Big Cities are Beautiful

Happy 4th of July from Washington DC! Okay I am aware that it is now the 5th of July but I figured it is never too late to celebrate our country's birthday. So Happy 236th Birthday USA! This 4th was particularly special because not many people can say they stood beneath the Washington Monument and watched the fireworks light up the sky in our nation's capital. I feel like this is comparable to Mardi Gras in New Orleans and New Years in Times Square, both of which I hope to do someday!

In reflecting on our freedom here, there are many other aspects about what I have experienced this summer that I have given some thought to. To all those who don't think that big cities can be beautiful, they really haven't taken a good look around.
For all those who say people in big cities are rude then you must not have noticed that...

• For every one in like ten cars that you let cut in front of you on the interstate, someone will wave out of appreciation.
• There is always that one driver who will let the pedestrians walk across the street even if they are late or in a rush.
• There are always those people on the metro who will give up their seat for that elderly person or that pregnant lady so they don't have to stand.
• There is always going to be that person you sit next to on the train that turns and asks how you are or where you came from even though you have never met before.
• There is always that co-worker who will buy cupcakes for the whole office or share her lunch because she just wants you to get a chance to try everything while you're here.

For all those people who say that traffic is horrible...

• Must not know what it's like to turn your stereo up to its loudest and sing and dance without a care because you will never see those people driving next to you again...anonymity is beautiful.

For those who say this big city isn't home must not...

• See the beauty of that text from your best friend or that Skype call from your parents and realize that home can go wherever you are...even if home is almost 1000 miles away.

For those who say a big city is missing the beauty of nature and wildlife must not...

• Be able to see the beauty in architecture that people have crafted with their own two hands for others to enjoy. 

For those who think that city people are uptight or overly professional must not...

• Ever see that man on the metro who has loosened his tie and rolled up is sleeves after work which expose his tattooed-covered arms because the day is over and it's time to relax.
• Ever experience celebrating the 4th with millions of other people you don't know but you all sing along to our nation's anthem because being American is what we all have in common...freedom is beautiful..so is unity.

The beauty in this big city is knowing that all those tears over the last year, all the struggles, and all the heartache led to this moment and these opportunities that I never would have had or taken. This summer is beautiful. Life is beautiful:)