1 post tagged “ny tourist”

I loved visiting New York and while I was was there I was thinking that I could see myself living there if I could afford it. But then I landed at Midway, hopped on our slow and stinky orange line and was amazed by how much louder our train is than New York's. But, then I came around a cuve and saw the skyline and my heart leapt. It honestly skipped a beat and as I was looking at it, feeling warm and secure, Andrew turned to me and said "We're almost home". And that's when I knew I probably wouldn't be able to live in New York, and not just because I'd be a pauper, but I love Chicago too much. I love New Orleans just as much. But differently, and for all the reasons that I find myself annoyed with Chicago. But I've not experienced that heart leap when landing in New Orleans. When I smell the jasmine and the heat and the magnolia, then I feel warm and happy.

And I really liked the city, and I could see myself visiting it on a regular basis. I'd even love to just fly in on a Monday and spend a week going to every shop in the garment district that piqued my interest. I'd like to wander up and down every street in Manhattan and see every hidden gym, try every pizza place or little restaraunt that smelled good, wand through Central Park, see every piece of art at the Met. But I think I'd have to do it as a tourist. And I realized why when I got off the bus and started walking home. Grass, trees, flowers. There aren't any. Aside from the two parks we walked by, I didnt' see any grass. And I guess I'm just too much of a Midwestern to be satisfied getting my green fill at a park or at a botanic garden in Brooklyn that has rotting death plants. And maybe I could get over that. But I'm not sure I want to try.

I may (heart)NY, but I truly love Chicago. It's home.