City Love

I was listening to the usual 96.5 The Buzz as Afentra was interviewing the lucky guy whose MyList she had decided to play. This person was a KU student and naturally, one of the first things out of both her and his mouth was "Rock Chalk!" 

And then of course, the rivalry town of Columbia, Mo. (ugh) was brought up in conversation by Afentra. Fortunately, after about a two-minute rant about how much she hated the city of Columbia, she said that she loved Lawrence and thought it was "one of the best college towns she's ever been to."

I knew I always liked her.

OK, so I suppose as a current resident of Lawrence and a KU student, I am a little biased when I say that I fully and completely agree with Afentra. But honestly, I really do believe that if anyone were to visit Lawrence, he or she would at least say that it was pretty damn cool.

Here are a few of my favorite things about Lawrence:

One of my favorite memories in Lawrence is the image of an older man jogging down Massachusetts Street wearing a stocking hat and a windsuit while pushing a stroller that was holding a doll. Yes, it is true that there are some definite "weirdos" in this town, but that's what keeps it interesting around here. And really, if anything, people like that are only helping others become accustomed to all walks of life.

If the opportunity arises, i.e. if I ever have money to spend, I always want to go out to eat. And I always pick local restaurants. Free State Brewery, hands down, is my favorite place to go. (Plus, the atmosphere alone is really great.) I also places like Zen Zero, La Parilla, Jo Schmo's and Ingredient. If you haven't tried any of the previously mentioned restaurants, you must put your computer to sleep and go to one of them now.

It's hard for me to describe how much I love attending the University of Kansas. I grew up in a family of all either K-State fans or alumni, so I guess the extreme opposite factor of KU is why I like it so much.  I love the classes I've taken. I love the people I've met here. And I really love the sports here (which brings me to my next topic).

Allen Fieldhouse is so great that it had to be a separate entry from KU. The history of the building gives me goosebumps, especially when I think about how many great people have walked through its doors. KU basketball has always been thoroughly important to me, but I never got to really experience it growing up in a family of K-State fans. I knew it was a special place when I was there as a 10-year-old (when my friend's family was nice enough to take me), and I know that it's a special place now.

The only way that I can express Lawrence to others isn't through vague words like liberal or artsy, but as a dynamic community. Nothing is ever the same in this town - even if it is just another Walmart (ugh) being built. It doesn't feel like another boring Kansas town at all, but still has friendly people. I really do enjoy being in Lawrence, and I know that a time will come when I have to leave. But I don't want to think about that right now.