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Well, after a huge page of whines yesterday, here's the flip--the things I love about Chicago:
1. Architecture
Downtown is amazing, from every angle. Like a huge jewel that I keep turning to see from a new angle. It's the most beautiful city of modern architecture that I've seen. So many have a lot of old buildings with a few new ones, but Chicago is just the opposite. And the smaller, older buildings in the neighborhoods--incredible. Some are FL Wright, Sullivan, etc.
2. Gardens and parks
Can't get enough of the long sweep of Lincoln Park along the lake, the gorgeous plantings in the Shakespeare and Schiller gardens, the flower beds along Michigan Avenue, the lovely yards full of peonies, lilacs, and all those things that won't grow in the heat at home.
3. Food
All amazing kinds, very nearby, very reasonably priced. Just this week: a Colombian fish soup, with a garlicky broth and plantains; a wonderful mole; great spicy peanut noodles; cous-cous; all kinds of German sausages at a Mayfest. And all of it cheaper than at home (under $10), none of it requiring a special trip.
4. Theater and movies
A wonderful first run theater for indie and foreign films is right across the street, but even better is the 200+ small theater companies in tiny theaters and middle-sized ones, doing amazing things with little or no resources. A total joy.
5. Museums
The Museum of Contemporary Art, that never fails to have a huge, intriguing show that teaches me so much about the world and how to thing about it--and of course the big and famous ones, like the Field and the Art Institute; and one favorite that takes a little travel but is always worth it: Museum of Mexican Art.
6. Cubs (especially when they're winning!)
I never knew about major league baseball until I came here--so much fun. I like the Sox, too. The fun of being in the crowd, drinking beer, yelling, watching people...and sometimes an amazing play. Really different from seeing it on TV.
7. Public transportation
Even though I do have to take two buses to my yoga class, often I wait less than 5 minutes for each one. And the trains! Scary, yes, but they get you there quick. And did I mention people watching?
8. You can get anything you want
In a big city, it's all here--any kind of specialty I need, it's just a short trip away.
And best of all, Bill is in a very good mood when we're here, and that's worth it all.
1. Architecture
Downtown is amazing, from every angle. Like a huge jewel that I keep turning to see from a new angle. It's the most beautiful city of modern architecture that I've seen. So many have a lot of old buildings with a few new ones, but Chicago is just the opposite. And the smaller, older buildings in the neighborhoods--incredible. Some are FL Wright, Sullivan, etc.
2. Gardens and parks
Can't get enough of the long sweep of Lincoln Park along the lake, the gorgeous plantings in the Shakespeare and Schiller gardens, the flower beds along Michigan Avenue, the lovely yards full of peonies, lilacs, and all those things that won't grow in the heat at home.
3. Food
All amazing kinds, very nearby, very reasonably priced. Just this week: a Colombian fish soup, with a garlicky broth and plantains; a wonderful mole; great spicy peanut noodles; cous-cous; all kinds of German sausages at a Mayfest. And all of it cheaper than at home (under $10), none of it requiring a special trip.
4. Theater and movies
A wonderful first run theater for indie and foreign films is right across the street, but even better is the 200+ small theater companies in tiny theaters and middle-sized ones, doing amazing things with little or no resources. A total joy.
5. Museums
The Museum of Contemporary Art, that never fails to have a huge, intriguing show that teaches me so much about the world and how to thing about it--and of course the big and famous ones, like the Field and the Art Institute; and one favorite that takes a little travel but is always worth it: Museum of Mexican Art.
6. Cubs (especially when they're winning!)
I never knew about major league baseball until I came here--so much fun. I like the Sox, too. The fun of being in the crowd, drinking beer, yelling, watching people...and sometimes an amazing play. Really different from seeing it on TV.
7. Public transportation
Even though I do have to take two buses to my yoga class, often I wait less than 5 minutes for each one. And the trains! Scary, yes, but they get you there quick. And did I mention people watching?
8. You can get anything you want
In a big city, it's all here--any kind of specialty I need, it's just a short trip away.
And best of all, Bill is in a very good mood when we're here, and that's worth it all.