Though I’ve never had any difficulty finding a job, meeting people, having a social life, getting into the vibrant music, art, theatre scene–most of the time I’ve felt like a foreigner. My roots are here, my family and friends are here, however my heart isn’t here.

The moment I stepped off the airplane in Philadelphia, I instantly felt comfortable, like I had been there before (though it was my first time). I was consistently greeted with smiles and kindness. Not that I’ve never been greeted like that before; it’s just this time it was “different.” It was more genuine, more relaxed, intriguing almost. And that’s when it hit me. That’s when I knew this was the place I needed to be.

And so my journey began with my awesome friend Kat in tow. Kat is a native Philadelphian (is that a word?). Anyway I swear she’s the unofficial “official” Philadelphia historian. She passed on so much Philly history and culture to me that honestly I don’t know if I could ever do right with it all! And that’s where my journey towards a change began. My journey towards moving and breathing Philadelphia.

The first night we drove through the Waterfront/Historic District, which is home to some of the first neighborhoods in the city. It’s a combination of these old-fashioned cobblestones and modern shops. We also hit up the nation’s first commercial district in what’s now known as Old City. This is an artist community full of historic storefronts and narrow streets now lined with small cafes, coffeeshops and art galleries. She also pointed out the Ben Franklin bridge (who knew Jersey was so close!) We then drove Kelly Drive, and she pointed out Boathouse Row on Schuylkill River along with Fairmount Park, in addition to the steps made famous by Sylvester Stallone in the Rocky films, which actually leads up to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. I now know where the Wachovia Complex (home of the Sixers), and Lincoln Financial Field (home of the Eagles) is.

We had “spicy” thai food at Chabaa Thai Bistro in Manayunk, just west of Center City; Philly cheese steaks and sweet potato fries at this little staple called Ishkabibbles on South St; authentic Italian fare at Francos in East Falls, and a water ice mixture of blueberry, cherry and mango (the mix wasn’t my choice!) a block away.

On a side note, Kat is so full of culture, and great energy and interesting stories, I feel as if so much of what I was about to see was so prearranged, but according to her, things like this were only to be witnessed while she was in my presence.

I looked at Kat, she looked at me, and we both busted out laughing because the whole scene seemed fit for me. I have an affinity for unusual bags, and I’m a poet, so it was like out of my own movie. We continue. We then head up to Market Street where I witness a guy selling what seemed like hundreds of cell phone chargers on one corner, as another guy sold “Vote for Obama” tee shirts in front of a McDonald’s. (At this point I was in sensory overload) we then drive through parts of North Philly (where Jill Scott grew up) and as we were driving through the streets of Temple a black “Statue of Liberty” waves and smiles at me. I’m not making this up. I then look over to my right, and the vehicle cruising next to us is a Town and Country van that’s been converted into a hearse. (Yes! That hearse) A couple of blocks further we see a would-be pimp rolling in a pimped out Lincoln Town car rocking a fedora and no shirt (or was it an open shirt?) Honestly I don’t remember. Again I’m not making this up. At this point, I had been in Philadelphia barely 24 hours, and my head was literally spinning from laughter and sensory exhaustion.

After regaining some sense of composure, Kat took me through parts of West Philly (where Will Smith was born and raised); and of course, the other side of Fairmount Park, the Plateau which is mentioned in Will’s mega-hit “Summertime” with DJ Jazzy Jeff. And she gave a tidbit of information: the soulful Philly duo, Hall and Oates attended Temple University.

What I so dig about this city is that it’s a “city of neighborhoods.” From Old City to University City to Center City and Germantown and Mt Airy and Chestnut Hill, they all have their distinct differences. There’s this old world culture of 19th century brick row houses and brownstones and Victorians, yet the surrounding communities offer tons of cultural experiences, including a vibrant nightlife. I love that dichotomy. Plus Philly is so close to everything else. New Jersey is minutes from Penn’s Landing. NYC is an hour away by train. Baltimore is an hour or so drive away. D.C. is three hours away. Boston, Connecticut and Virginia are also within a few hours drive.

And there it is. In five days I got the answers I’ve been looking for for the past five years. Finally a city that sings to me!