September 01, 2005

Looking toward the phoenix

When I first moved to Chicago five years ago, one of the things that struck me about Chicagoans was how proud they tend to be of the precise grid that make up the city's streets. But, of course, like most older cities, Chicago was not always so organized - what exists today is partly the result of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The destruction of the city provided a clean slate for urban planners.

I've been focusing on that for the past 24 hours or so. I don't want New Orleans to be a precise grid (because isn't there something charming to have two streets parallel in one place and perpendicular in another?), but I'm looking to the future. I won't be around, but I like to think that 100 or so years from now, New Orleanians will refer with pride to some aspect of the city that arose as a result of the rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

The phoenix of Chicago arose from the ashes. Ours will arise from the water.

Posted by Shokufeh at September 1, 2005 05:39 PM
Comments

Oh Shokufeh, I am so sorry that your hometown was hit by Katrina. I love your uplifting attitude and trust the phoenix will be wondrous when it rises. (I also love that you are married to Sam who believes that superheroes should really exist.). Take care of you.

Posted by: Giao at September 1, 2005 08:05 PM

hey shok - i love the imagery you've employed here: the phoenix and the water. and you all are in my heart and prayers. always, but especially now. i'm glad your parents are safe...

Posted by: delara at September 1, 2005 11:37 PM

Amen, Skok!

Posted by: Julia at September 2, 2005 01:03 PM

um, I mean Shok

Posted by: Julia at September 2, 2005 01:04 PM

shokufeh i've been thinking about this entry of yours all day long. it has strangely put me somewhat at peace over the situation. i guess because i live here in chicago now and see what a fabulous place this city grew to be after such a disaster. i too have hope that new orleans will rise above!

Posted by: meisa at September 2, 2005 05:34 PM

I think you're right. I think New Orleans can get better. At least that's what I pray for them.

Posted by: bethanie at September 3, 2005 09:48 AM