119. Denver

             An American city that I really love is Denver, Colorado. I’m not a big city fan but this place just feels like home. Everyone thinks that the mile-high city must be in the mountains, but it’s not.  It’s on the Great Plains right where they meet the Rockies. It’s a city that seems to reflect the entire Rocky Mountain region of the country with its proximity to the mountains, the plains and its high elevation. It’s also the biggest city in the Rocky Mountain region and that, of course, sounds awkward because city and Rocky Mountains don’t match. But, like I said, it isn’t really in the mountains it’s just near them. And, of course, the proximity of Denver to the mountains means the people are the outdoorsy type. You find the cowboy types as you would expect of the high plains and the mountaineering types such as hikers, climbers, and skiers as you would also expect of the mountains.
             If you don’t want to catch the Broncos or be in the city there are lots of things nearby that are worth taking time to see. Buffalo Bill Cody is buried in the mountains nearby, so if you’re a western history buff that’s a nice little pilgrimage to honor a past that has led to the current state of the west in all its aspects. Going south to Colorado Springs to see the Air Force Academy is well worth the trip, though driving that interstate highway might lead you to believe you’ve been transported to Southern California. Red Rocks Amphitheater is also close by and if you hit it right you might catch a great concert there. If you like beer at all you should definitely tour the Coors Brewery in nearby Golden. A drive north to Boulder will get you to the University of Colorado where you might catch a Pac 12 game. The Leanin’ Tree card company is also in Boulder if you like glimpses of great western art. And the Celestial Seasonings Tea company is also there. The facility tour of that place is worth the visit all by itself.
            But the best thing about Denver to me is just the feel. For me it feels comfortable, like I’m at home in spite of the fact that it is urban and nothing like my rural home. It is the shared history, accent and friendly western feel of the people. Denver is a comfortable big city for me and a great American place that gives me a sense of pride.