Three days ago, I thought Tennessee was the last place I wanted to be. I wanted to get out and travel. I wanted a break from Johnson City. It’s not that I don’t like the town, I just wanted a break.I decided to book a flight to Chicago, Ill., and take the break I thought I wanted.

When I arrived in Chicago, I was extremely excited.

The O’Hare International Airport is one of the largest airports in the world and quite amazing. I could tell as I observed some of the locals around me that this was going to be a completely different experience than I had imagined.

I threw my hand out and a cab came to take me to my hotel, the Intercontinental Chicago.

This hotel is located on Michigan Avenue, or as others like to call it, The Magnificent Mile. The hotel was gorgeous and everyone seemed friendly for the most part. The trip was going in a positive direction, and that made me happy.

When the next day arrived, I awoke early to explore what was around me.

I know Chicago is a busy place, but the streets were so packed, the term “personal bubble” didn’t exist anymore, and just a side note – manners are hard to come by.

Hardly anyone would say “Excuse me” and it seemed as though almost everyone had this attitude, which I am still confused by.

A lady dropped her shopping bags and absolutely no one budged to help her pick them up, so I thought I would.

She acted as though I was trying to take her stuff. She just looked at me and stared, then she walked away. The level of culture shock was rising very fast.

Now I don’t want to make it sound like Chicago is a bad place to visit. There are some amazing places to shop and some excellent restaurants.

Fashion is a must if you are planning on walking the streets as well.

The best thing about visiting Chicago is the museums. They are truly incredible. If you ever get the chance to visit, you have to go to the Adler Planetarium and the John Hancock Observatory. Both are excellent.

The point I am trying to make is that although visiting a big city seems like fun, after a while you truly begin to appreciate home.

It is the small things in life that will count in the end, not which Prada bag you were able to buy.

Friends, family and kindness are what make life good, and that can be found in our little city in Tennessee.

There really is no place like home.

Author