It's been nearly 9 1/2 months since I moved to the Chicago area. I'm still crazy about this place, particularly downtown. Sometimes, I find myself downtown several times in one weekend. As if I'm not there enough during the work week. I know, there's no accounting for taste!

Boyfriend 'X' and I frequent an Italian restaurant off the Edens Expressway. Near the entrance, there is a poster of an editorial cartoon. It is from the pen of the late Jeff MacNelly, a multi-Pulitzer Prize winner. No matter how often we return to this place, I always find this cartoon hilarious. Writing about it does not do it justice.

You see, there are a number of peculiarities about Chicago. Here are some rough takes from this cartoon:

Chicago, city of neighborhoods (actually, 77 are recognized) and neighborhood bars. The poster shows a Playboy club with bunnies (as in rabbits) bounding out the front door. Incidentally, some bars are not called bars but "Public Houses."

A billboard painter is cursing as he notices he painted, in huge letters for all to see, "Chicago, the City That Worsk!"

A city known for its gangsters and politicians. Both are well dressed in similar suits, while they stand in front of microphones and cameras. The only difference between the two is the gangster is covering his face with a large hat. The politician is holding a similar hat while he smiles broadly.

A city know for it Parades and Unions. Shows parade goers holding placards. One reads "International Lady's Garment Squeezers Union". Another proclaims "National Counter Top Movers."

The Windy City: a former mayor is "orating" before a throng of reporters scribbling notes. Their hats are being blown off, their hair is wind blown and their suits are getting rumpled from the 'wind' of her voice.

There is an inset showing a Cubs player. At the top it reads "Second City." The player is thinking to himself "Hell, I'd settle for fourth!"

Chicago is a city of ethnic restaurants. Over a restaurant door is a sign with words similar to: "Stan's Kung Foo, Soul Food, Kosher/Greek Deep Dish Pizza."

Behind all the scenes is part of the downtown skyline. The John Hancock Tower looms over everything else, seemingly being buzzed by a jet airliner.

A great city.

My favorite place in Chicago is a pizza place called Geno's its by, on or just off Huron at the end of the loop past the water tower. Fun place as I remember it, you can get a carving knife to carve into the table, chairs, walls, etc while you wait for your Pizza, which is the best ever.

I love Chicago,

River

I have had the opportunity to travel quite a bit in my adult life but I have never been to the east coast (except DC) or Chicago. You should look for a job with the Chamber of Commerce because you have really sold me on wanting to go to Chicago!

I'm glad that you are enjoying your new life in a new city nd it sounds very exciting and fulfilling. I hope things continue to work out for you there in the future.

I had the pleasure to work in the Chicago area (just barely west of O'Hare airport) for a few months in the late 1980s. I will NEVER forget the wealth of delicatessans and restaurants and bars, and they all had FANTASTIC food. My favorite was the AP Italian Deli and their Italian roast beef sandwiches with "sport" (extremely HOT!) peppers and giardinara (mixed pickled vegetables).

Hi Danya..I agree, Chicago is a wonderful place..Especially since you've been there...smooches dragonfly

Years ago I was a contract programmer and I got to live in Naperville and work in Oak Brook which let me go to the City every weekend and I did, Chicago is just a fun place, you can walk from one end to the other, plenty of parking, great food, its just a wonderful town.

One Saturday a couple weeks after I got there I was heading into town and got into the biggest traffic jam ever, I finally pulled of the road and some cop started giving me hell and I asked him "what is going on"? that was when he realized I was not from that area, then he said "Columbus DAY", "OH I said, how do I get back out of here"? "your NOT from around here", "No I am not", "You have herd of Columbus haven't you" "yes sir I said, but I am from California and we don't celebrate Columbus Day there, sorry", "sigh, OK here is what you do" and he told me how to get out of town.

On the main drag there was a restraint called the Russian Tea room I think, if its still there its a wonderful place to eat as well, its near the football field.

Anyway, of all the big cities I have lived in or near, San Francisco is first, Chicago comes in second, have not found a third yet. (born and raised in LA)

River