MB Meets World

Staying in the city, rather than a suburb, was a choice so that Sam could have a shorter commute to work and I could have a more urban experience. Chicago has 77 neighborhoods, so we wanted to experience many of them!!

Since we weren’t able to find an apartment in Logan Square (where we have friends), we went a few miles west to Hermosa (or, it might be part of Humboldt Park; not sure). While we didn’t know anything about the Hermosa neighborhood before we got here, we have really enjoyed it. Many kind neighbors and business owners have welcomed us, particularly as I walked Riley or conducted business.

Here are some businesses we frequent:

I have enjoyed learning about neighbors based on their lawn signs. At home in Ithaca I have a bunch of political signs, like support for a living wage and Black Lives Matter. Here I see more signs about neighborhood and family pride. (Well, my pics don’t represent ALL the neighborhood values, but these dog poop signs are cute! And, yes, plenty of folks in Itown have similar “clean up poop” reminders!)

I love seeing this cart, which is not only an ice cream cart, but also sells savory snacks. It plays a beautiful song.

Lots of great statues and gardens.

Most of our neighbors speak Spanish, so to be respectful I try to greet people in Spanish rather than English and if I am able to ask questions or order in Spanish, I do. Luckily for me, most folks are bilingual, because my Spanish is VERY limited. I never took a class in high school or college, but I am listening to an audio book that is teaching me key phrases. I love it!!