New Project!

[katyknight]

I've landed an assignment at the Australian Consulate in Chicago, and will be staying in one of the Trade Ministry's apartments. (They're supposed to be gorgeous, with a lovely view of the Oak Street Beach.) They've even secured me a car and a per diem. I don't know how long the project will last, but I'm very excited

Comments

[dabroots]

I've been there several times, mainly for work, but not in the past couple of years. It gets very cold in the winter, and what they say about it being The Windy City is quite true. Beautiful architecture is maintained in the downtown area. You're so lucky to have an apartment supplied for you, as rent is rather pricey. Lots of good beer, if you like beer. Also good for food, movies, and music. Good public transportation system and a very lively academic scene at University of Chicago, where you'll find the excellent Seminary Coop Bookstore. You might like ravengirl, one of several people on my list who live there, and one of the more active. Congratulations!

[katyknight]

Food, music, architecture and good beer... what's not to like? Well, except for the cold weather, but I have been to Minneapolis in the wintertime, so I guess it couldn't be a whole lot worse, can it?

Thanks for the good wishes, by the way, and I'll definitely introduce myself to ravengirl!

[fengi]

Congrats. You will probably be amongst professionals much of the time, but you will find the average Chicagoan is a huge fan of Australia, though probably for a few stereotyped reasons.

I would recommend you visit The Hideout early on, it's one of the great bars in the city off the beaten path. Also Check out the original Billy Goat Tavern - the one located on 430 N. Michigan Ave at Lower Level.

As I wrote in your other post, Gaper's Block and Chicagoist are a good way to tap into the more blog oriented hipster side of the city - and a bit of the politics. Another place to find good political info - beyond the usual Tribune/Sun-Times stuff - is the Chicago Reader and its blogs. Ben Joravsky has an especially provocative alternative take on Chicago corruption.

I look forward to reading an outsiders take on Chicago.

[katyknight]

Thank you for all the lovely tips. I've gone ahead and added you to my friends' list, if you don't mind.

To be honest with you, I'm not a big fan of the "professional" scene. I'm far more comfortable relaxing in a pub with friends than in a "cocktail bar" with stuffy, boring business people. :)

[kinvore]

Hi, just noticed you added me, not sure who you are but what the hell I added you back. What can I say, I'm a sucker for a pretty smile.

I used to live in Milwaukee, which is an hour's drive from Chi Town. If you like deep dish pizza I recommend Gino's East. It's fantastic knife-and-fork pizza and has a great informal atmosphere. Take a pen, they actually encourage people to write on their walls and stuff. There's some pretty interesting reading.

Don't ask me for the address though, it's been like over 15 years since I've been there. It's also kinda sad that the fat guy can only recommend a place to eat, but I've only visited that and their zoo so I'm no expert on the city by a long shot.

Enjoy your stay.

[katyknight]

Hey, thank you for the tip! I love pizza, and will definitely give Gino's a visit!

Thanks for adding me to your friend's list, too. I hope I won't end up boring you to tears. :)

[kinvore]

Well I HAVE been known to barge in on serious posts made by my friends and shout BO-RING!

Just kidding. I don't shout.

[katyknight]

OK, here's one for starters: I know that Chicago is famous for its blues clubs, and I really like listening to the blues. Which clubs are your favorites?

[katyknight]

What a sweetheart you are... thank you!

[csp]

I saw you on badlydrawnjeff's journal - We're good friends, but I pretty much disagree with him on most things (and, from the little I know about you, I expect I'd disagree with you on most things, too). That said, I live in Chicagoland, have my whole life, so if you have any questions or anything, I'd be happy to help (or at least help as much as a lame Obama-loving suburban boy can help).

[katyknight]

> "and, from the little I know about you, I expect I'd disagree with you on most things, too..."

Don't be too sure, Mr. csp. In (American) political terms, I'm what you might best describe as an "independent" or "moderate." While you & I may differ on issues like gun rights, national defense and the death penalty, we probably see eye-to-eye on issues like reproductive rights, the environment, education, science and health care. The (admittedly kooky) way I was raised -- my dad, a career ADFer; my mom, an doctor/aid worker in southeast Asia and elsewhere -- my proverbial knife cuts in every direction imaginable. :)

Regardless, I'm pleased to make your acquaintance, and I hope that we'll have the opportunity become friends. I do believe that I am going to ultimately make this lovely city my home.

[csp]

Well, anybody who brings any sort of more moderate voice to Jeff's journal is sonebody I can get behind :-)

So, the important question for any new Chicagoan - which baseball team? It's very important, especially in the summer. See my userpic if you need a hint to the right answer.

[katyknight]

I understand that this gentleman is the personification of Chicago baseball...