Wednesday, October 07, 2009

From the Mississippi, with love

Dear Dallas,

I hope you know that I thought about you a lot when I was on vacation in New Orleans last week. I thought about what the weather might be like where you were, and how the house was doing. I tried to not miss you, but I did a little, and on the drive home up I-49 through the most boring and beautiful parts of Cajun Acadiana, I couldn't wait to see your skyline and know that I was almost home.

But I'll be honest: Rarely do I consider myself at home in your arms. Dallas, you can be downright inhospitable. From the searing heat to the fricking terrible drivers and endless strip malls, most of the time, you aren't much to look at. You're no city on a hill, that's for sure.

And yet I live with all of your flaws, and I'm happy to be home after a great week in The Big Easy. I saw a lot of things that you don't have, like a kickass Audubon Zoo and Aquarium and a downtown that people actually flock to after hours. And, get this, people actually USE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION in New Orleans in lieu of driving. Why? Becuase there are things to do and wonderful bars and eateries in the places with rail access. What a novel idea!

I bet it would be a sore subject to talk about the fact that there is not just one major university in New Orleans, either. In fact, there are THREE!

And then there's the local cuisine. And the plethora of cute French cafes on sidewalks, which are perfect for people-watching, because, get this, THERE ARE PEOPLE AROUND.

But, Dallas, I'm glad to be back home. I have puppies and kitties and chickies that all need me to be here, and a garden that needs to be tended. This is all just constructive criticism, of course, and perhaps you should take it to heart.

Much love and stuff,

Miss Dallas

4 comments:

carissajaded said...

Oh i am glad you're back in D-town. though i agree there are many of changes that are in dire need of being made before this place is actually.. livable. i went through the same thought process when i returned from austin yesterday. and love your site!

The Maiden Metallurgist said...

traveling always makes me appreciate home- even when we lived on the north side and I hated it, I was always glad to get home.

Anya said...

I always feel the same way about coming back to Dallas. Like you, my sole reason for being here is my own puppies and husband. Glad you enjoyed New Orleans! It's an amazing city!!

Olivia said...

Boo! You already got my comment on FB, but I'm doing the blog rounds today so stopped in to say hi.