I'm going to keep this short. I realize that I have little to say at this moment. I am overwhelmed with anticipation about my move. As the stacks of boxes climb higher and higher in my apartment, and the days remaining in Milwaukee, WI grow fewer and fewer, I just wanted to take a moment and remember what I love about this city, Brew City, USA.

 1. This is exceedingly relevant, as it was just revealed, but what other city in the world has a statue of the Fonz in bronze? http://onmilwaukee.com/buzz/articles/fonzpix.html

2. Not only is Milwaukee home to Miller Brewing Co, but countless other beers got their start in Milwaukee...Blatz, Pabst, Schlitz...and tons of microbreweries.

3. Brats. Need I say more?

4. The people of Milwaukee are unlike those I've met anywhere in the world. Milwaukee is the most diverse city in the state, and although you can find people from every race, creed and background, they all have in common their welcoming spirit and openness. In no other city have I met so many people willing to tell you their life stories in the first few minutes after you meet them.

5. Friday Fish Fry. God Bless the Catholics! And Lutherans, although you won't get me near that Ludafisk.

6. The summer festival season is the greatest in the entire US. Every weekend there is a festival, ranging from huge celebrations like Summerfest and State Fair, to cultural events like Mexican Fiesta, Irish Fest, Festa Italiana, Bastille Days, Polish Fest, Indian Summer, Arab World, Germanfest, Greek Fest, and the list goes on. Another great way to spend the weekend is at the multitude of church festivals which overrun parking lots during the summer.

7. The city park systems are awesome. The parkways provide scenic drives, and the parks themselves are full of interesting hiking trails and lovely examples of nature and indigenous species. The state parks are great as well, and camping in them is both fun and affordable.

8. The bowling alleys, the bar halls, the corner pubs, the backyard barbeques. A bar on every corner. The hotdog man who sits outside the liquor store. Cheese. Fireworks.

9. The abundance of rummage sales are amazing. Even during the winter! And the multitude of spelling errors on the rummage sale signs are endlessly amusing.

10. The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. This school actually cares about its students and their performance. It really feels like a community that cares. The professors are great, the facilities are improving, and the possibilities are endless!

 While my list is in no way comprehensive, it does give a glimpse of the wonder that is Milwaukee, WI. Brew City will be missed by this immigrant. As will the wonderful state of Wisconsin. But most of all I will miss that fantastic Wisconsin accent. I will carry it with me, with pride, to remind myself of the land of beers and steers, cheese and cheeseheads, and friends.