The Saturday City: Chicago
Chicago was the last stop of my American road trip in 2006. I spent three days there before leaving to explore the rest of the world. I had always heard a lot about Chicago and was excited to finally see the Windy City (named because of the politicians that blow hot air, not for climate!).
The windy city has a long place in American history. Incorporated in 1833, Chicago has played an important part of American history ever since. In 1840, Chicago was the ninety-second most populous city in the United States but it grew so rapidly that twenty years later, it was the ninth largest city in the country. By 1900, Chicago had 1.7 million people in it and was one of the largest in the country. Chicago was the rail link between the west and the east and it’s meatpacking industry was the biggest in country. Beef from the plains and Texas and was then cut, 
packed, and shipped to the rest of the world. However, the notoriously unsanitary conditions of the industry led to the publication of Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle and the founding of the Food and Drug Administration.
In 1871, most of the city burned down in the The Great Chicago Fire. Over 300 people died, 18,000 buildings were destroyed, and a 1/3rd of the residents were left homeless. One of the factors contributing to the fire’s spread was the abundance of wood buildings and narrow streets. The fire led to strict fire-safety codes that included a strong preference for masonry construction and helped contribute to architectural tradition that has emerged in the city.
Chicago has a lot to offer and is very cosmopolitan. From food to parks to shopping, Chicago has it all. If you like to shop, there’s the upscale shopping along the Magnificent Mile, where you can buy from all top designers. Chicago is surprisingly a good place to do that at! You’ll find everything you need here (and everything you don’t need) at prices sure to empty your wallet.
For architectural lovers, Chicago provides a plethora of buildings to see and examine. Chicago is filled with amazing turn of the century buildings mixed with modern architecture. There’s the famous Sears Tower, the Chicago Building, The Tribune Tower, The Hancock Tower, and the old Water Tower, one of the few buildings to survive the great fire. The infamous Loop is also great way to see old buildings in the Chicago Style. Chicago’s architecture is famous and they are currently continuing to lead the architectural world with developing environmental friendly LEED buildings. Mayor Daley embarked on a campaign to “green” the city a few years ago, starting foremost with their buildings.
For those looking for something more relaxing and entertaining, there’s Navy Pier by Lake Michigan, which has shops, restaurants, museums, exhibition halls, and auditoriums and a Ferris wheel! It’s one of the most visited landmarks in the Midwest. Also along Lake Michigan is Millennium Park. The huge park has a lot of green space, concert halls, and some serious chess players who will beat you for one dollar. (They beat me for $3!) The park includes the reflective Cloud Gate sculpture (”The Bean”). This was one of the coolest things I saw in Chicago. It reflects the Chicago skyline and makes for great photos! Millennium Park also has an outdoor restaurant, two tall glass sculptures make up the Crown fountain. The fountain’s two towers display images of local residents with water spouting from their lips. The park is active year round and was one of the highlights of my time in the city.
Chicago is also famous for it’s pizza. Chicago developed the deep dish pizza as well as the stuff crust pizza and no trip is complete without having at least one. The pizza was invented by Pizzeria Uno, which is now a national restaurant chain. Since I can go to a Pizzeria Uno in Boston, my friends and I ate at the equally famous (but local) Gino’s and it was very good. Worth all the hype. The pizza is filling meal and I couldn’t finish it.
Chicago is a great city and a lot of flights route through Chicago O’Hare Airport as it is a major hub. If your flight does go through, I suggest setting some aside to explore the city. Or why not just stay for a few days! You’ll enjoy it. Promise.
I would recommend checking out all of the Frank Lloyd Wright building in Chicago. The city is home to the largest collection of homes designed by this world famous architect.
hi matt.. about your question if filipino language was tonal no its not really tonal although there are some words that are but most of them are not like thai language that is very tonal. so wont have a hard time learning it its just like english lol.
Never thought of travelling to America..but everytime I read about your blogs, I am beginning to be tempted
Lakshmi
Hey Matt,
Chicago is indeed very beautiful. A city in a class of its own and one I enjoyed very much in my weekend stay last September, more than New York City. I’ll keeping track of your travels also man. Cheers