The Windy City (Chicago)

Member Name: jaygami1986

Product:	Chicago
Date:	03/09/07 (109 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Everything

Disadvantages: Nothing

As I child I always wanted to travel to Chicago, the fact that I had family living their, which I hadn’t seen in over 10 years made it even easier to go their. Having only two weeks in Chicago, I made the most of it, viewing all the big tourist attractions, whilst also seeing the smaller more unseen sides of the Windy City, such as the local museums, libraries, jazz bars, the attractions, which aren’t usually advertised in the holiday brochures. This review will only cover my experiences of Chicago, I will try to explain as much as I can, but hopefully this will give readers an informative and different perspective of Chicago.

Brief History:

Chicago has quite an exciting history, founded in 1833. Chicago is the largest City in Illinois and has the third highest population in the U.S.
Chicago’s history runs deep throughout the U.S., it produced the first sophisticated and sewer system in America, whilst also providing a sophisticated travel network. Chicago has a very wealthy financial market, with many fortune one companies residing their, and also has a range of magnificent buildings, which truly show how well the architecture is.

Weather:

Now before I went to Chicago, I asked my cousin when the best time of the year was. His reply is there are four main weather fronts Chicago experiences. Between January and March, Chicago can experience cold temperatures and heavy rain. April through September is the hottest times of the year, with limited rain and unlikely chance of snow. And October through December is when it gets cold, and heavy snow is likely.

It really all depends on when you want to go, I wanted to visit Chicago during the peak hot season and thus decided to go during the month of July, where temperatures exceeded 90 degrees. I would recommend that you check with your tour operator as they might have a slightly better picture.

I travelled to Chicago through American Airlines (http://www.aa.com/index_us.jhtml), which set me back roughly £400 one way. The reason I did one way was because I wanted to spend some time travelling America, and thus didn’t no when I would be returning. And further more, because of the pounds high value, it would have been easier and cheaper booking a return flight from America. I booked directly through American Airlines, as it was more convenient for me, rather than constantly shopping around looking for a great last minute deal. I would be flying from London Heathrow and Landing at O’Hare International.
There are now other Airlines, which offer cheaper prices, but once again this all depends on the time of year you decide to go.

The Airline:

I was lucky enough to get a free upgrade to first class, as their where a few seats spare, and boy did I enjoy myself. The leather reclining seats, free flowing Champaign and first class international cuisine really made my day. However I often wondered around the plane and was astonished by how comfortable people in economy class were. You often hear stories of how there is no leg room, but everyone seemed to enjoy their flight. The in flight entertainment was great, with a selection of top notch movies and games. Lastly a quick mention of the air stewards who very polite, always on hand to meet one’s needs. After some 9 hours in the air, we landed at Chicago O’ Hare International, such a pleasant journey I had, and I didn’t even want to get off. As I knew I wouldn’t be so fortunate to get first class seats on the way back.

As I came of the plane and went through immigration I was introduced to O’ Hare International. The sheer size of the airport is worth noting, it was packed with hundreds of different shops, not forgetting the local Starbucks or Borders book shop. It was like being in a bigger version of Brent Cross, one would actually have a field day just shopping their, and forget the fact that it is an airport. One thing you note when walking through terminal three is the hundreds of flags the airport has, if im not mistaken they had every countries flag hanging along the walls, something new and quite exciting.
Lucky for me, I was being picked up by my cousins, and didn’t have to worry about the thought of taking a cub, or the subway, however throughout my trip I did use these modes of transport to get from the suburbs to the city.

Transport:

Chicago has many forms of transport, you could take the subway, a yellow cab, and you could hire out a rental car.
I had always wanted to sit an American yellow taxi, and on several occasions had the pleasure of doing so. Now it really is just like the movies, you really do have to shout out “Taxi” to get one. The busy hustle bustle city life of downtown Chicago meant that you really had to be on guard for a taxi, as most of them would be taken just like that. I wanted to catch a taxi from down town Chicago, to my cousin’s home, in Des Plaines, some 35 minutes away. Knowing that I would be charged an arm and a leg, I didn’t care, I simply wanted to enjoy and experience my first cab ride in America. Now here comes the fun part, firstly my drivers name was Anil, yes you guessed it an Indian Cab driver, just like the movies hey. Secondly the metre starts running as soon as you enter the cab. And you are usually charged as followed;
- The starting cab fair is usually $2.50, with an additional 50 cents for each additional passenger.
- The usually charge 20 cents for 1/9th of a mile.
- In stopped traffic they charge 20 cents for every 30 – 45 seconds
- If like me you want a cab to take you outside the city, they charge around 25 – 42 cents for every mile.

