24 hours in Chicago

Four types of public transport, three cuisines, a museum and a concert. On first impressions, Chicago is a great city. Starting with a train from the airport (not deluxe, and a bit noisy, but how many cities transport you directly from the airport terminal to the city for $2.25?). After checking into our hotel (thanks, Brookhaven) we headed out to wander about town. Seeking lunch, we discovered that Chicago is very much a steak town. This Mexican place at least tries to provide other options.










Further wandering eventually ended us up in the fabulous Millenium Park to for part of their free concert series. Dvořák's Requiem with full orchestra and 100 person choir was just amazing.















Sunday morning started with a run on the shore of Lake Michigan, along with hundreds of other people. Great atmosphere. Then to the Ohio House Coffee Shop for our fill of omelette, hashbrowns and blueberry pancakes in a classic American diner style, complete with sassy waitress. Fueled for (part of) the day, we were onto the train (known as the El), heading south of the city, to the national Museum of Mexican Art. This was in a very Mexican neighbourhood called Pilsen, but we resisted the call of the taco and walked and bussed east, to Chinatown. Here we discovered shops selling shark fin (terrible) and tea (delicious) and many restaurant options. After lunching on Sichuan style eggplant and jasmine tea we headed down to the river, and back into the city in a water taxi. I have not yet mentioned Chicago's architecture. The skyline, from any vantage point, is always a myriad of contrasting shapes, textures and colours. But I am sure there will be plenty more to say about that after I go on the architecture cruise...