Well I'm sitting in some miscellaneous restaurant in Chicago-Midway, online via iPhone tethering (thank you Gorby), and I'm doing my best to burn time prior to boarding my flight, and reflect upon my trip.
I'm happy with the success of the trip and with the experiences I have collected during my time here in the US's 3rd largest city. It's been on my to do list for some time, and I don't think I've ever had as many suggestions from so many of my friends on things to do and places to see during one of my travels... which was both great and overwhelming at times, haha. Clearly there is a passion about this city that is shared by those who've experienced it, and it's easy to understand why. This city has a unique cultural charm about it that makes it distinct among other cities of similar size. Full of a vibrant energy that infectious among its visitors, the residents here are very passionate about their city and is easiest spotted with their love for their city's sports teams, but can also be witnessed in the pride they take for their landmarks and history. They love their city. And while they may lack the hospitality and politeness that Atlanta has, they have an advantage over a city like Boston, which carried a more terse vibe amongst fellow strangers throughout the city.
I was happy to have found a very alive and vibrant gay community here. They seem very content and very active within the city. The sprawling area of Lakeview proves evident that the spirit is very healthy and alive here. There seemed to be no tension among areas where straight and gays were in mixed company. No tension from either group I should add. Everyone seemed to mix very well, which I will say is not a quality found in Atlanta.
Some regrets from my trip? I regret not being able to see a couple of my friends who live here. Scheduling was tough to work out. I also regret not being able to see the "Silver Bean" aka the Cloud Gate downtown. I also wish I had more time to spend at some of the museums. I also would have liked to eat at more of numerous restaurants in town, and to taken in a water taxi or boat tour. Clearly, there's enough to do here that you could easily spend 1-2 weeks here. My 4 days have provided a window into the city, and hopefully I can continue to explore on future visits.
On traveling alone: There are certain advantages to traveling alone. You set your own pace. You are singularly to blame when things go wrong. The experiences are raw, as there is nobody else to "cloud" or diffuse an experience. Certainly and conversely, there are downsides. There are moments within a trip that are just best shared. Moments when being able to dissect and enjoy an experience is best with someone else. Safety reasons. And finally someone to brainstorm options and ideas of things to do. I can't say with fervent deceleration which is best. I think they both have their place. But I feel content in my solo travels thus far. They are for me, a bit of self-exploration too. And that, for me, is something I definitely have to travel solo to accomplish.
Well another memorable day here in Chicago. The weather turned rainy today. Dampening the spirits of the visitors in town for the Lollapaloza festival which begins today down in Grant Park. I however decided to forego the festival and instead save the money and time to spend elsewhere in the city.
My main objective for the day was a visit to the Art Institute of Chicago Museum. This massive museum perched near the north end of Grant Park also meant that it would prove congested to get to but I was not deterred by that or the rain. While researching online I discoverd that the museum has FREE admission on Thursday & Fridays through a sponsorship with Target after 5pm. So I had some time to kill and went to grab some food at Miller's Pub. A restaurant filled with old-Chicago charm and history. The meal was good as I washed it down with a Goose Island, a locally brewed beer. I made my way to the museum and started my way around. This place is huge, and even given the time I had alloted, it was clearly not enough. You could easily spend a day taking in all that the museum has on exhibit. It was great to see famous works though in person. So many famous pieces and covering such a broad spectrum of periods and styles.
After staying until the museum closed I came back here to the hotel to begin sorting and packing. I'll rinse off in a bit and head out in a while probably back up to Lakeview (aka Boystown) for the nightlife. Which is sure to be popping tonight with the festival going on and it being a Friday. This is my last night here before I fly back to Atlanta, so I hope to make it a good one.
And another day down in the books here in Chicago! Today was a pretty busy day as I ventured south of the city down to Hyde Park/University of Chicago area. I started at the University of Chicago with a visit to the Smart Museum of Art. A lot of great artwork and sculptures. After roaming around campus a bit I grabbed the X55 bus to the Museum of Science and Technology. That was defnitely worth seeing but on overload with the tourists and kiddies. I left the museum and went and roamed around the University campus some more. After that I grabbed the train back north into town and headed to the Sears Tower (Willis Tower, which I refuse to call it. Also Pluto is still a planet). That was quite spectacular but I do cringe somewhat doing these touristy things. Still I don't want to deprive myself of the experience.
After that it was well into evening and I had not had the time to grab a meal yet! I had remebered seeing a French bistro next to the hotel so I headed here for a bite. I just finishe dessert and will head up to the room in a few to refresh and get ready for tonight. I suspect I'l head back up to Lakeview but we will see if I pass out from exhaustion first. :)
Well my first day in Chicago has been nonstop and a lot of fun. I started with some walking around just to get oriented now that is was daylight at the hotel. Afterwards I went up to the north end of town near the Hancock tower and walked around. So many tourists. I ventured to a camera store to see if I could get a charger/battery for my Canon XSI which has a dead battery. Not the end of the world but defeats the purpose of why I brought it. The camera store didn't have what I needed so I left and went to the Museum of Modern Art. That was really cool. I can see James Ford loving that place. I enjoyed some of the exhibitions though as they really played off conventional interpritations of light and perspective.
After that I took the Red line up to Lakeview/Boystown which is the Gay friendly area in Chicago. A lot like Atlanta's 10th & Piedmont but more spread out. It was very quaint and very familiar. This city so far seems to have a feel of Atlanta and Boston combined. It has some if Boston's history and age and some of Atlanta's charm, culture & innovation. I just typed this out as I finished my dinner in Boystown at a restaurant called Jack's on Halsted. Now I'll probably grab the Red line and head back into town. Maybe to the Hancock for sunset. Not sure yet. We shall see!
contemplative
anxious
