Minneapolis = Home

I was only a toddler when my family first moved from Minneapolis to the East Coast. We returned to the city often, especially in summertime, and eventually resettled in the Minneapolis suburbs when I was in grade school. I stayed put into young adulthood, at which I began a series of long-term departures — often to the East Coast — in periods that ranged from one college semester to multiple years at a time. My record, most recently, was 14 years away. During that time, I tried my best to visit Minneapolis at least once a year, even after my mom moved to Florida. Back and forth, back and forth until recently resettling in the City of Lakes once again. For now, or forever, I can’t say for certain. Time will be the ultimate judge.

All this to say, a brief stroll last night by Lake of the Isles reminded me of why I keep returning to the land of my birth, in spite of the climate which can often be so harsh. There is incredible natural beauty here, and (at least in Minneapolis) it seems perfectly counterbalanced with desirable urban features like an impressive downtown skyline, fine dining and cultural beacons like theater, museums, and festivals galore. And then there are the people. How I adore my fellow Minnesotans — their funny accents (which I mostly managed to avoid, having moved away during those early developmental years), the juxtaposition of incredible kindness with passive-aggressive tendencies, and Minnesotans’ fierce reluctance to saying goodbye in a timely fashion. (What can I say — it’s endearing.)

I remember in my early twenties, shortly before my dad died, I asked him what was his favorite city. Dad had been born abroad, in Budapest, moving to Minneapolis in his early teens, and then he traveled the globe in his twenties and thirties. I thought for sure Dad would have answered “Budapest,” which is a charming city unto itself. But after pondering my question for a moment, he answered “Minneapolis” with conviction. The answer surprised me at the time, but two decades later, I think I get it. The quality of life here is undeniable.

Don’t get me wrong — I still miss NYC dearly, and no neighborhood but Park Slope has ever felt so much like home. I miss being able to walk to almost everything: doctor’s appointments, the grocer, and I never thought I’d say this but I desperately miss popping into Uniqlo fast fashion on a whim. (Several months into living in Minnesota, I’ve learned, with some measure of horror, that there are no Uniqlos anywhere in this state — not even at the Mall of America!) I miss my NYC friends and some of my old colleagues. I anticipate that I’ll miss being able to take the train to the ocean come summertime. Even so, I whole-heartedly appreciate my current city. Minneapolis is and always will feel like home.