The four times Gary and I have visited Chicago, we visited the museums. Seriously, all I've ever seen of Chicago is the airport and Michigan Street.
This time, since Gary was not along, I ventured ... on to State Street!
Two streets under my belt. I am a world traveler.
Here's something you'll see on State that you won't see on Michigan: Hookers. I assume they were hookers. They were in their late thirties, flat shoes, short pea coats, no makeup. Doesn't sound sexy? Totally bare-legged, both of them, in 18 degree weather. And they weren't going anywhere, they had a pronounced come-hither stance. They may still be there outside Macy's (Nee Marshall Fields).
Not only has Marshall Fields changed names just to confuse me, I discovered (and this shames me a bit) the Sears tower is not the same tower as the Hancock tower. "Oh, the Sears tower," I shrug, "I was there as a child." Evidently not.
(Yeah, I don't know about this Chicago Dildo Spire there on the left. It hasn't been erected yet.)
Another thing that makes Chicago exotic: next to Macy's on State there is a Target store. It is so odd to see a Target that is not on a highway exit. (Aside from the citified Target, I don't get why I should go shopping in Chicago. I've never shopped there. Tiffany's and Ikea are the only stores I know of that we don't have in St. Louis.)
I walked many blocks on State. I think we need an international standard for a city block, because I can tell you a Paris city block is four times longer than a Chicago city block. I can say that I have a very inflated idea of how many calories I burn walking a city block. ("I walked ten city blocks, so that must have worked off that 15 ounce steak I had for lunch.")
I got kind of excited by the prospect of taking an architecture tour, but the desk clerk convinced me to wait till spring so I can take the Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise. It got kudos from the desk clerk, and then a stranger standing in line vehemently agreed with him.
Perhaps I can convince Gary to try it next time. The location given is the Southeast corner of Michigan & Wacker, so I've got that going for me.
Good Grief! I just realized you went to Chicago in February, on purpose, BY CHOICE! And then you walked around, outside, in a February lake wind.
Yeouch!
Posted by: ~~Silk | February 20, 2013 at 04:24 AM
I took the Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise when i was in high school. It was awesome, I still remember it!!
you must go!!
and frickin brr!!! 18 dumb degrees!!
Posted by: Mrs. Hall | February 20, 2013 at 08:14 AM
You should have gone up to the Signature Room in the Hancock Center. It's one floor beneath the observation deck. Yo can get a drink and sit for less than a ticket to stand on the observation deck (with no beverage). Great view of the City and the Lake.
Posted by: Benchmark | February 20, 2013 at 11:38 AM
http://www.signatureroom.com/Signature-Lounge/Lounge-Dining-Menus/
Posted by: Benchmark | February 20, 2013 at 11:41 AM
I agree the river tour is worth your while.
Posted by: jessica fantastica | February 20, 2013 at 05:03 PM
Do the street signs still say State Street that Great Street?
Posted by: Hattie | February 20, 2013 at 09:16 PM
~~Silk - I know! It was freaking cold! Luckily I had the Eggplant Fox.
Mrs Hall - I still rememeber the grey line tour I took when I visited in grade school.Actually, all I remember is the bus driver opened the bus door and roared humorously at someone on the street.
Benchmark - That is excellent information. But the Sears tower has one of those decks you can walk out on and have nothing beneath you...
Jessica Fantastica - Also good to know! I'm sure someone worth watching will come to Chicago in the spring and I can go then.
Hattie - well, not the ones I saw. Maybe they do in the center Loop or the south?
Posted by: TheQueen | February 21, 2013 at 06:38 PM