The Urban Politician
November 16th, 2004, 05:15 AM
Hey guys, the bone-chilling winter is coming. I am, of course, stuck in DC as usual, but I remember times in the midwest and I remember seeing Chicago in the winter. Interestingly, most people consider winters in Chicago terrible and use that as one of the arguments against moving there.
I, for one, consider it an asset. Angelinos, Miamians, Texans, etc can criticize the northeast all they want for this, and they are entitled to their opinion, but I think it's a matter of taste and how you view society, cities, etc--a discussion far beyond the scope of this thread.
The changing of seasons, with fall, winter, spring, etc bring with them not only moods, but a "feel" that many in other areas will never understand. Winter is an absolutely gorgeous time of year in Chicago. Sheets of white snow, and even the falling snowflakes, are a gift! They bring with them a sense of "realism" to the world around them and give the city a part of it's image. Who can imagine Chicago without snow? Chicago, perhaps, wouldn't be what it was without snow. The architecture, the indoor activities (museums, concerts, shows, exhibits, bars, pubs, etc) would not be so enhanced without it. In a sense, the warm hearth of an indoor flat or condo in the city is so much more enhanced by the beauty of snowflakes falling outside your window.
Snowy days walking down State St or Michigan Avenue....or hell, even a great boulevard like 53rd st are full of beauty and charm that many neighborhoods around the world probably envy. Whole traditions are formed around seasons like winter--such as when the grand Christmas tree is placed in the JHC and Daley plazas. It just wouldn't look right in most other city's downtowns, with the exception of Manhattan.
Christmas alone is incredible in Chicago. It is real Christmas. The lights in front of old brick houses, the snow, and the beautiful urban setting give Chicago's Christmas a European-esque feel that is the envy of the country. I am not a Christian, but even I can recognize that fact.
In the end, however, many will never understand this. Many of my California friends brush aside my defense of winter and say "I could never stand the cold, screw it". But truly, I think they are missing out. I love being able to go to the store and buy a great new coat for winter. I love going into the closet and pulling out my scarves, hats, etc "winter wardrobe". IMO, places like Chicago are incredibly unique, full of life, and are some of the warmest places on earth during the winter.
But just make sure you dress up right--or your ass will definitely freeze!
I, for one, consider it an asset. Angelinos, Miamians, Texans, etc can criticize the northeast all they want for this, and they are entitled to their opinion, but I think it's a matter of taste and how you view society, cities, etc--a discussion far beyond the scope of this thread.
The changing of seasons, with fall, winter, spring, etc bring with them not only moods, but a "feel" that many in other areas will never understand. Winter is an absolutely gorgeous time of year in Chicago. Sheets of white snow, and even the falling snowflakes, are a gift! They bring with them a sense of "realism" to the world around them and give the city a part of it's image. Who can imagine Chicago without snow? Chicago, perhaps, wouldn't be what it was without snow. The architecture, the indoor activities (museums, concerts, shows, exhibits, bars, pubs, etc) would not be so enhanced without it. In a sense, the warm hearth of an indoor flat or condo in the city is so much more enhanced by the beauty of snowflakes falling outside your window.
Snowy days walking down State St or Michigan Avenue....or hell, even a great boulevard like 53rd st are full of beauty and charm that many neighborhoods around the world probably envy. Whole traditions are formed around seasons like winter--such as when the grand Christmas tree is placed in the JHC and Daley plazas. It just wouldn't look right in most other city's downtowns, with the exception of Manhattan.
Christmas alone is incredible in Chicago. It is real Christmas. The lights in front of old brick houses, the snow, and the beautiful urban setting give Chicago's Christmas a European-esque feel that is the envy of the country. I am not a Christian, but even I can recognize that fact.
In the end, however, many will never understand this. Many of my California friends brush aside my defense of winter and say "I could never stand the cold, screw it". But truly, I think they are missing out. I love being able to go to the store and buy a great new coat for winter. I love going into the closet and pulling out my scarves, hats, etc "winter wardrobe". IMO, places like Chicago are incredibly unique, full of life, and are some of the warmest places on earth during the winter.
But just make sure you dress up right--or your ass will definitely freeze!