It’s 5:30am. I boarded the train at the airport towards the city center. As I zipped along, I was rushing through a tourist brochure to find out what are the sights I can visit within the 6 hours I had. A ride on the subway costs US$2 regardless of the distance traveled. I emerged at Washington station and was overwhelmed by the tall buildings that surrounded me. These were the tallest man-made structures that I had seen in 2 weeks. I suppose it is a nice transition to the urban landscape of Singapore.
I walked towards Millennium Park, famous for its iconic Cloud Gate. Dragging along 2 packs, I hurried along the streets. I arrived at Millennium Park and headed straight for the Cloud Gate. The prefect reflections of Chicago’s skyscrapers and beautiful skies made for fantastic photos. I strolled away from the Cloud Gate towards the BP Bridge and Daley Bicentennial Plaza, taking in more and more of the skyline as I went along.
Whilst walking, I was enjoying the sights of the city starting to awake and come alive. Chicago has skyscrapers that can rival Singapore and highways stacked above each other like those of Tokyo. Soon, I found myself at the Navy Pier, which has a picturesque ferris wheel. It is one of the most popular amusement parks in the region. However, it was almost 8am, but the place was deserted besides workers cleaning up the area and preparing for another fun-filled business day.
Leaving the Navy Pier, I strolled along the beach of Lake Michigan. It was amazing how the people manage to overcome those Monday blues and go about their morning leisure activities like walking the dog, jogging and cycling. With such beautiful weather, one can hardly resist playing really hard before heading for work.
Finally, I arrived at the John Hancock Center slightly before 9am. As a typical Singaporean, I was first in line at the observatory! I got hold of an audio guide and followed the virtual commentary as I took in the overwhelming views of the city of Chicago from the 94th floor. From here, I could map out the walking route I took to get here. With the help of the audio guide, I could also identify interesting landmarks like the Water Tower Place - one of the tallest buildings before the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, Sears Tower - the tallest building in North America, United Center - home of your world champions: The Chicago Bulls!!!
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I was reluctant to leave the observatory, but I had a plane to catch. Along the way to the subway, I passed by the Water Tower Place. Interestingly, it was laid by the Masonic Fraternity in 1867 - almost 150 years ago! It stands as a stark contrast against the modern skyscrapers, yet it is still able to draw reasonable attention due to the uniqueness of its architectural design.
As I looked up, I noticed an ice bow (or halo) in the sky! Although this is the first time I seen something like this, I could immediately identify it. Unlike it’s cousin, the rainbow, which can only be observed with the sun behind, ice bows are seen next to the sun. They are formed by light refracted off ice crystals in the cirrus clouds. Just like the rainbows in Denali and Barrow, this ice bow appear to bid farewell to me as I leave this wonderful place.
As I rode the train towards the airport, my head resonated with Frank Sinatra’s version of Chicago (that toddlin’ town)…
Chicago (That Toddlin’ Town)
Chicago, Chicago that toddlin’ town
Chicago, Chicago I’ll show you around - I love it
Bet your bottom dollar you’ll lose the blues in Chicago, Chicago
The town that (Billy Sunday) could not shut down
On state street, that great street, I just want to say
They do things that they don’t do on Broadway - say
They have the time, the time of their life
I saw a man, he danced with his wife
In Chicago, my home town
[click here] to preview the song in Amazon.
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