One month in Chicago.
After all the non-stop exotic travel this year, I was initially a little disappointed when I first heard that I would be spending so long in the windy city. Don’t get me wrong – Chicago is a fantastic place to visit. It just seemed less exciting to me than somewhere new would have been.
As I started making plans for the trip, I quickly realized how much fun it will be to spend the summer in a city I called home for two years. I will be able to catch up with all my old friends, work in a relaxed office environment, and return to a typical American lifestyle.
Well, almost typical.
I will still be living in a hotel and eating all my meals at restaurants. But, at least I will be walking to work, understanding the local language, and hanging out with people that I have known for more than 2 weeks.
I was upgraded on my flight to Chicago (a great way to start a trip). Approaching O’Hare airport always offers beautiful views of the city and I peered out of the window like an excited child. As my taxi reached downtown, it was nostalgic to see the buildings that I used to pass every day. There was comfort in knowing exactly where I was going.
Walking to the office on Monday morning reminded me just how busy the city can be during the morning commute. Sidewalks are filled with people – all walking with a clear destination in mind. The signature Chicago commuter 'look' includes business casual office attire, a leather bag over one shoulder, ear buds playing music, a Starbucks cup in one hand, and a phone in the other. Everyone is connected, but not to each other.
Although I am living in a hotel, it already feels like I am back at home. For me, the comforts of home are less about my accommodations and more about the overall lifestyle. Summer in Chicago is filled with street festivals, al fresco dining, volleyball games on the beach, and non-stop concerts at Pritzker Pavilion. These events aren’t the most exciting to recall in a blog post, but they are a reflection of the high quality of life that Chicagoans enjoy during the few months of nice weather each year.
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| One of the best outdoor music venues in the country |
One of my favorite weekend activities in Chicago has always been to run along the lakefront path (surprising, I know). The path is always a great place to scope out fellow runners, bikers, and anyone enjoying the beach. Overall, the people seem to be in better shape than I remember. Maybe I have just spent too much time out of the country, where TV and stereotypes perpetuate the idea that all Americans are overweight.
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| All Americans do not look like the family on Honey Boo Boo! |
As the weeks progressed, I realized that I took Chicago for granted when I lived here before. It's such a vibrant city, but it is easy to ignore the outside world when life feels routine. I used to get on the bus and read my kindle without even noticing the people around me or the views from the window. I would eat at the same restaurants, drink at the same bars, and complain when I had to travel more than 5 miles to see my friends. I think most people get stuck in the same routine when they're at home.
This time around, I have made a concerted effort to accept every social invitation, to visit places that are usually geared towards tourists, and to try new restaurants in different parts of the city. I almost always take my camera with me so I can take pictures like as if it were the first time I had ever seen Chicago. Here are some of my favorite pictures of the city from the past month:
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| Chicago sky-scrapers in River North area |
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| Water Tower, with John Hancock Tower as a backdrop |
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| Passing the familiar Civic Opera Building in the Chicago Loop |
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| People cross one of many bridges over the Chicago river |
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| Wrigley building at night |
I'm so glad I have gotten the opportunity to revisit Chicago this summer. It has given me the chance to catch up with old friends, make new connections, and enjoy the city like a tourist.
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| This will always be the Sears Tower to me... |
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| Michigan Ave skyline |
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| Cloud Gate at Millennium Park |
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| Chicago River at sunset |
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