Whether in Chicago or Cortona, Len and I try to walk everyday, or as we say in Italian, fare una passeggiata. During our walks, my senses take in beautiful sights, sounds (no ear buds for me), and the vast array of smells from fragrant flowers to pop-up food stands. The differences are striking, from the moment I step outside my door…
Via Santucci, Cortona ©Blogginginitaly.com
And not surprising, as Chicago is a relatively new city…1833
Chicago ©Blogginginitaly.com
While Cortona is an ancient town… 7th century BC.
Cortona©Blogginginitaly.com
And while the differences are striking in many ways, it occurred to me that there are some interesting similarities.
Both cities have incredible parks where we take our walks,
Lincoln Park, Chicago ©Blogginginitaly.com
Cortona Parterre ©Blogginginitaly.com
with beautiful fountains,
Lincoln Park, Chicago ©Blogginginitaly.com
Cortona Parterre ©Blogginginitaly.com
incredible monuments and memorials,
Lincoln Park, Chicago ©Blogginginitaly.com
Cortona Parterre ©Blogginginitaly.com
seating for the weary,
Lincoln Park, Chicago ©Blogginginitaly.com
Cortona Parterre ©Blogginginitaly.com
And cats to entertain.
Lincoln Park Zoo ©Blogginginitaly.com
Cortona Parterre ©Blogginginitaly.com
While Chicago borders beautiful Lake Michigan,
Lake Michigan ©Blogginginitaly.com
Cortona is just a short drive to Lago Trasimeno.
Lago Trasimeno ©Blogginginitaly.com
And both provide relaxing settings for walking and biking.
Lincoln Park Chicago ©Blogginginitaly.com
Lago Trasimeno ©Blogginginitaly.com
Now if stopping for ice cream/gelato is your thing, no problem…
Chicago ©Blogginginitaly.com
Cortona ©Blogginginitaly.com
or shopping at a local market.
Lincoln Park Market ©Blogginginitaly.com
Cortona Market ©Blogginginitaly.com
Need fast delivery? Both locales have you covered.
©Blogginginitaly.com
Cortona ©Blogginginitaly.com
Looking for entertainment? Races on foot or on wheels?
Chicago Marathon ©Blogginginitaly.com
Cortona Bike Race ©Blogginginitaly.com
Or annual traditions?
Chicago Air and Water Show ©Blogginginitaly.com
Cortona Archidado ©Blogginginitaly.com
Feeling like spectating or donning a costume?
Lake Michigan ©Blogginginitaly.com
Cortona Archidado ©Blogginginitaly.com
And finally, when we need four wheels, …well, got that covered too!
Big City Safety
Small town parking ©Blogginginitaly.com
Ok, ok, don’t ask about such things as tomatoes, wine, cheese, pasta – no contest – but a very good reason to keep returning for una passeggiata in the land of my ancestors.
Ciao,
Judy
Blogging In Italy 