There’s No Place Like Home

We are returning from a very special trip, one my sweet husband planned almost a year ago.  Our “yellow brick” travels have covered many world destinations.  We’ve sampled strange delicacies and fabulous foods. We have visited ancient sites and savored classic art and awe inspiring natural beauty.  But the most memorable part of our trip has been the people we met along the way.

People are so much the same the world over; our desires and concerns are alike.  The tour bus driver in Cork, Ireland had a note of dismay in his voice as he pointed out the construction of the first high rise building in all of Ireland.  And the graffiti near that tall glass tower made it clear that others don’t like it either.  It feels like the world is coming to live in Ireland and the locals want to protect their heritage.

Prague, in the Czech Republic, is no longer a hidden gem.  Thousands arrive daily to peruse its phenomenal architecture.  But the Czech citizens can be cranky and it’s not hard to figure out why: Their cost of living has soared while wages remain low and housing is priced out of their reach.  Most of the service workforce must commute long distances and traffic is a serious issue.

Sound familiar?  Everyone wants to protect the special character of their hometown.  It’s where their heart is, and that’s the same in any language.

We visited some places that have managed to keep their personality in spite of, or in lieu of, growth.  Paris was a favorite, as well as London and Venice.  All are big cities with nasty congestion problems to solve but they have strictly mandated their growth to preserve their history, style and uniqueness.

And then there’s Cornwall. Where’s Cornwall?  It’s the beautiful, rural, southwestern tip of England.  I’m guessing Cornwall is the reason the word “quaint” was invented.  This county is full of picturesque villages, stunning seascapes and gracious people.  Growth is slow on purpose, metered out very carefully and the residents are fierce about protecting their heritage.

So you can see the issues are the same the world ‘round.  It’s how we deal with change that will make the difference.  Let’s learn from the lessons of others to be strong, focused and even fierce about what we want for the future of Coeur d’Alene.

I’ve checked the local CdA news online several times during our travels, and am aware of the large mix of candidates for our upcoming city council elections.  This Fall your vote could well determine the future growth pattern of our city.  I recall a historian in Munich telling us that after 80% of their city was destroyed in WWII, it was by only a one vote margin that the city council mandated restoration of their pre-war classic architecture.  That pivotal moment, decades ago, has made all the difference for their city.  I think we in Coeur d’Alene are at a crossroads as well.

So, over the next few weeks we’ll look into the central issues of our local elections.  Then later we’ll examine some of the county-related impacts as well.

As my husband and I make our way back westward, now flying over Iceland, I’m appreciating anew how lucky we are to live in our country, our state and our wonderful town.  I’m clicking the heels of my imaginary ruby slippers, whispering “there’s no place like home, there’s no place like home.”  Let’s all work together to keep it that way.