I was born and raised in Louisville, and have fond childhood memories of this fair city: posting up on the curb at Derby parades (never mind a few close-calls with crazed Shriners in tiny cars), daring to water ski on the Ohio (its called boosting your immune system) and pulling up to Frisbee Field on a Friday night in my friends cherry-red Volkswagen convertible (back when smoking was cool, you know, not hazardous).
I was content with this little slice of Louisville during my youth, but college called and I was eager to seize my independence. And so I spent the next 12 years away from home (with the exception of that one summer I came home from college, a stint my parents and I are mutually happy to forget). During the 144 months I spent in such exotic locales as Cincinnati, Nashville and Washington, D.C, there were times I was truly homesick, and that longing intensified as more time elapsed.
Finally, after several failed out-of-town Derby parties (convincing people to drink bourbon in the afternoon really shouldnt be so difficult), it was time to make the move.
Its been three months since I returned, and the honeymoon still isnt over.
During my first week home, most errands resulted in an unnecessary detour through Cherokee Park, just for old-times sake. I quickly learned, however, I had lost the ability to navigate the lush green labyrinth. But while the surly D.C. driver in me normally would have unleashed a string of expletives upon getting lost, I instead smiled as I snaked past Big Rock for the third time.
Upon my first weekday trek through downtown on foot, I was thrilled to discover Louisville is in fact a bustling city. Who knew? And although it was sad to stroll along the block where the Galleria once stood (I realize Im probably in the minority on that one), it was exhilarating to see droves of people patronizing Fourth Street Live (just dont expect me there anytime soon).
What else do I love about residing in Louisville? Well first, I could afford to buy a house here without subsisting on Ramen Noodles, PBR and stolen cable. Then theres the fact that the farthest parking space at the airport is only a 10-minute walk to the terminal. And what love letter to Louisville would be complete without a salute to food? There is a substantial list of restaurants I have longed for while away: Café Mimosa, Bearnos, Kashmir, Pats Steak House, White Castle (dont judge). Oh, and Im now available to accept last-minute Cardinal basketball tickets and Derby passes, so be sure to keep me in mind. And of course it goes without saying (although Ill say it just to be safe), its good to be close to family once again.
Im sure its only a matter of time before I start complaining about things like Louisvilles swampy summers, inadequate public transportation and UK fans (shit, does this count as a complaint?). But until the cynicism kicks in, Im going to embrace my love affair with Louisville. If and when the passion dies, at least we can still be friends.
This article appears in September 24, 2008.