The prices can vary and a note that they can be expensive to say the least, but I would recommend picking a cab, perhaps not a long haul journey like me, but maybe from one street to another. The atmosphere of cabs horning at one another, the cab drivers swearing at out of control drivers it fun to watch. The cab drivers are always fully licensed and in my opinion very friendly, they love tourists, and usually keep you entertained along your journey, telling you their life story etc.

Having taken the cab once, I through it would be much easier and cheaper to take the subway. The cost again varies depending on the day of week etc. If like me your travelling from the suburbs to the city you should take the Metra rail into Chicago Union Station, a weekend pass will work out to around $5 or $6 and during the weekdays you could be paying almost double, again it’s a good experience as you get to see the quite side of Chicago, the local schools, small offices etc. You can of course book your tickets online at: http://www.metrarail.com

Sight’s to see:

Chicago really does have some magnificent sights and attractions that tourist should take the time to visit.
Having only two weeks to spend in Chicago I wanted to make the most of it, I felt compelled to see everything and anything. Chicago has lots to see and do and it all depends on how much time you have and what your tastes are. On my first day in Chicago I went to the famous Sears Tower. Tourists flock in their hundreds each day, so under the advice of my cousin we got their early. Prices for admission varied depending on age, but when I last visited the prices were;
- Under 3 go free
- 3-11 years = $8.50
- 12-64 year = $11.95
- 65+ = $9.95
Alternatively you could book via www.skydeck.com
The lift ride up to the 103rd floor is amazing, you actually get the feel of how up your going, and one peace of advice would be to chew some gum, as it’s easy to get your ears blocked. Having arrived at the 103rd floor, the view is just simply breathtaking. You can admire all of Chicago’s architecture and two main things will stand out straightaway. Looking straight down you will see the famous spaghetti Junction and looking straight ahead you will see the famous Lake Michigan. Looking closely you can actually see the clear blue stillness of the water. I would defiantly recommend paying a visit to the Sears Tower, as it gives you a chance to see Chicago from the top of the World.

Another great site, which in my opinion everyone should visit, is the Navy pier along Lake Michigan. Theirs just so much to do, and arguable everyone of any age will have something to do their. The pier host’s a number of small amusement rides for the little children, whilst also offering café’s for people to relax and have a bite to eat. The navy pier also offers visitors a boat ride around Lake Michigan. Lasting around 35 minutes and costing between $12 and $20 it’s a definite must. The boat ride takes you towards the famous Chicago Harbour Lighthouse, whilst you can also see several boat wreck’s along the way. If you have a few hours to spear and want a relaxing afternoon the Pier is the thing for you. Perhaps the best bit about the boat ride is when you see the backdrop of Chicago. The boat will stop for 5 minutes and the view if simply breathtaking. You can see skyscraper in Chicago, the biggest and therefore the one that you will notice first is the sears tower, from up close it looks really big, but from a distance it’s somewhat different. Another building, which you won’t be able to miss, is the CAN Plaza. Why? Well because it’s bright red, yes red. When have you seen a building to be red, its something different and again pinpoints the brilliance of Chicago’s architecture

Finally the last place I went to see was Soldier Fields, the home of the Chicago Bears a top American Football team. I was lucky enough to be invited to a game, and boy it was something out of this world. Having been to watch many England games, I though the atmosphere couldn’t be beaten, but boy was I wrong. The indulgence of alcohol topped with rugby like tackles makes any red hot American happy, and I’ll be the first to admit, even I was enjoying it. The drinks at the games usually cost around $6.50 and hot dogs are about $4.50. Admission can varies depending on the games; however Soldier Fields is also open to the general public to tour, so I would give that a recommendation to.

