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 and Wacker, so I’ve got that going for me.
7 responses to “New Chicago”
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!
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!!
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.
http://www.signatureroom.com/Signature-Lounge/Lounge-Dining-Menus/
I agree the river tour is worth your while.
Do the street signs still say State Street that Great Street?
~~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?