I had lunch yesterday with a smart, independent woman who has managed to carve out a good life for herself in Cleveland. We are both complainers, but we both see the positives, too. She has lived in Chicago, Toronto, and Cleveland, and of the three places, she prefers Cleveland. Cleveland's cost of living allows her to travel to Paris - twice a year to be recharged by the energy and joie de vivre - that is uniquely French.
Is France- perfect?! Hardly - they have their problems, too - but they also know how to enjoy life while it lasts. I try, on occasion, to see the beauty - the tableaux -but I keep coming back to the realities that undermine our great cultural city. My friend is a music lover and I am an afficiando of great visual art. We are both lucky to have many offerings her in Northeast Ohio. We also have stunning nature. I would be a happier person, if we all figured out how to make our cultures mix together with some peace and sensibility.