Boston, you're my home

Leaning against the railing above Memorial Drive last night, staring up at the Boston fireworks, my face radiating glee and delight, it struck me: This is a fantastic city. I love Boston.

How could I not? Where else could I live far enough away from the hustle and bustle to let my dog jump out of the car and stroll the street without a leash if my hands are full of bags and groceries, yet still be close enough to reach work, play, Downtown and Harvard Square within 15 minutes on my bike? Where else can I be part of a crowd of half a million people stretching a half mile on both sides of the Charles River and yet still run into five friends within one 500-meter stretch? Boston is like a city and a town in one, I’ve decided.

It’s going to be tough to leave, if I ever do. I know I’ll miss the mix of city, suburbs and mountains and the one-of-a-kind blur they make as they all come together. I’ll miss being able to spend one hour kayaking up and down the river and the next feasting at one of Cambridge’s delicious and unique restaurants. And I’ll miss the close proximity to New England’s most beautiful places, with an ease of escape you don’t find in many big cities.

But for now, forget about all that missing. I’m not going anywhere yet. Not for a while. As I watched the fireworks spray their colored lights across the sky to the tune of Aerosmith and the Boston Pops last night, I was sure of one thing: Boston may not be the end of the road for me, but for now, it’s home.