The 2016 Philadelphia Marathon

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Rounding Logan Square/ H. Novak

The annual Philadelphia Marathon took place on Saturday, November 19. I live with three other friends in a hall group—that is, we occupy four comfortable rooms next to one another. My wonderful hall-mate Carissa, who is also my hell mom, had been training for weeks and weeks . . . and weeks. I have never been the athletic type, but I admire anyone who has the devotion and drive and patience to run. I was simply in awe of Carissa’s endurance in running a half marathon. (Plus, besides training for the marathon, she bikes from Bryn Mawr to her UPenn classes in Philly!)

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Hand-Drawn Noodles, Anyone?

Nan Zhou Hand Drawn Noodle House and Spice C

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Nan Zhou Hand Drawn Noodle House/ M. Ye

My friend says she goes to Chinatown whenever she needs a “taste of home.” Steaming hand-drawn noodles, stir-fried vegetables, roast pork buns, hot pot . . . Chinatown has it all. How glad I am that Philadelphia is a city with a Chinatown! Fresh noodles are not common in our everyday cuisine. They are difficult to acquire and even more difficult to make.

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Miel

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Espresso on espresso/ H. Novak

I find that the best way to get off campus while still being productive is to go to a coffee shop, homework in tow. One of the most elegant destinations would probably be the French café Miel (French for honey). Fittingly, the café is a honey color, with bee door handles and honeycomb patterns throughout.

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Farmer’s Keep

Food by sunlight/ H. Novak

Food by sunlight/ H. Novak

Philadelphia—the city with an unlimited array of restaurants. . . . But where to start? Something quick? Something fancy? Something relaxing? Philadelphia has it all. It is best to explore and stumble upon a little hole-in-the-wall restaurant. You may be surprised. But, yes, Yelp and Trip Advisor are helpful.

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