The day began with our group arriving in South Philly, ready to take a walking tour of the Italian Market. Throughout the tour, we explored the culture, food, and history of the neighborhood, and even got to sample several different culturally significant foods from generational establishments. We began the tour viewing murals painted facing residential streets, before tasting bread from the famous Sarcone’s Bakery. We visited Isgro Pastries, a notable bakery, where students indulged themselves in several pastries (the cannolis were particularly popular). Next, we explored the produce markets of the area, before stopping into vinegar, meat, and cheese stores, where we had the ability to try a variety of different products.
After the tour, for lunch, we faced a well-known dilemma: Pat’s or Geno’s. Our group was roughly split evenly between the two cheesesteak spots, but the overall impression was that Pat’s was better. While eating, we spent time relaxing at a nearby park and playing basketball. Afterward, our stomachs and minds full from a day of cultural exploration in South Philly, we got on the bus and returned to campus.
