Dear Manhattan,

Hello my old friend! I’m sorry that I haven’t been around too much lately… I know I can still see your skyline from my town at night and I know that you are still there, but I miss you very much. I miss your rushing streets and subway cars. I miss your museums and your endless galleries.

I saw some pictures from your beautiful Manhattanhenge sunset a few weeks ago. Next year, I will try to be able to be with you to see the magic myself. Tell me, has anything changed since I left? I’m sure the streets are still filled with people from all over the city, all over the world. I cannot wait to be back in those crowds with you again. Have you heard any exciting new languages lately? I always loved that about you. You appreciated and welcomed visitors from nations far and wide, and gave everyone a place to call home.

I wonder what new billboards have popped up, illuminating the already luminescent Times Square with the marvelous sounds and colors of the latest advertisements. I never thought I’d miss those sights. I have to let you know, you are quite the talk of the town right now with the arrival of the Museum of Ice Cream. I hope I get a chance to visit when I’m back.

Do the taxis still dart around like magic carpets carrying the locals and the visitors across the neighborhoods? Can you still smell the hot pretzels cooking on the stands and the peanuts roasting in honey and sugar?

If you run into Fifth Avenue, then please tell him I’ll be back soon to spend some time with The Met and his talented friends. Let the Empire State Building know I am eagerly awaiting the moment I can see him light up the sky again. And of course, give my love to Lady Liberty and let her know I miss seeing her.

I promise I will be home soon. Please don’t forget about me.

Love always,

A City Girl