Just a quick update to let you all know that I have arrived and settled into my new home in Cincinnati, Ohio! For those not familiar with where I am located on a map, wonder no more:
I am way down on the bottom left on the border of Ohio and Kentucky! In fact, many people live in Kentucky (I believe it is a little bit cheaper) and drive into Ohio (and vice versa) for work, etc. A river separates the two states, but it is easy to just hop on the bridges that go back and forth over it. (Side note: this may sound weird, but the most crossed state line for me have been Texas/California to Mexico, making it much more complicated to cross, which is why I find it amusing that it is so easy).
Even though I have only been here two and a half weeks (it feels MUCH longer), I feel like I have a pretty good grip on the city already. Its not a giant city and it is broken up into many smaller communities making it easier to recognize for me. I live in Northside and I really love it. It has a reputation of being the 'artsy' community, which I've always wanted to experience. Just a few blocks away is a miniature downtown with restaurants, bars, shops, and other storefronts and I find myself walking there at least once if not more times per week. There is also a weekly farmers market on wednesday evenings that is perfect for getting farm grown fruits and vegetables. Early in the summer, my roommates planted a garden and now I get to reap the benefits!
Cherry tomatoes!! There are a hand full of new ripe ones every day and they never sit for more than a day before being consumed.
This plant is a bit of a mystery but I *think* it is sprouting little brussle sprouts. Can anyone confirm or deny?
When the powers of our garden combine (tomatoes, basil, and eggplant) with some other fresh goodies, we get an awesome homemade pizza!!
While I'm sharing all about food (which, I have a feeling I'll be sharing a lot of as Cincinnati is alllll about good food), I have to share my first "Skyline Chili" experience. Skyline Chili is a fast/casual restaurant chain all over Cincinnati (and possibly beyond) that is 'famous' for its chili over spaghetti. Yes, chili and spaghetti. I had it "five ways" which means it has cheese, onions, beef, beans, and probably a 5th ingredient that I can't remember. It is was all piled on top of overcooked spaghetti and topped with a pinch (if a pinch is a mound) of shredded cheese. You also get a bowl of oyster crackers for good measure.
I didn't love it...but I didn't hate it either. It seems to be the kind of place that most people love or hate and I can see why. I would go back and try the chili cheese hot dog sometime but I won't be getting the traditional chili any time soon.
I have much more to share about my trip across the country ( with a LOT of scenery pics and a super fun pit stop) as well as other adventures around the city so far. I feel SO blessed to be led to a place that I feel so at home it. I know the winter will be a little rough for this warm weather loving gal, but I am really looking forward to getting to know the people and the city of Cincinnati.
