Oh, my dear sweet Colorado. Even after living in New York City, I still have a devout passion and allegiance to you. Yes, I'm liking the city. Yes, there are some really cool things here, and it's wacky and cool. But Colorado, there is no one like you. There are just some things you have that no amount of cool things that you can do in a city can make up for. Such as-

The Mountains

Growing up in Colorado, the mountains were always there. They were just ALWAYS there in the background of any photo, any walk, anywhere and everywhere. Each town in Colorado had a different view of a different mountain range. Beauty is everywhere, even in the most mundane of places. I have a favorite photo -that I know I show people way too much- to illustrate this to my fellow New Yorkers. It's a photo of me and my best friend in the parking lot of the Starbucks I worked out. Nothing special right? Oh except for the absolutely breathtaking view of the Flatirons right in YOUR BACKYARD. Even though it's exciting to live in the city - I take one look at photos from Colorado and feel memorized, like I'm dreaming. How does such beauty exist?

The Weather

Wowie, Colorado has such an incredible weather. I was a fool to take it for granted. No humidity, 300 days of sunshine. 300 DAYS PEOPLE!! Also, contrast what everyone thinks, winters in Colorado aren't cold! Yes, it's no LA, but it sure isn't the winter of the east coast. I like to describe that the east coast has a 'bitter chill' in the winter, whereas Colorado, far away from any ocean has a pleasant mild weather.

The Chill Vibe

Boy, do I miss this sometimes. Yes, the friends you make can be chill. But when you are walking with a bunch of people in rush hour, it definitely feels anything but chill. I think a lot of it has to do with that people are so friendly in Colorado (and dare I say-happier) that the chill vibe is a consistent vibe evenly disturbed over the population. Also, wow my best friend in college always described me as a 'hippie'- to which I said-" I am no hippie." However, I realize now I AM SUCH A HIPPIE. And proud of it- hippies got it all figured out man.

The Outdoors

Ah, another thing I took for granted. Silly, silly me. Growing up I was surrounded by running trails, hiking trails, biking trails, climbing areas, EVERY outdoor activity you can picture. But eh, I wasn't into it. "No I want to live in the city, where there is stuff to do"- my little self thought. But wow, what a great gift nature is. Not only does it provide views, it provides activities that make us better, that make us remember what is really important. One of my professors once said " We love nature, because it makes us feel small, we realize we are a part of something great that was created by something bigger than us" I think that's very true, I find myself missing it. I know there are opportunities to find nature here- by going upstate, other states, etc- but I miss it being in my backyard.

It has Just Enough

When people ask me about Colorado, they seem to assume it literally doesn't have anything to do- as in bars, clubs, etc. Yes, it might not have an incredible nightlife scene filled with a billion hopping clubs on each corner or certain opportunities a city has. But it has just enough- a few clubs, a famous artist here and there, a bunch of bars and food spots you love to go to. There isn't an absence of these things as people may sometimes think- but there is just not an overkill of them. And honestly, what you get in return- chill vibes, friendly people, THE GREAT OUTDOORS, you really have everything you need to live a good life.

I may be in New York City now for the career opportunities- and yes I'm enjoying it- but my heart still resides in Colorado.