Entertainment:

Chicago has many forms of entertainment and caters for everyone. Theirs something for the young ones, something for the teenagers, something for the adults and most defiantly something for the senior citizens. Being at the age whereby being allowed to drink in America (21) I was lucky enough to go to several nightclubs and bars in both the city and the suburbs. One of my favourite clubs had to be Excalibur, which is located at 632 N Dearborn St. It was quite hard finding this place, but having been recommended to me by several people I felt compelled to take a look. The entry fee is about $15, which isn’t too bad. Again they will ask for I.D. like most bars and clubs, so be prepared to carry one, either your passport or driving licence. Inside is just magnificent, each area has a different colour and style, like most the clubs over in London. The drinks can be very expensive, depending on what you drink. A JD and coke set me back around $10, which is about £5. They mainly played old songs as I was their on 90’s night; however I was informed that music changes depending on the night. I thought I would list a few nightclubs that I visited, check them out;
- Vision Nightclub (632 N. Dearborn St.312-266-3333) THIS IS MUST GO TO PLACE.


If nightclubs aren’t your thing, then there are several pubs and bars with a more relaxed attitude. There are several Irish Bars, which do the best Guinness and nice full English breakfasts. Again most of these can be hard to find so I’ve listed a few that I went to, so if you’re in the neighbourhood check them out.
- Abbey Pub & Restaurant (3420 W Grace St, Chicago, IL 60618 • 773-478-4408)
- Irish Oak Restaurant & Pub (3511 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657 • 773-935-6669)

Finally there is one last place I had to visit when I went to Chicago, and that had to be a Jazz Bar. Never being a big fan of Jazz, I was forced into going to one of these places, however was quite astonished as to how pleasant the place actually was. We as in me and my cousins went to Joe’s Be bop Café and Jazz Emporium, which is near the navy pier close to lake Michigan. (600 E. Grand Ave. (Navy Pier)
312-595-5299). The Jazz bar played all types of jazz music, attracted a large crowd of all races and was a very friendly place to be. The jazz singers are perhaps some of the best and what was really good about this place was that they actually came to your table and sang personally to you. Again drinks are standard price and entry was free the night we went in. you best bet, if you want to go to this bar, when taking the navy pier boat ride ask someone working their how to get here and they will point you in the right direction.

Food:
America has the largest population of obesity people and I most defiantly no why. The sheer volume of different food one could enjoy there is just out of this world. You have your McDonalds, Subways, Pizza Huts, Wendy’s etc. There is no shortage of food to eat their however I recommend to things you should try.
Firstly the Pizza Pie. Now this is a combination of a pizza and a quiche all mixed together and let me tell you something it’s awesome, and very filling. They sell them in restaurants for about $16 or you can find street vendors selling individual slices for around $4. Lastly you should try the stuffed pretzels, which contain peppers, cheese, olives another must try.

Shopping:

I actually went shopping mad in Chicago, simply because the pound was so strong at the time and everything was half price for me. Electronic items are very popular their, however if you are buying it make sure the seller has an international warranty. For instance I bought an ipod their and it had an international guarantee, which meant that if it broke all I had to do was to go an apple store in London to get it fixed. If you don’t ask you could regret it.
You also have the usual Nike stores and fancy ladies clothes departments’ stores, which are also worth a visit. If it’s a bargain you’re looking for then you have to go to the shopping malls, because they love tourists and always give you great discount.

Ok well I think I’ve shared as much as I can about my experience of Chicago, hope this review hasn’t been too long, however I will end on writing a few need to no facts about Chicago, which although may sound stupid can be useful.

- They drive on the other side of the road, so if your renting a car or simply crossing the street be careful, I actually forget about this and almost got hit by a car.
- Don’t J walk, I never actually get to grips with what this is, but apparently I did it and was warned by the cops. I suppose type it up on Google and find out what it is
- Zebra Crossing don’t have the same meaning as they do here. It doesn’t give us pedestrians a right of passage, yet I have no idea why they’re even painted their.
- Expect tight security at airports and major attractions. Being of Asian decent I was subjected to lets say a bit more security than other people might have been subjected to, but I was happy to be searched as I guess it made me feel safe they were doing their job.

Summary: Chicago, the Windy City