There was a time when I called Boston my favorite city. Since then I've lived in a couple other major cities, San Francisco, New York City, and San Diego. Each had its turn in the barrel as "my favorite". Now that Michelle and I have spent a little time here, I've started to remember the features that first charmed me to this often crazy town.

Things like the winding streets, giving the place an almost rural aspect. You can't just go up three blocks and over two. And you can't count on having street signs to guide you. You have to *know* where you're going, and can't help doing some exploring along the way.

I've always liked that you can walk everywhere. Everywhere important or interesting, anyway. Tonight I'll walk from the north end to south station, and won't even think of being in a car the entire time. One mile in any direction from the north end, and you can have the world.

The "T" is a nice reminder of what public transportation was once and should be. Pay one fare, and go anywhere in the system. What a concept! Washington D.C. has always done fares based on distance, and I think New York was just starting to flirt with the idea when I left. The one-fare-to-rule-them-all is just plain easy, though a bit harder to track ridership and system needs to the outer legs. I still like it.

Finally, the food. There are places that have been around for centuries, like Durgin Park, with basically the same menu and atmosphere. There are small local joints, trendy hot spots, and quiet places with linen tablecloths and prices to match. Yes, the other cities have these too, but not with the same concentration or access. Food, drink, and good times are densely everywhere.

So thanks for welcoming me back, Boston. You may yet regain the top spot as "my favorite city".