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 
Very cute comparison.
_____________________________
Vincent J. Connelly
Mayer Brown LLP
71 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606-4637
312-701-7912
email: vconnelly@mayerbrown.com
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Thanks!
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Loved the photos…makes my excited for our return. Hope you both are enjoying your summer in Chicago.
Barbara
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Thanks and see you soon.
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Thank you very much
I enjoyed the tour of both cities
So much different, so much similar
Have a good day and keep me posted
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Glad you liked the tour!
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Great pics Judy!!
Saludos to you and Len,
Gustavo and Hilaryxoxo
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Thanks and same back to you two!
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Via Santucci…I fondly refer to as THE BEAST!!! Love the pics, as usual.
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Len calls is Mt. Santucci – lots of agreement with both of your affectionate terms!
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Really nice comparison. I’ve only been to Chicago once and that was very briefly and in the winter. The parks look beautiful and so do the beans! Enjoy your summer!
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Thanks and same to you!
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Grazie for the photos and comparative commentary! Che bello! I will be in Rome to Assisi from September 26 to October 7. For two week before that I will be leading a group through Sicily. Che Benedizione!
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You are always on the run, and having too much fun. Good for you!
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Very, very, cool! Nicely done!
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Thanks, Chuck!
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Divertentissima! Che bei paragoni!
Un abbraccio.
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Grazie! un abbraccio a te!
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Nicely framed juxtapositions. I look forward to meeting you in person come spring 2018, when I relocate to Bologna. (btw, I am Anne Farenbach Kuehn’s friend)
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Thanks and see you in Italia!
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City parking being what it is, sometimes you might think longingly of having the Italian car here. We also miss our Parterre daily walk. Another lovely photo essay. Thanks Judy.-
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Actually, my car fits nicely in my garage here, so parking is not such an issue, but there, yes!
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Loved your pictures of Lincoln Park and of Cortona. I used to take my children to Lincoln Park to see the animals in the zoo and just relax. Next tome, Cortona!
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And to think that Lincoln Park zoo is still free every day of the year!
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We enjoyed this one…makes us even more anxious to get back in September!! Uniquely clever way of comparisons 🍷
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