Wrapping up the year

As the year comes to a close I feel like I am caught up in one of the most exciting times in my career as a Penn student! I still can't believe that my sophomore year will be done in almost 4 days...I am counting down the days till my last exam...Friday 9am... haven't seen that time of day in I don't know how long. As I wrap up my studying I am beginning to panic about whether or not I am going to be able to say goodbye to everyone in time before everyone jet sets off for their semesters abroad.

Although I am so excited about going to Buenos Aires in a couple of months a part of me is also sad about all the great things I will be leaving behind in Philly. From my pre-med friends who can't go abroad (too many requirements to fill) to BYO's and to that delicious slice of Allegros pizza at 3 am, I can't wait to get back to the little things that make my Penn life complete.

Two more exams to go, packing, moving houses, and goodbye dinners... this last week is gonna be hectic but hopefully I can take the time to slow down and enjoy the beautiful weather....but for now I have to go back to studying!

Fridays in Philly

You can ask any student on campus, after a hard week of studying and writing papers, everyone is excited for Friday. Fridays are when the weekend really starts (well that's if you didn't start Thursday night) but Fridays in Philly are something everyone should experience!

Every first Friday of the month in Philadelphia all the small art galleries are open late in Old City, and the best part is they're free! First Fridays, as the event is appropriately called, has become one of my favorite past times. My friends and I love taking the short cab ride down to Old City from campus to explore and enjoy some of the Philadelphia culture.

The art galleries in Old City vary from classical art to modern art, so everyone gets a little something that they like. The gallery owners excitedly wait with their doors open, offering wine, cheese and fresh fruit to all the spectators. The galleries are open from 5pm till 9pm and the whole event is really casual so there is no pressure to buy any of the artwork- which is great for the student budget!

After cruising through the different art galleries my friends and I usually head down to 2nd and Market which is right around the corner from where all the art galleries are to grab some dinner. The restaurants vary so much its like a tour around the world...if you love Indian food there is Cafe Spice, if you are just in the mood for some American cuisine try Steven Star's upscale diner Continental, but my all time fav is Cuba Libre. Authentic Cuban food, Latin music blaring in the background, and Salsa dancing-what could be better?

If you can't make it out on the first Friday of the month but you still need some culture to spice up your life have no fear, every Friday night the Philadelphia Art Museum is open until 10pm.

There is a new band every Friday night that plays in the middle of the museum, everything from Jazz to Opera to Big Band music so sit, chat, and enjoy the show while munching on some appetizers! (oh yeah and feel free to run up the Rocky stairs, trust me everyone else does it!)

So if you love art, culture, music and delicious food Friday nights in Philly are a great way to get together with your friends and enjoy the city!