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Published: July 15th 2011
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My first venture out to the East. I've never been further East than Arizona and Nevada until now. I didn't know much of the history of Chicago except that it rains a lot and is known as the "Windy City". When I arrive at 8am on a Thursday morning, to my very luck.... it was nothing but clear skies! Instead of heading straight to the hostel, immediately I headed over to Sears Tower and up to the 99th floor to get a clear 360 degree view. I couldn't just waste this perfect day!
After the viewing, I took the signature double decker tour bus to get a little bit of history of the city. I have never knew that it was the old Hollywood of the Bonny and Clyde and Al Capone days, capital of architectural buildings, and the great fire. What kind of schools did I attend? How did I not know all this? I guess that's why I love to travel so much - the world is my classroom. I learn better this way. 😊
One of the stops on the tour was at the Millennium Park and it's famous bean. So many people congregated the bean
and all else around the park. Enjoying the nice lake breeze and sun, Piltzer Pavillion was just an amazing design, I just got to relax and take it all in - realizing that I'm finally here; doing something I love to do and its been a long time coming since the last time I traveled which was in 2007. Oh, and must I add that I didn't realized that the Chicago hot dog doesn't have anything really "special" condiments on it! I was a bit disappointed because I felt my money went to waste, but I was hungry. My $4 could have gone to a delicious Los Angeles street vendor hot dog which for those who knows what I'm talking about, I think you might agree. =). Other places I visited was the Cultural Center - walking through all the history, feeling, walking, sensing all the beauty of architecture.
As it was getting late in the afternoon, I took the bus assuming I knew where my hostel was, I got off too early and ended up walking around with my huge backpack until an hour later I found it. At that time I didn't realized it was a bit
further away from downtown. I checked in to my shared room; it was modest but nice. The bathroom though was exceptionally clean - I was impressed! I felt I could walk in there barefooted, which I did. =)
So now what? I was hungry... and Giordano Restaurant was next door (perfect!) and braved the sit down style alone in a corner, reading my book, and eating an authentic ("small") deep dish pizza.
The next day... it was completely overcast, windy, and rainy. Considering I AM Californian, I did not bring any thick soled shoes, rain jacket, or even an umbrella. Great. I couldn't think of a place to visit outdoors so I just randomly ended spending my day at the Shedd Aquarium. -- Bad idea. Like myself, everyone all had the same idea - run to an indoor attraction. I wasn't too impressed because it was crowded and they even closed down the marine life outside. Oh well... at least I was able to take a couple great shots of the animals inside.
So, I changed hostels to the much more bigger named one right smack in the middle of downtown, Hostel International. I'm glad I did
as the other one stayed at the night before was nice and quiet...but a little too quiet and quaint for what I was looking for at the time. Obviously "HI" was big; a warehouse building renovated to be livable it was fun. Not to mention they many tour groups free of charge being offered. My luck finally turned... the rain stopped and I found a small group to go out that night. The guide took us to an "authentic" Mexican restaurant in old town Chicago (happens to be the old "Hollywood" back in the days). Then headed over to a nearby jazz club. It was THE best place I've been too yet on this trip. The vibe, the music, the wine, the company, and just the overall ambiance of all. It was called The Green Mill Jazz Club. What just makes it even more over the top and I didn't know this then that it used to be owned by Al Capone and his mafia back in the days! I don't know if our tour guide was over exaggerating a bit when he told us the very booth we were sitting on that faces the door and our backs towards
the stage was the very booth Al Capone sat. The back door to our right and the long bar to our front with a underground basement; it just can't get better than to actually be right in the heart of history. To end the night, our guide took us on a walk around the corner to the original studio of where Charlie Chapman got his start - Essanay Studios.
The 3rd and my last day, it was clear skies again just like that! I took the advantage and started early to finish my sightseeing. I figured I revisit the Millennium Park, but on my way there... the Art Institute Museum was having a grand opening of the Contemporary Art Exhibit. I caught the opening speech ceremony right on time. Granted, I have not a clue as to what makes contemporary art so fascinating compared to the classics. Then again...I'm not an art major. I just do enjoy the styles that people have created.
I spent a little too much time in the museum, I totally forgot to watch Chicago's very own Cubs play at Wrigley! 😞 Only had fell in love with Rookie of the Year movie! I
caught the game at the very end and when people started pouring out. Darn it!
Anyhow...I still have some time left before my late flight. My last venture I visited the Navy Pier and took a sunset boat tour. Although it was COLD and all I had was a regular sweater and jeans... the sunset behind the skyscrapers was worth the pain. 😊
After the tour, I met up with a couple cool people from my tour group the night before. We had dinner before we all parted. One girl was from Toronto and the guy was from Switzerland. So many restaurants to choose from..we ended up at Weber Grill with a good 'ol local "Heileman's Old Style" beer.
Not bad to end an awesome 3 day weekend.
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Pooja Singh
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Nice blog
Great blog. Brilliantly written and described. Got to know a lot about Chicago. And the pics are also good. http://www.indetourisme.com/