Fall … is that you?

It may seem weird to some — as I was born and raised in the eternal summer of a Caribbean island — but the thought of leaves changing and pumpkin spice everything is one that makes me happy. As the breeze gets cooler and the sun starts to set earlier, the fear of not having engaged in enough outdoor activities this summer smacks some of us in the face.

In an attempt to make the best of the last few weeks of “nice” weather, my boyfriend decided it was time for me to get familiar with his home city. We picked a random Sunday — turned out to be one of the hottest of the month in my opinion — and headed toward the City of Brotherly Love in the early afternoon. We opted to self-tour and parked on 19th and South streets, proceeding to walk 20-plus blocks back and forth from the car. Yes, it was a workout!

From gorgeous murals, bohemian shops, lots of history and charming people, South Street had a lot to offer us that day. Although the rolled ice cream was a hit, the highlight of our day was coming across a peaceful march in which the participants and organizers invited their community to “put down the gunz and pick up some drums” as they played and marched with bright smiles on their faces. There truly isn’t a way to describe being in the presence of people who crave change for the world — typing this makes me relive that moment, and my body fills with goosebumps.

I would like to make it a habit to explore new parts of Philadelphia at least twice every month. Philly natives, send me your suggestions at yasser.ogando@globaltravelerusa.com.

— Yasser Ogando, production & advertising coordinator