2 days of my first visit to Chicago. Luck should have it that I did not have to experience the city living up to its nickname. The warm sun and beauty of the city's fascinating architecture made me forget about the brisk temperature as I spent my days on foot, without proper shoes and all.
I got into the city terribly early from Philadelphia, having taken a 6AM flight (and 2-hour sleep), I was so grateful to learn that my room was actually ready when i checked in at nearly 8AM (it was even better when I learned that I had got upgraded - not that it mattered, since the hotel itself is quite amazing - yes, i treated myself to stay at the W). So I got to rest my sleepy eyes and take an hour or two nap before trying to orient myself with the city map and figure out how to condense as much as I can in the next 1.5 days. I had pre-bought a ticket for the chicago river architectural tour, the one thing I had planned for my excursion (thanks to my planner friend Katie who suggested that I did - I had imagined it like the scene from the movie 'My Best Friend's Wedding'). This tour was so popular, they were completely sold out for the following 2 weeks when I showed up for mine! Although it was a beautiful day, the thought of having to sit outdoor on a boat for 1.5hours got me to prepare myself with absolutely every winter gear one should have when expecting 2ft of snow (sans the galoshes). The boat tour was not like the movie (No Dermot look-alike was present for me to dance with and hum 'The Way you look tonight'), however it was more educational than I had expected. The history of the city - the stories behind each building and its architects, owner, and origin - was rich with fascinating facts. My favourite part was the juxtaposition of the old and the new buildings, as well as old buildings that have been turned into something of new. Of course, there was also the new Trump building, the 2nd tallest building in the city when it completes next year (after the Sears tower) and the tallest residential building in Chicago (that man really does have serious issues).
I then did the magnificent mile...Neimanns, H&M, Barneys, oh my. It took me the entire afternoon to wander around Michigan Ave and State Avenue. Aside from the great shops, the city also boasts great restaurants and theatre scene, neither of which, unfortunately, I was able to take advantage during this trip (for some reason the thought of going out to a great restaurant and/or bar or watching a show by myself here depressed me, though I never did have a problem with it elsewhere). My feet ached from wandering around for about 6 hours on my first day. I rested my feet for about half an hour at the Frank Gehry amphitheatre in millenium park watching a sound show. His original work blends in so well with all the great art and architecture of the city...the theatre is actually quite the highlight of sight and sound.
The second day started off with a visit to the Art Institute of Chicago, seeing the 8th out of 14 of Monet's water lilies/Japanese bridge pond painting, Seurat's amazing A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, Caillebottle's lifesize Paris Street, Rainy Day, and of course the American Gothic painting. The Navy Pier was next on the list, followed by the Newberry Library, Grant Park, and a late lunch on a patio. I had planned on taking the brown line to loop the city from above ground, but had run out of time. In a hurry I hopped on my cab, and off I went to go back leaving the great skies behind.
There was so much more to see in this windy city, yet not enough time. This is definitely a city I will go back to, though hopefully I will take an accomplice with me next time.
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