The Great Pierogi Influx: How Many Ukrainians Are Crashing on Chicago's Couches (and Hearts)?
Let's face it, Chicago winters are brutal. But this year, forget the windchill - the real question is how many Ukrainians are braving the elements (and terrible deep dish, fight me) to call the Windy City home?
Numbers, Numbers, Numbers (the Fun Kind)
We're talking over 30,000 Ukrainian refugees, folks. That's more people than you can fit in ten Millennium Parks (though with all that delicious pierogi fuel, maybe they'll be starting their own pierogi park soon?).
Why Chicago?
Chicago's got a long history of welcoming Ukrainians, with a vibrant Ukrainian Village neighborhood that's basically a walking tour of varenyky and borscht. Plus, there's already a 100,000 strong Ukrainian community here, ready to offer free couch space, questionable fashion advice (think babushka chic), and an endless supply of war stories (hopefully with happy endings).
Is Chicago Ready for the Invasion (of Pierogi Goodness)?
Well, some folks might be worried about a pierogi shortage. But hey, more people means more parties, right? Besides, these Ukrainians are tough cookies (they've already dealt with a brutal winter and, well, you know, a war), so a little Chicago chaos is a walk in the park (or should we say Millennium Park?).
The Future Looks Bright (Like a Sunflower)
The influx of Ukrainians is a testament to Chicago's open arms and love of a good dumpling. Who knows, maybe they'll even teach us how to pronounce "borscht" properly. One thing's for sure, Chicago's gonna be a whole lot more interesting (and tastier) with these new arrivals.
So next time you see someone rocking a babushka scarf and scarfing down a pierogi, give them a big Chicago welcome (and maybe offer some deep dish...baby steps, people).
