go, put a flyers sticker on your bumper, and wear a Phillies baseball cap. And no matter what, win or lose, you still support your city, cheesesteak in one hand, birch beer in the other, probably tailgating.
Proud to support the city of Philadelphia!
