Tucson in Chicago

I was on the Purple Line, freezing, trying not to make eye contact with any of the other passengers, so I looked up at the ads. I saw an ad for Tucson, Arizona. There was a huge scene of dry, warm desert at dusk, with a woman in work out gear sitting atop some rocks, looking out over the desert. The tag line went something like, "Tucson: The Real Southwest." I should be better at remembering tag lines, but it went right out of my mind when I saw the exact same ad right next to the first one.  And one after that. Tucson covered the whole side of the train with its warm orange glow. Quickly I turned around and realized that Tucson had bought out that entire car.

I just sat there, thinking about being warm. Thinking about not needing to wear long underwear, thick socks, boots, sweaters, hats, scarves, gloves and jackets. The only accessory I would need would be my water bottle.


Then I remembered Amanda and Tyler, and I figured I ought to warn them. So guys, if you see an influx of tourism this winter, it's just a bunch of people from Chicago who would usually be riding the Purple Line.