This is crazy to read. I live at 55th and Baltimore. When I moved to the neighborhood four years ago, there were no white people here, they wouldn't even cross 52nd street. Now, only in a year, they everywhere. My dad who is from West Philly and lived here in the 80s always is astounded when I tell him that white people just be walking around my neighborhood. "At night?" he'll say and then laugh. There's always been a multi-cultural bohemia along Baltimore Ave even in the 80s/90s as he tells me but it's a different world especially in the past 10 years.
Totally, man, I visited last year and checked out some of the old haunts and was just ASTOUNDED at the difference. Back in the day around where you live now there was this gang of kids called the BMX gang who rode round on bikes and attacked people....I think they killed a Penn student at one point. Now you've got all those breweries and boutiques...I really dig the vibe of the hood now enjoy it
Many stories in the Naked Cities. Took guts to tell this one and you told it well. So she almost gets you both shot then makes you HER bitch. Whoah! Brings to mind the famous Mike Tyson quote:
"Everybody's got a plan until they get punched in the mouth." I hope you at least got laid.
lana del rey wishes she wrote this. laughed out loud
As someone living in West Philly, it's interesting to read what it was like in 2003.
I was there last year and COULD NOT BELIEVE how different it is now. Like a whole new world my friend. Wastelands no more
You are a chronicler of place in a way I don't think I could ever be.
your story telling is impeccable
This is crazy to read. I live at 55th and Baltimore. When I moved to the neighborhood four years ago, there were no white people here, they wouldn't even cross 52nd street. Now, only in a year, they everywhere. My dad who is from West Philly and lived here in the 80s always is astounded when I tell him that white people just be walking around my neighborhood. "At night?" he'll say and then laugh. There's always been a multi-cultural bohemia along Baltimore Ave even in the 80s/90s as he tells me but it's a different world especially in the past 10 years.
Totally, man, I visited last year and checked out some of the old haunts and was just ASTOUNDED at the difference. Back in the day around where you live now there was this gang of kids called the BMX gang who rode round on bikes and attacked people....I think they killed a Penn student at one point. Now you've got all those breweries and boutiques...I really dig the vibe of the hood now enjoy it
Whoa, that West Philly White Gurl was a sho nuff badass! Close call, bro. But, you got a great story!
Many stories in the Naked Cities. Took guts to tell this one and you told it well. So she almost gets you both shot then makes you HER bitch. Whoah! Brings to mind the famous Mike Tyson quote:
"Everybody's got a plan until they get punched in the mouth." I hope you at least got laid.
Phenomenal