A couple of years ago I started playing chess against two guys on the internet – Karl and Chris. I began playing against Chris and then Karl, his flatmate, shortly after.
During our chess games we’d often write short messages to each other. At first usually about our moves but as time went on we started asking general questions about each other’s lives. A virtual friendship was forming between us.
After playing chess against them for several months, I made plans to visit America. Not just with the sole reason to see them, but it would be a bonus if our paths crossed.
Meeting my virtual chess friends in real life
I knew they lived in Philadelphia, only a 2-hour bus ride away from New York, the city I’d be flying home from so they said I should pay them a visit on the final leg of my trip.
It seemed like a great idea so in the spirit of trash talk, I told them they better start practising their chess tactics!
In another context I may have felt apprehensive about meeting two guys over the internet, but I wasn’t really concerned I’d be meeting two murderers. Call it instinct, but I doubt very much that chess rooms are the choice of playground for any murderer.
So feeling quite assured, I happily accepted their kind invitation to stay at their place for a few days. When I met them it didn’t feel weird at all, they met me at the bus station and it was like meeting two old friends.
It was so nice meeting two kindred spirits while having the opportunity to explore a new city that I had never visited before.
I fell in love with their apartment, it was littered with books, and musical instruments, and on the last night I climbed onto their rooftop overlooking the whole of Philly – watching the city-lights echoing across the night sky whilst I snuggled into a sleeping bag is a memory I’ll treasure forever.
Attractions in Philadelphia
Murals at Magic Garden
I think they had a pretty good idea what I liked because they introduced me to the stunning work of Isaiah Zagar, or the Mural Maker as I like to call him.
There are lots of quirky and colourful mosaic murals decorating the walls of Philadelphia. There were created by Isaiah Zagar and whilst Karl was at work Chris took me to explore his masterpiece known as the Magic Gardens. It’s such an amazing place and a joy to visit no matter your age or interests.
It made me feel like I had been transported somewhere between an Alice and Wonderland adventure and a Jorge Luis Borges novel!
A mecca for Jazz lovers
They were perfect hosts, also taking me to see a fabulous jazz concert at the Painted Bride Art Centre.
Keeping on the Jazz theme, Chris also took me to his favourite music spots in the city. The highlight was a Jazz cafe called Time. Great drinks, good lighting and live music. I never knew that Philly had such a strong connection to Jazz, and it obviously left an impression judging by my recently revived playlist.
Philadelphia Art Museum and Rocky Statue
Another highlight was running up the Art Museum’s steps a la Rocky style! No trip to Philly is complete without racing up the iconic steps and punching the air at the top.
I was addicted to the Rocky series as a kid, and I mean addicted. I watched them all on repeat and my bedroom wall was plastered with postered of Sylvester Stallone.
Though my film tastes have since expanded, the Rocky series will always have a place in my heart for the warm feeling of nostalgia they bring.
FYI: The art museum is pretty good too!
Final impressions
Philadelphia is just a 2-hours ride away from New York. Despite the close proximity, Philly has a completely different vibe. I recommend visiting if you have time during a visit to NY.
As you can see, it’s a colourful place with lots of personality. From the art museum to the jazz bars, and from the wall murals to the independent bookshops, it has something for everyone.
For me though, the best bit was meeting Karl and Chris and enjoying evenings playing chess. It’s one of those places that will always leave me with a warm memory.
Stolling around Philadelphia Park with Karl
We played a lot of chess, and although it’s not all about winning – I’m pleased to say I won more times than I lost, hah!