The Reading Terminal Market opened on February 22, 1893, and is still open to this day in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A buzzing and bustling place, the market is full of food and people from almost everywhere. Ranging from Southern fried chicken to produce, this place has it all. While seats are hard to find and at some places the crowd is overwhelming, it feels like home. The community is truly amazing, and the culture of Philadelphia shines through in the best ways. This market truly encompasses the feeling of togetherness that I feel like America has lost. The close stalls and amazing smells, shouts of vendors selling the most delicious food you’ve seen all week. The market is a place where everyone gets along and good food and the company of friends are to be had.

My experience there was amazing. On the second day of International Convention, I found myself squeezed close to a friend, wandering through passage after passage of the amazing maze of people and food, and I found my way to Market Bakery. Home to many different kinds of bread and pastry (including challah, which isn't typically sold where I live) and emanating the smell of fresh-baked bread, I was practically drooling by the time I received my order. The food was amazing, and the service was even better. I found that to be the way of most of these stalls. Now, a seat was nowhere to be found in the market at 2:00 in the afternoon, so my friend and I found our way to a corner, away from the chaos, and sat on the floor, devouring our meals and reveling in the amazing wonder of the market. I would say if you find yourself in Philly it's a must-visit, and a heartwarming and belly-filling experience.