Philadelphia

Never have I on PS shared where I spend most of my free time. When I am not asleep, I am in Philadelphia, truth is, I really like my ‘current city’. I want to say – this is my oozing adoration of things Philadelphia, just for you, future traveller.

Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love is like a mix of its big city neighbors, New York without the boroughs, and DC without the politicians. Roughly. While I wholly recommend you stop by the city, our tourism board is working harder to make sure you actually do take a trip here. gophila.com is one of the ways we love our city. While you are here, you HAVE to visit the Liberty Bell, and the Independence Mall. And maybe take a Duck tour of the city.

It is highly possible that you find yourself on a stopover from bus/train or air travel. Here are a few things that you should do if you have only four hours in Philadelphia.

- Take any of the two hourly trains into the Center City – Get off the train at Market East Station. Hello! You are in the Gallery – a downtown mall, where you can see shops, and Philadelphians.

- Right next to the Market East Station are the 2 things that you HAVE to try – the Liberty Bell (situated at the Independence National Historic Park(www.nps.gov/inde) , a bite at the Reading Terminal Market(www.readingterminalmarket.org).

Ever newsy in my recommendations, try www.philly.com for ‘anything and everything Philly’

Of course, check out the NYTimes 36 Hours in Philadelphia.

My personal favorite eatery?

Cuba Libre – http://www.cubalibrerestaurant.com/

Best Stroll and Shop?

South Street – http://www.southstreet.com/

Best Neighborhood You Want To Hang In?

Manyunk – http://www.manayunk.com/

Blogs on Philly You Have to Check Out

The Illadelph is a weblog about the city of Philadelphia… and all the ineffable awesomeness (and, unfortunately, awfulness) that comes with it.

Philly from the Inside Out  at Uwishunu http://www.uwishunu.com/

Of course, check out our shining team, the 2008 World Series champs – Go Phillies!

Ushahidi’s Erik Hersman

Where are they now?

Readers of this blog may have noticed that some of the folks that I have mentioned have gone on to even greater heights around the world.
I will try and update the original posts – but here is a quick recap of some of the folks who made the last three years rather memorable, and where they are now.

Apprentice Africa Favorites

I first wrote about my personal favorites for Apprentice Africa here when the show was aired in 2008, and hosted by Bank PHB in Nigeria. Well, since then, my two favorites have continued to enhance their presence by participating in several ventures across the continent.

a) Eddie Mbugua – is now the Bank PHB Investment Deputy Associate for East and Central Africa, and in an article in last November’s True Love magazine (N 08 Issue), he outlines his career path and credits his success to God, and to being raised by a strong mum. He is definitely one to watch.

b)Joyce Mbaya -

This lady is energetic, inspiring, and a truly great role model already. She has ventured into Brand Strategy and Project Management. I would be lying if I said that I could capture the essence of this terrific lady. Check out her website here: joycembaya.com

I have written extensively about Kenyan musicians whom I greatly admire:

a) Eric Wainaina – He has come a long way from the days of Five Alive. I once had the priviledge of singing the refrain to his song “Riitwa Riaku” with him for all of 30 seconds at a benefit for the Cerebral Palsy Society of Kenya, have watched him perform in 2007 at the Arboretum in Nairobi, and remain a fan, believing that you should always follow your passion first and then, other things will follow. I have to say, though, that I would love to see more of his content online – In the mean, enjoy a great review by Kilimanjaro Entertainment (link)

b) Sara Mitaru -

This artist has recently been appointed as UN-Habitat Messenger of Truth. She is highlighted in this post(updated recently) Sara Mitaru is the new UN-HABITAT Messenger of Truth. At a truly colorful ceremony, this honor was accorded Mitaru in recognition of her efforts in promoting the role of youth in the Habitat Agenda through entertainment and creative arts. You can read all about it – LINK HERE The host of the event, Under Secretary Anna Tibaijuka said this about Sara, “Ms Mitaru is a wonderful home-grown Afro-fusion singer and song writer known the world over for her music and singing and particularly her famous song, Woman from Africa. Her wonderful music builds around life, love, and change for the better in modern society.” Congratulations Sara! Please check out her music on Myspace or join the Facebook fan page for very current updates of Sara’s music.

Another lady to watch is the activist Stephanie Nyombayire, whose work with genocide activism truly inspires me. I first wrote here in 2007 about her journey to Darfur to highlight the dire situation which the world strenuously refused to call genocide. Stephanie has travelled to hundreds of schools to speak about the Darfur genocide and encourage them to use citizen tools in activism, she has reported from the Chad-Sudan border for MTV on Darfur and testified before the Texas State Commission about Darfur, which led to the passing of a move to divest totally from Sudan in Texas. Now, Stephanie is working with director Michael King on a documentary to shed light on heroic diplomats who saved the lives of thousands of Jews during the Holocaust. Check out more about this documentary here.

If you have more past blog highlights you would like me to update, let me know!

April Really Now!

Time is flying. Soon, I shall hold a paper written in Latin that declares to the world that I have the power to read. I am talking about the coming graduation. It is an auspicious occasion to say the least. Those who are not aware, unlike many of my classmates of the class of 2009 in my school, graduate education is the exception, rather than the rule, for various reasons. April, you bring with you a decent amount of work, and you are bringing a new era for the family. April, really now, you have outdone yourself. You have refused to yield the blooms of spring without a fight, choosing instead to keep us in winter, even as we spring forward. We are imploring you, April, really now, welcome to your 30 day stay in our lives.

Spring Break – Gallavanting

Hey all, JUst entered the Spring Break therefore, let me mention things that are ongoing – Just saw “Watchmen” – Go and see it – nice
Eat a good salad – Your own mix
Sleep -
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