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Kansas City

My experience of Kansas City for years was as an occasional visitor from the suburbs. I would attend an event or frequent a restaurant and at the end of the day, return back to the burbs. I vacationed in various other cities and came away wondering why Kansas City isn’t a “real” city like them. It was when I had occasions to visit the neighborhoods of Kansas City that I really began to get a sense of the wonderful spirit of the city and friendliness of the people. Myths and my suppositions were dispelled. There are faults, but if you live here and are not finding cause for celebration — it’s by your choosing.

Kansas City Marathon

My inaugural event experienced as a Kansas City resident was the Kansas City Marathon. The course passed a couple of blocks to the west of my office and then again a half block to the east on its return. I first biked to the west and met the runners on their way up Ward Parkway. I watched silently as the first few runners thanked me for “coming out”. In a nation in which for 49 of 50 states the percentage of population who are obese is more than 20% (source: U.S. Center for Disease Control and graphed at Thintuition) these people had chosen to complete a goal of a 26.2 mile run. To be sure, every one of these people would have an inspiring story to share! They were inspiring to me on this beautiful fall morning in Kansas City. And they thanked me! Quickly, I was aware the salutations needed to be voiced to them as expressions of admiration and appreciation. To anyone not in the marathon, I recommend finding a sidewalk along the course and being inspired by what is being accomplished by every-day people. This year the Kansas City marathon will be run on Saturday, October 18.

Kansas City Sprint Center

The unveiling of the Sprint Center in october, 2007 was another occasion to feel the energy of a growing city. The facility is a great key attraction for the downtown area.

Kansas City Plaza Lights

The lighting of the Plaza lights — observed so many times as a two-dimensional image on the television screen takes on a whole different persona when immersed hundreds deep in a festive crowd. What better way to usher in the holiday season in Kansas City?

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