Chicago: The Windy City Will Blow You Away

I arrived at Chicago O’Hare airport a little after midnight, and took a swift cab ride to my hotel downtown. Since Honolulu is in the process of building a rail system, I briefly considered taking the above ground Metra Rail, but I just wasn’t that adventurous after an over 12-hour commute.

As a passenger in a vehicle, I do my best to mentally mark my surroundings sort of like Hansel and Gretel leaving white pebbles on their way to the forest. But, it was all a blur until I arrived at 75 E Wacker Drive and stepped out of the cab into the crisp Chicago air. I could see the illuminated sign of the Chicago Tribune in the distance that lent light upon their towering neighbors. My hotel, Club Quarters is considered a landmark in Chicago. And, as I pushed through the revolving doors, I could almost hear the billowing of a saxophone and laughter of the historic old-Chicago. Despite the time difference, I requested a 7 o’clock wake up call, anxious to tour the Windy City. Perhaps @Oprah would be available for an impromptu tweet up?

By 7:30 a.m. I was out of my hotel and walking on Michigan Avenue; but 8:15 a.m. I was back inside of my room sitting at my desk — it started to rain, so I’d try again in the afternoon. A little after 12 o’clock, I ventured out again with an umbrella recently purchased from Walgreens during my first attempt. The rain had slowed to an occassional drizzle and the sun struggled to peak through the overcast skies. At the recommendation of my friend Melissa Chang, I began walking to Uno Pizzeria known for serving deep dish pizza pies since 1943.

My journey required me to cross the Wabash Bridge, only a few of you may know but I have a slight case of acrophobia. Having to cross a bridge with movement below and beside me, sends me into a mild panic. This has only begun to affect me later in life, and I don’t understand why since I had to cross the McCully bridge daily to walk home from school as a child.

In order to combat this panic and fear, I often purposely put myself into the situation and learn to calm myself through breathing and positive affirmations. It could have either been my focused thinking, it may also have been hunger pains, but I made it across the wooden bridge without incident, and even paused at the other end to take photos — well, just one photo.

Uno Pizzeria was quaint and the walls were covered with pictures of Old Chicago. The associates were very friendly, professional, and accomodating. I ordered the Numero Uno which is everything but the kitchen sink, and the Four Cheese Pesto. Deep dish is an appropriate name, both were filled with cheese, herbs, mushrooms, peppers, the works! I admit, I couldn’t finish them both, but eventually did as an early morning snack!

The rest of my day was spent walking through the historical architecture of downtown Chicago. The structure of the Chicago Tribune building has pieces of steel, rock, brick, etc. from other historical buildings. The city’s Magnificent Mile does not disappoint, and even though I am from the state of beautiful fragrant flowers and leis, the dainty tulips were very pretty.

Along the course of the mile is the award-winning center for art, music, architecture, and landscape design – Millennium Park. I was so taken aback by its beauty that I felt guilty for being afforded the experience without Lilinoe, Chelsea, and Jayden. Lilinoe must have felt the burden in my heart because my phone rang at the right moment.

Having only a handful of hours to enjoy Chicago before the start of SOBCon: Biz School for Bloggers, I have promised myself and my family a returned trip. The Windy City certainly blew me away!