Chelsea Ottavian-What is the most important place to me

The one place that has always been most important to me is my hometown of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Many people look at this place a common vacation spot, but this is my permanent home and I wouldn’t have it any other way. When tourists tromp down the boardwalk in their socks and sandals, Hawaiian print shirts, and huge gaudy sunhats, I feel privileged knowing that I can share my gorgeous hometown with such strangers. I know all of the best surf spots ( even though in all actuality Virginia has no waves), I can take you to the best hole-in-the-wall pizza places and sub shops, I know that the Haunted Mansion looks cooler on the outside than it does on the inside- all things only locals could ever be able to tell someone. I once read that “Virginia Beach is not a place to live, but a lifestyle”, and I completely agree with this statement. Only in Virginia Beach will someone complain about it being cold outside when really it’s a mild 65 degrees. Only in Virginia Beach will every car hold a beach towel and sunscreen- just in case. The fact that my hometown has such a distinct lifestyle that strangers are so interested in they go out of their way to vacation there makes my town important and special to me. I feel blessed knowing that I am one of the few who can say their town is loved by locals and tourists. Many people’s most important places to them are because they have a feeling of privacy and security; my most important place is wide open for all to share and I feel that that is the reason I love it so much.