November starting off with a cold…

Hey there!

This week has been a bit different for me as I’ve been dealing with a cold, so I haven’t been able to get out and explore Philadelphia like usual. Staying indoors wasn’t my original plan, especially with so much happening around the city, but it’s given me a chance to slow down and soak in some of Philly’s unique energy from a different angle.

Being here as an exchange student, I’ve been absolutely fascinated by the differences between American and European life – and, let me tell you, the energy here is on another level! From what I’ve been able to observe (between soup and Netflix breaks), one of the major things making waves this week is the elections. Every time I open my phone, there’s a story or post about it, and it seems like everyone is super engaged, no matter their opinion. Seeing young people talk passionately about their hopes for the future has been really inspiring, especially since I’m close to that age group myself.

Watching this all unfold from my apartment has made me feel even closer to the local culture. I’ve learned that even if I don’t know the names of every candidate, there’s a lot to take in from seeing how different issues are important to people. It’s so interesting to see how seriously everyone takes their vote and how much hope they have for their communities.

Aside from the political buzz, the city itself is just… cozy right now! The fall colors outside my window make staying in feel less gloomy, even though I would much rather be out grabbing a coffee with friends or shopping around Rittenhouse Square. I’m hoping to shake off this cold soon so I can jump back into all the things I love about being here – exploring the food spots, taking photos, meeting new people, and just feeling the Philly vibe in real life.

For now, though, I’m just embracing the chance to relax and take in the city from a quieter place. Catch you soon, hopefully back out there!

Anna

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