Chicago, Illinois, USA. Windy city, established 1837. Well, it wasn't that windy when I arrived, and also throughout my stay. The weather was in fact, pretty good, with mild breezes and cool temperatures (60 deg Farenheit, which is about 15-16 deg Celsius).
This is a bustling city, so full of life, and so full of culture. New buildings line up adjacent to old ones (and I mean really old ones), but they don't look out of place nor like a motley crew. As I walk through the streets and savour the sights and sounds, I am suddenly reminded of how subconsciously I actually miss city life. The easy access to the different conveniences, the wide variety of activities, even the noise....
I recall many a time when I would lament about the hectic lifestyle of a city dweller, and how it would be lovely if I could just retire into the countryside or a small town and take each day at walking pace. Looking at Chicago, I think I'd rather remain in the city. It's good to escape once in a while into a less fast-paced area, but I doubt it could be permanent for me.
Well, now that I'm back in Ann Arbor, which is a much quieter place, I guess I have managed to accept and adapt to a slower pace once again.
But I'll always be a city bloke at heart.
Some pictures to share here.
Chicago Union Train station, where I arrived after a 4h train ride
I visited two huge towers in Chicago, which are architectural wonders in their own rights, the Sears Tower and John Hancock Tower. Each one towers around 100 storeys over the city of Chicago, and I was fortunate enough to go right up to their respective observatories (103th floor of Sears Tower; 94th floor of John Hancock), to get a fantastic view of Chicago and its surroundings. The entrance fees are not exactly cheap, but once you get to the top and you start looking out, the views are spectacular and priceless.
I also took a walk to the Millennium Park (tacky name, no prizes for guessing when it was developed). It may not match the natural diversity of London's Hyde Park or Regent Park, but it serves its function well as being the lungs of the city. It is located right in the heart of downtown Chicago, so it is a huge draw for both locals and tourists alike. There is a huge grass patch, with a lovely performance stage and various sculptures dotted in different parts of the park's vicinity. The architecture is quite impressive, no doubt.
Chicago Union Train station, where I arrived after a 4h train ride
I visited two huge towers in Chicago, which are architectural wonders in their own rights, the Sears Tower and John Hancock Tower. Each one towers around 100 storeys over the city of Chicago, and I was fortunate enough to go right up to their respective observatories (103th floor of Sears Tower; 94th floor of John Hancock), to get a fantastic view of Chicago and its surroundings. The entrance fees are not exactly cheap, but once you get to the top and you start looking out, the views are spectacular and priceless.
I also took a walk to the Millennium Park (tacky name, no prizes for guessing when it was developed). It may not match the natural diversity of London's Hyde Park or Regent Park, but it serves its function well as being the lungs of the city. It is located right in the heart of downtown Chicago, so it is a huge draw for both locals and tourists alike. There is a huge grass patch, with a lovely performance stage and various sculptures dotted in different parts of the park's vicinity. The architecture is quite impressive, no doubt.
The American Dream
Hotel 71 of Chicago. No relation to Hotel 81. And much more expensive.(No I did not stay there.)
Some street scenes
Recorded a short video to capture the feel of the streets. This was recorded on a Sunday morning, so the streets are relatively quiet.
Did a little bit of shopping in the city (it's a weekend, you're in the city, the shops are shouting at you to get in and spend some!)...
My touristy buys from Chicago
I believe this will not be my last visit to the vibrant city.