The city became for me the ideal of what I wanted to be as a grown-up. Friendly, but never gushing, cool but not frigid or distant, distinguished without the awful stiffness.
Maya Angelou describes the city as a representation of her ideal self and aspirations. She admired its balance of friendliness and sophistication, emphasizing a warm yet composed atmosphere. The city seemed to embody qualities she aimed to develop within herself, such as being approachable without overbearing, stylish without coldness, and respectable without rigidity.
Angelou's words highlight her view of the city as a symbol of dignity and authenticity. She appreciated its subtle elegance and the way it maintained a welcoming vibe without losing its grace, inspiring her to aspire to those same qualities in her personal growth and identity.