I moved  from Chicago to  Boston a few weeks ago and while there is still a lot to discover, I get it, why people like it. The accessibility of beautiful  ocean beaches, the omni-presence of water in different forms, the kayaks on Charles, the Esplanade, the european walkability,   the hidden little beautiful  community gardens,  the roof terraces, the parks -- for little kids, for bigger kids, for dogs, for concerts -- , the beauty of  the brownstones and redbrick alleys, the little stores, the restaurants with outside eating,  the ability to live without needing to rely on owning a car;  it's small enough, it's big enough, connected, dense and still breathable.

But for tonight, let me miss Chicago. Let me miss gazing at the breathtaking view of the skyline flying during the day across Michigan, or the orange equally beautiful matrix of the layout of the city flying during the night into O'Hare. Let me miss running along the lake shore path on Michigan where any season is an ever-changing painting, the sun rising on Michigan between the china-looking water houses and the sunset on a summer day throwing a warm light over the boats in the Diversy Harbour in Lincoln Park,   the view of Lake Shore Drive from Hancock Tower and the many reflections of the skyline in my beloved Bean. Let me miss kids running in the water around Crown fountain during summer evenings, and screaming with joy when water bursts out of the color changing face-showing towers, or running around at the spectacular close by Maggie Daley Park.   Let me miss CSO in the Millennium Park, and brunch at Terzo Piano after another lovely Sunday at the Art Institute,  the way the L curves in the loop (so many movie directors could not resist it either :)), let me miss the salsa Sundays at the Cubby Bear,   the Wednesday and Saturday fireworks at Navy Pier, the Architectural Foundation tour on the Chicago river, the Air and Water Show on Michigan, the yearly Open House Chicago, and Michigan Avenue decorated for Christmas; let me miss the emotionally charged shows at Hubbard Street and River North, the Goodman, Steppenwolf, and Second City.  And, the Hawks. Let me miss my Chicago. Just for tonight.


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