All American City
If I were to choose the one city that epitomizes the USA, it would be the city of “big shoulders” – Chicago. Its bold powerful skyline and wide streets are an expression of block solid American enterprise. Its ethnically diverse population hosts restaurants, culture and music from every cross section of immigrant America. Its weather has all four seasons and can be tough, which the resilient residents overcome just as Americans overcome all challenges we face.
It was a relief to leave crowded NYC and it’s financial meltdown for the wide streets and solid ground of Chicago. Technically I was here on business meeting clients. But it was Marta, the lovely Polish nurse I met during the meeting in Montreal, and her invitation to see her in Chicago that inspired me to book my flight. She was marvelous company, despite her possessive Russian physician boss who jealously stalked us by cell phone.
I also got to reconnect with two great and creative people who I knew from Minneapolis – Dan and Lisel. They were dating and moved to Chicago together years ago.
Dan took me to Wrigley Field where we and a couple of his old college buddies watched the Chicago Cubs win their division title. I’m not a sports fan. But I love a classic open air baseball stadium full of excited people, hot dogs and beer. When the game ended and the champagne was poured over the players, the party spilled out of the stadium into the surrounding streets and bars. We partied and drank with rowdy fans in the city of big shoulders.
Now, does it get any more all American than outdoor baseball in Chicago, hot dogs, beer and rowdy woman?
Chicago – my kind of town!