Lakeview, Illinois

Every time I leave town and drive back to Chicago, I have an intense sensation. When I clear the bridge in my red Pontiac Grand-am, headed west on I-90, the "Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley welcomes you" sign passes me in a blur as the city's architectural grandeur comes into sight. My heart beats widely. The sun glints off of the Sears Tower and John Hancock buildings, as I drive faster, 80 mph now, rounding the curve at the Science Museum to see deep blue Lake Michigan beckoning me for a swim. Chicago, to me, represents a blend of cultures, the edgy urbanite, the rich, the poor, the earnest, and the serene.

I love to sit in the cozy Bourgeoisie Pig on Fullerton street in Lincoln Park, drinking a mint mocha amongst students, writing in my journal. I love to bop at the Hot House in the south loop to the Chicago Afrobeats on Friday nights, the drums pounding and the blacks, Indians, Asians and me, a blond white girl from the Detroit suburbs, laughing and dancing together to the beat. I love to play volleyball with the Mexican men from Cicero at the Windy City Fieldhouse on Sundays, slamming balls against the floor and laughing at their Spanish jibes. I love watching plays at Victory Gardens on Lincoln, and going to concerts at the UIC pavilion. I love to hear the glorious sounds of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's rendition of Beethoven's Ninth reverberating through me.

My favorite time of year in Chicago is the spring, when the boats dock in the Belmont Harbor, the snows thaw and spring awakens. The bars and restaurants put out their tables on the patios, and put up signs for margarita specials. People flock to the movie in the park at Grant Park on Tuesday, thousands congregating together to see Hitchcock movies. Young and old run down the lakefront, training for the October marathon. Festivals bring the city alive.

Chicago, to me, embodies the friendly Midwest nature with an edgy, intellectual international flavor. That's what I love about my town.

Erin K

Submitted: Monday 16th February 2004, 3:05 PM

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