What is the simplest way to beat a nice, peaceful, monotonous, routine-centric life? Simple - pack your bags, make a quick plan of visiting a nearby destination. And you are already on a high. Chicago (largest city in the U.S. state of Illinois as well as the third-most populous city in the United States ) was the nearest city and since I had never seen a big city, we decided on this destination quickly. Though the whole week went on with uncertainity of whether to go or not to go since weather did not seem to be very favourable, yet we decided to go, the last minute with the accomodation being booked at the 11th hour. I just guess, such kind of last moment risks are never OK with parents around (they are somewhat planned and are not in hurry burry).
You are not in America if you do not drive from one city to another. We decided to do it their way. It was 5 and a half hours drive. After noting down the route, grabbing a bagpack, filling it with a set of clothes, pepsi cans, audio CD, GPS, chips and a camera, the journey began. Being a weekend trip where 10 hours would be only in driving, we thought of leaving early in the morning. It was a perfect time when the sun was about to spread its golden wings to the sky and a cold, moonless day was getting brighter and warmer.
An hour later we got down at the rest area to have a hot cup of coffee. Try walking outside which has a temparature of around 3 degree celsius with a steaming hot cup of coffee or cocoa and you would realize the immense pleasure of enjoying the C-o-o--l-l--d surroundings while you hold the warm cup. Oki, back to the vehicle, and the uncomplicated journey (mostly straight road, with no turns) was slightly boring with fields and only vast fields. It is here when you get reminded of Prairie, Grasslands and Mississipi & Missourie river which you religiously crammed in the lower classes about USA. The fields here are no different from that of our country, but the houses of the farmer were somewhat bigger.
Finally when you enter the toll road, th excitement of nearing your destination reaches its height yet again. Since the hotel was at the outskirts of the city, it did not seem to look that great. St. Louis (the place where I stay), is very clean, without much traffic and the ones driving the vehicle are courteous. However, when you enter the city of Chicago from St. Louis, you instantly find many lanes, innumerable vehicles speeding up and cutting each other mercilessly. Its the same feeling you have when you are a resident of Chandigarh and driving towards Delhi.
Reached a Desi hotel (not writing the name)which had TV but not working, free internet access but not working, microwave but not working properly either, a fair heating system. It was already 2 PM and we thought of covering the first destination - Sears Tower, the biggest skyscraper of USA.
Parking in a city is one of the biggest diffculties one has to overcome. Parking lot is usually far and expensive too. In fact, that could be the reason why people prefer walking or taking local train or buses in New York, Chicago, Mumbai etc. The excitement quickly vanishes when you are lost amidst the streets and GPS may sometimes lose signals too when you are among skyscrapers. And Eureka! There it is! Standing tall and mighty. We decided to walk a bit and grab something to eat at a nearby Mexican restaurant. With stomach full, and joyous mood, we walked (for 10 mts) towards the destination. This place has metro train running on the track just above your head. You could say - something like Delhi Metro, but somewhat smaller and doesn’t seem to have a great foundation unlike the latter. The roads are narrow and tall buildings are adjacent as well as opposite to each other. There are shops on the either sides - restaurants, cloth shops, offices, parking lot... you name it, they have it. You can witness a chauraha every now and then.
We finally reached Sears tower- world’s fourth largest building. Since 103rd floor was upto some rennovation, we were set to 99th floor. The lift swiftly moves 10 floors within seconds. And we reached 99th Floor within a minute. The dusk had already set in, The sun was visible and was about to be set at one side of the building, while at the other side, it looked bright. Of the four sides of the bulding, you could see the sun seting, the other side looked like sun-less cloudy thing. The third on has lake Michigan and if lucky, you could spot a very small ship too. At the fourth side, you can see railway tracks, roads and river side by side. It was being truly on a high. It is only when you reach the top, you see tall buildings looking like a dwarf and the city stretching beyond what your eyes can see. It was a wonderful experience. Going back wasn’t easy since darkness and bright lighs dancing at the shop made it difficult to know the route apart from heavy traffic. Atleast, we experienced what a busy city looks like late evening.
The next day was for Shedd Aquarium - world’s largest indoor aquarium . It was -2 degree (worse still we forgot to bring our caps) when we reached our destination . And we reached a bit early too. Now, think of this, biting cold, literally biting your ears, windy morning, yet sun brightly lighting the sky, a quiet place and lo and behold - Lake Michigan - fresh water lake with its water as clear and just in front of the skyline. For a second Chicago looked like a place blessed with breathtaking views of nature and complimenting it is man’s tall buildings ready to touch the sky. There is a peaceful co-existence between the two. The picturesque perfect sight made us forget our frozen ears and windy morning and my numb fingers continued to click the pictures.
SHEDD AQUARIUM - If you are worship fish, then this is the temple. Fish of all shapes, sizes, colours, nature can be seen here. What more, you can see sharks too swimming majestically alongwith other fish. We even saw a human being feeding the fish in the water amidst them. One naughty fish seemed to bite his ears. It was a treat to watch all aquatic animals - some lazy, others lively, yet others starry or graceful. TA 4- D movie is shown here too for about 15 mts about nature and fish. Be warned to be hit by a snake from behind or water splashed on you by dolphine on the screen - thats the effect of 4-D. Do not watch even if you have a slight creepy feeling about aqua animals. The Shedd Aquarium would easily take two and a half hours of yours. Be ready to have as much time with you.
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