My name's Dan, and I'm a 22 year old Englishman. Interested in all things sports and music, and hav...
My name's Dan, and I'm a 22 year old Englishman. Interested in all things sports and music, and have always enjoyed writing, I'm thinking of retiring off the £0.25 i've earned from Ciao so far.
Member since:18.07.2008
Reviews:13
A summer of soccer coaching in 2007 took me from top to bottom of America, and I mean that literally, with my destinations including new york state and detroit, New Orleans and Miami. I also had weeks in between, Alabama, Virginia to name but a few, and it so happened that my final week sent just outside Chicago. Having visited New York many times I had imagined Chicago to be a less spectacular version, but I underestimated the Windy City.
The first thing that struck me in comparison to New York, in fact in comparison to almost anywhere, was the cleanliness of the city. For such a bustling metropolitan area to be so clean is quite remarkable, and is very pleasant. It is a picturesque city on the whole, situated on the shores of lake Michigan, and with beautiful buildings both modern and old lining every street. Parks and grass areas are in plentiful supply, and you will not struggle for a good photo opportunity when walking around the city.
Shopping is much as you would expect, plentiful and wide ranging. Every designer you could name seems to be represented at least once, and large shopping malls adorn Chigago with regularity. If you are looking to spend money you will not struggle. Food and drink is also easy to find, and a visit wouldnt be complete without trying a Chicago style pizza. I was warned by the waiter I would struggle to finish half a pie, and after 2 slices I realised I would have been well informed to take his word, it was outrageously thick, but delicious.
It can be tricky to manouvere around the city by car, and walking can take it out of you as attractions and shops are fairly spaced out, so a brief study of the buses and trains would be reccomended. Parking is sparce apart from multi-stories, which charge a fair bit for their services, especially around landmarks.
While in Chicago you have the option to view a sports game hosted by one of America's major clubs. The Bears in American Football, Fire in soccer, the illustrious Bulls in basketball, and the White Sox or Cubs in baseball. Having had the privelige to attend a sold out Chigago Cubs game at Wrigley field, I would put this near the top of the list. Just outside the city centre, Wrigleyville is full of life with packed bars and on a matchday is quite an experience. Get there early, enjoy the build up, and sit back and watch the game accompanied by a couple of gallons of Pepsi and a seemingly endless box of popcorn. Whether you know anything about baseball is almost irrelevant, it truly is a unique experience.
The skyline driving in to the city is immense, it rivals any i have ever seen. The locals are friendly, more-so than you will find in many major cities, and the range of attractions caters for all ages and tastes. Having only spent a week in Chicago I am already planning a return, to enjoy a few more rounds of golf in the afternoon sun, and some cold beers and a pizza slice in the evening. For a city break Chicago has all bases covered, and if you are not so into being bumped in to and sworn at, may well be a better bet than New York. Most definately a city I would suggest visiting if given the chance.
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NH Hotels, the hotel chain leader in Europe, with more than 300 hotels in 20 countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa. Enter into our web site and find the best available tariff at all times
Advantages: Great for sightseeing, outdoor activities and museums. Fantastic architecture. Disadvantages: VERY cold in the winter. Busy during conventions
vasquita 08.08.2000 ·
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Review of Chicago
Jul 19th, 2008
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