Deathmatch!

So, the battle between Philly and DC is over and DC won!!! Of course, this is based on four years in DC and about 36 hours in Philly. Balanced and fair, people, balanced and fair.

Here's a recap:

Atmosphere: Tie

I have to admit, I really liked the vibe in Philly. It was really nice to be around people who don't take themselves so friggin' seriously. I mean, they take themselves too seriously in the "hipster, I listen to better music and live in an awesome city" way, but not in the "if I don't get up this morning and get to the Capitol building, world peace will never happen" sort of way.

On the flip side, I'm one of those people that takes themselves too seriously. I kinda like living in one of the most important cities in the world (of course, this is partly because of America's global colonialism, but whatever...). Sure, being around the original area where the United States was made is nice and all, but DC is the place where that stuff is currently happening. There's something about the Washington Monument that the Liberty Bell just doesn't have.

Housing: Philly, although I like DC's Victorian turrets better than square Federals...

My friend lives in Fish Town and has a 3 bedroom, 4 floor federal with a backyard, three blocks from the train for $50 dollars more than I pay for a small one bedroom three blocks from the train. Dude, we could totally BUY in Philly if we wanted to... Philly wins on this one, hands down. Well, wallets down at least.

Food: slight edge to Philly...very slight...cheez whiz slight

Philly has great fine dining apparently, but what I liked the most about it was the local food culture. The market was amazing and bustling with people even though it was cold enough to give your hands frostbite while eating your tasty treats. Sure, DC has some wonderful and unique restaurants, local establishments with lots of history, and a cool indoor market, but Ben's Chili Bowl is no Cheesesteak. It's close (mmmm... half smoke), but it's no Whiz With.

Culture: DC

Both Philly and DC have good indie music scenes. And great symphonies. DCs fashion is a little lacking, but not in all parts. Philly has more indie bookscenes, but gay culture is thriving in both. So why DC?

Because DC has the Smithsonian Museums (all 15 or so), the National Gallery, the National Archives, the Library of Congress, the Corcoran, the Phillips Collection, independent galleries, etc. etc. etc. And almost all free. Every day of the week. Let's all say it: Free. Free. Free. Free.

Sure, Philly has some cool places, some with free days... but it's just not the same. Free free free all the long day! I guess I've definitely been spoiled here in DC--even as a museum professional whose wages depend on it, I balk at paying to get into a museum. Even if it is the Mutter and there are babies in jars. And Grover Cleveland's tumor. But, did I mention 15 of the most respected museums in the country, all free and within a 45 minute walk from my house?

Yep, free.

Public Transportation: DC

Okay, so Philly has lots of buses. That's nice. It also has a train system. That goes E-W and N-S. So if you live along those lines, great.... but if not, well, you drive. Or bike. Or, egads, bus.

And that's why DC wins. Because you can metro almost everywhere in the city, bus where you can't, and bike if you really feel like it. I haven't driven a car in DC once. In four years. Have never needed too. And I work in a completely different state. Now that's public transportation.

Jobs: DC, because I said so.

This one is hard because from my perspective, DC wins hands down. DC, other than New York, is the only city that has the diversity in museums that I want and need for my career. After I get my PhD, I want to work in a 20th century cultural history collection and DC has multiple institutions where I can do this. Philly is mainly colonial and early federal history. That's great and all, but I'm a post-Victorian era girl myself.

For the boy, however, Philly is way better. Its industry is not based around the government, but around business, which means a more creative and diverse design community. DC has a great underground art movement, but little in commercial, product, or print work that isn't for some sector of the federal government. Sure, there's a plethora of museum work, but it's harder to come by and that's a little too much inbreeding in the family career pool for my liking. So, Philly wins for the boy.

However, since my job is a lot more specialized and harder to come by (and this is my deathmatch), DC wins!

All in all, we had a great time in Philly. Takes just over two hours to get there and we met some cool new people, ate some yummy food, saw the King Tut exhibit and had a relaxing weekend not thinking about how important we are saving the world and living in the most important city in the world.