Urban Living
Our neighborhood is at the far north end of the lovely city of Chicago. It’s far removed from downtown proper. We don’t go downtown very often at all. I’m sure we will when Jude is a bit older and stops napping, but right now, frequent trips to the Magnificent Mile are on hold.
Though we’re fairly removed from the hustle and bustle of city, we never wont for the feel of city living–the excitement of being a part of something big and busy and urban. On Saturday, while I was biking home from our shopping excursion, I was just overcome with this sense of love for the city I live in. Who knew I’d like taking public transportation as much as I do? Who would have though that I’d choose to ride my bike to get from Point A to Point B or to pick up a v. v. heavy grocery order? I love living in an apartment, love taking advantage of “free days” at different attractions around the city, love being within walking distance of a library/coffee shop/grocery store(s)/ethnic restaurants/pet supply store/wine store/etc. Before we moved to Chicago, I was convinced I would live in small(ish) town Pennsylvania for the rest of my life. I didn’t think I would be able to adapt to city living.
Oh how wrong I was.
After living in an urban metropolis and moving to a more rural area, I miss all the things you speak of: reliable and easy public transport, having all the essentials within walking distance, etc. Though I still walk a lot and I do have the option of riding a bike, it’s just not the same. Thanks for writing this blog – it was very nostalgic for me
You’ve definitely come a long way from NEPA.
You’re making me nostalgic. Oh, Chicago!!! How I love thee.