(no subject)
Well, of my trip to Chicago I can sum it up in one word. Success. I took the train with purpose even though it delayed my arrival it gave me the change to step outside of my comfort zone again, 20 hours on a train with strangers will do that, as well as to actually see what this country is made of instead of, once again, quickly zooming over. The answer to that, by the way, is trees and rust. America is made of trees and rust followed by farm land and cute little dutch looking red barns, at least in the area running alongside the, god knows how many, miles of train track I followed. Ill only quickly mention the drunk on the way up confirming my hatred of the general populous and one minor inkling of my former public anxiety. The rest was cake. Nothing but confirmation of my ability to potentially make it anywhere and that people dont suck everywhere.
The city was far different than I thought it would be. Far cleaner, friendlier and healthier than I ever thought it would be. it was also far more segregated than I imagined. Apparently the north side, from what I could tell was most of the city, was predominantly white with the south side being the less affluent black part, though everyone I met had the same friendly nature. I didnt get to check out the far south side, which I hear is pretty bad, but I did to see a little of the beginning of it.
Pizza was hearty as expected and the hotdog I had there didnt disappoint for its mountain of toppings. I was further impressed with a little place called the Pancake House that had one cheep ass menu and even would knock 20% off of that for senior citizens. None of us eating there had anything more expensive than $5.50. I also tried Ethiopian food, I didnt think it existed either, as well as northern mexican, decent on both counts.
The museum of science and industry was hit and miss. The U-boat exibit was pretty well done while other parts looked like they hadnt been updated in 10 years.
With bike paths on every street in the city there were a lot of people taking advantage of the opportunity to get in shape. Everyone looked like they were ready for and heading out to the beach. Tall buildings and short skirts (very short... on the bicycles... all the time. ;-) ) is how I thought of the place. My previous misconception of Chicago pizza guts were mostly nowhere to be seen. And the midwest folk had a small town demeanor when talking to anyone. No one was pushy or seemed rushed, even the cops (one of whom I swear was related to Christopher Walkin). No big city regional accent either, though I suppose the generic midwest accent was really what was predominant.
There were lots of little other things worth mentioning but this about sums up the whole of the experience. I only have a few pictures from the trip, and I will put in a note here when those are posted if I feel that they are worth it as a lot of what I took was either in a car or in otherwise poor conditions. I left the place happy and wanting more. I dont know where Id like to see next, but yes, I do want to see it and soon if possible.
The city was far different than I thought it would be. Far cleaner, friendlier and healthier than I ever thought it would be. it was also far more segregated than I imagined. Apparently the north side, from what I could tell was most of the city, was predominantly white with the south side being the less affluent black part, though everyone I met had the same friendly nature. I didnt get to check out the far south side, which I hear is pretty bad, but I did to see a little of the beginning of it.
Pizza was hearty as expected and the hotdog I had there didnt disappoint for its mountain of toppings. I was further impressed with a little place called the Pancake House that had one cheep ass menu and even would knock 20% off of that for senior citizens. None of us eating there had anything more expensive than $5.50. I also tried Ethiopian food, I didnt think it existed either, as well as northern mexican, decent on both counts.
The museum of science and industry was hit and miss. The U-boat exibit was pretty well done while other parts looked like they hadnt been updated in 10 years.
With bike paths on every street in the city there were a lot of people taking advantage of the opportunity to get in shape. Everyone looked like they were ready for and heading out to the beach. Tall buildings and short skirts (very short... on the bicycles... all the time. ;-) ) is how I thought of the place. My previous misconception of Chicago pizza guts were mostly nowhere to be seen. And the midwest folk had a small town demeanor when talking to anyone. No one was pushy or seemed rushed, even the cops (one of whom I swear was related to Christopher Walkin). No big city regional accent either, though I suppose the generic midwest accent was really what was predominant.
There were lots of little other things worth mentioning but this about sums up the whole of the experience. I only have a few pictures from the trip, and I will put in a note here when those are posted if I feel that they are worth it as a lot of what I took was either in a car or in otherwise poor conditions. I left the place happy and wanting more. I dont know where Id like to see next, but yes, I do want to see it and soon if possible.