Chicago Culture Shock

The Airbnb I’m in is located in a neighborhood slightly outside Chicago’s downtown core. It feels more like a suburb than a city. 

This morning, I checked Google Maps for any cafes nearby I could work out of. Back in NYC, there are at least a dozen cafes within a 10-minute walk of my apartment. Here, there’s only one. Dunkin’. I had no choice, so I got dressed in a nice fit, packed my bag, and walked 5 minutes to Dunkin’. 

On my way there, I had to cross a four-lane road. There was barely anyone walking. But there were plenty of cars. Having empty sidewalks and low foot traffic felt eery to me. 

Later that day, I wanted to try this chicken sandwich at a spot near my place. I was going to change out of my house shorts but then I remembered that I’m not in NYC. I do enjoy getting dressed up, but it’s also liberating that I don’t need to here. 

Visiting a different place and observing these small nuances made me realize how much New York has changed me and how much of a New Yorker I am.