Chicago

So, let's be clear here. The Windy City (which is in fact, very windy) is often referred to as the Second City. New York, of course, holding the blue ribbon. However, in my opinion this place is second to none. Arriving here I had no expectations. I didn't know what the vibe would be, or really, what the city even looked like. I had seen the odd building here and there, and of course, knew about the bean, but other than that Chicago was a mystery. Walking out of Union Station, I had a flashback to my first time in Manhattan. I loved Manhattan - the honking cabs, blaring lights, hundreds of people moving around everywhere - it all seemed so important! I felt it was the best place on Earth, and I was happy to be a part of it, if only from the outside. I loved it so much that I went back many more times, each time exploring a different part. But, now that I have been to Chicago, I have realized that my love affair with New York might be coming to an end! It is hard to admit this, but there's a new sheriff in town. This city, is really like no other. From the El train circling the loop creating a low rumbling every few minutes to the views of the Chicago river and Lake Michigan to the many and diverse neighborhoods everwhere, there is no finer American City than this. Sure, nothing can beat the Manhattan skyline, but on all other points of contention, Chicago in my mind takes the cake. Plenty of shopping, amazing restaurants, museums and theatres, and most importantly city-dwellers that don't take themselves too seriously. What can be better than a big city with a friendly heart!