I can’t believe I’m only now finishing my blog posts about our visit to Chicago. After all, it happened 6 months ago. I used to be so organized. When did I lose all control? Oh, that’s right. It was about the time I became an adult and began to have more to keep track of. I guess I should allow myself a little grace, then. Anyway, there is so much to the Chicago experience, but not everything constitutes a free-standing post, so this one will be written in an “everything but the kitchen sink” style.
First of all, I can’t stress enough the sensory delight that is a Chicago deep dish pizza. There was a Pizano’s Pizza right near our Airbnb, so eating there was one of the first things we did. I can’t say if that’s the best of deep dish pizza or not, but I was in culinary heaven, for sure. And there’s no better way to get a feel for Chicago than sitting in a little restaurant with a big picture window, eating pizza and watching homebound commuters blow down the street. It really is a windy city, but we were warm and cozy and left with full tummies. Perfect.
And let’s not get into the Chicago vs. New York pizza rivalry, here. I happen to love them both. But if you want a laugh, check out this YouTube video where Jon Stewart gives you his hilarious opinion on the subject. Apparently, it stirred up a lot of controversy at the time.
We wandered around Chinatown one evening and had wonderful Chinese food at the Emperor’s Choice. Again, I have no idea if this is the best Chinese food Chicago has to offer, but I’m confident that even their worst Chinese food is better than Seattle’s best. It astounds me that Seattle doesn’t have a clue about Chinese food (in my experience), when they have so many excellent Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean, Indian, Filipino and even Malaysian restaurants. Go figure.
If you’re able to visit Chicago, try to get accommodations in the Loop area. It’s centrally located, and close to Chicago’s Rapid Transit System, which is one of the best I’ve ever seen. I could see myself never bothering to own a car in this city. If the L doesn’t do it for you, there are also busses, taxis, and ubers. All told, I’m sure that the expense you incur traveling this way is much less than a car payment plus paying obscene amounts for parking, maintenance and gas.
Yes, there’s the occasional unpleasant odor of urine at many of the stations, and you’re going to encounter some crazies, but it gets you where you need to go, quickly and efficiently. And I love the sound of the L. It’s a Chicago sound. Our Airbnb was right next to it. Fortunately, we were on the back side of the building, but from there, it sounded like ocean waves, and it actually lulled me to sleep. (The construction workers throwing what sounded like bricks into a dumpster in the alley below our window at 5 am every morning, on the other hand, was not the best start to the day. Cities, man…)
Another wonderful neighborhood is Hyde Park. The historic houses are gorgeous, and way beyond my price range, but it makes for a pleasant walk. And Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House, which I blogged about before, is right there.
One thing that should never be missed on a visit to Chicago is Cloud Gate, aka “the Bean”. But we managed to do that, despite our best efforts. It was in the middle of an active construction site, and there was a high fence surrounding it, so we couldn’t get in. We were able to see the tippy-top of it by standing on a retaining wall, but that felt like a tease. Oh well. They say that the construction should be complete by Summer, 2024.
As with all trips, there were several things we would have loved to have done, but just didn’t have time. These include visiting John Hancock Center, as an Uber driver told us that the best view in all of Chicago is from its women’s bathroom. (I have no idea how he knew that and it seemed inappropriate to ask.)
And, nerds that we both are, we’d also like to visit the Museum of Science and Industry, the Chicago Architecture Center, the Adler Planetarium, and the Shedd Aquarium. We wished we had time to explore Little Italy, and do a night drive, as we have enjoyed doing in other cities. We didn’t do it this time around, because with Chicago’s excellent transit system, we didn’t really need a car. Chicago just might merit a second visit.
Ironically, by the time you read this, I’ll be near the end of my next vacation, so brace yourself for more travel news, dear readers. Keep watching this space. Until next time!
Travel vicariously through this blog. And while you’re at it, check out my book! http://amzn.to/2mlPVh5
The View from a Drawbridge 