Dear Chicago,
Who would’ve guessed – you and me huh? Considering we started under terrible circumstances. Even now I relive terrifying unified audition flashbacks. Stressful rooms in the Palmer House with the same set of people I had seen at every college audition. But even in those brief dramatic stressful hours, I seem to remember your snowy lined paths and your helpful citizens.
Of course, everything is so different now. Now we are getting to know each other a bit better.
I love my morning ‘ Chicago’ commute. So typical, to walk briskly to the nearest train station, with coffee and breakfast in had perhaps. To hear the accordant roll of the elevated trains that reminds me of the movie Divergent. Every morning I get to satisfyingly tap my card and hear it be approved as I turn the stall and run up the stairs. This is extra gratifying when I don’t need to look at a map and I get there right as my train arrives; Although I don’t mind the waiting either. It’s a joy of it’s own. The arrival of the train excites me for my morning and the journey to my destination allows me time to settle into the day. It’s perfect.
Everyone here is so friendly. Southern hospitality is overrated anyways and here – you know that they are being genuine. These are honest and diligent people. Willing to work hard, be opportunistic, and have a sense of humor while they’re at it.
Speaking of humor, you drew me back into this city with your appeal for comedy. You are this beautiful Mecca for improvisation, stand-up, sketch, and satire – along with other brilliant theatre. On any given evening, these venues will spout truths of all sorts and delight audiences with wit and love.
But of course I am also a shallow human being and can’t ignore the fact that you are simply beautiful. How many times have I looked out my window to find a beautiful sun setting over the skyline made up of skyscrapers and giant works of abstraction. There are buildings old and new, creating a beautiful hodgepodge of art and distraction. I have to stop myself regularly from posting tourist pictures on snapchat. No one likes seeing a play by play of your honey moon phase, but sometimes you just can’t help it.
Not to mention this is the most agreeable weather I think I’ve ever encountered. Striking sunshine with a light breeze to make it feel like you set the temperature yourself. When it’s rainy, it’s just a as perfect – the city slows down and a peaceful veil settles over everything.
And so this is my love (or lust?) letter to you. Who knows – maybe this is just a summer fling, but maybe we’re meant to be together forever… Of course I’ll have to finish school first but you’ll wait for me won’t you? I’m not sure where we will go from here, but I know this won’t be the last time we see each other. You might be the second city – but you’re first in my heart.
Sincerely,
Franziska Harms
p.s. I haven’t seen LA yet so no promises.
