Chicago is the third largest city in the US after New York and Los Angeles. With some 2.7 million residents and over 46 million international and domestic visitors a year, it is fair to say Chicago is multicultural and pumping. Culturally diverse, a visitor to this city is never short on opportunities to be entertained, intrigued and educated. It is famous for its contributions to visual arts, literature, film, theatre, comedy, music particularly jazz, blues and soul, and sport. It has amazing museums and art galleries, and the outdoor environment is also spectacular.
Being uniquely situated on the bank of the enormous Lake Michigan and with two rivers, the Chicago and Calumet, running through the downtown and encircling it, it is like a modern Venice. Absolutely beautiful. The early town planners of this city knew their stuff and designed a city that respected these beautiful water bodies, incorporating them into the very heart and soul of the city centre. Add these wonderful waterways to some amazing architecture and you have quite a breathtaking city.Although it was bitterly cold while I was there, I nonetheless thoroughly enjoyed walking Chicago. I took in not only the sights along the waterfront and on the footpaths, but managed to visit a few galleries and musuems and listen to some music. Of course, I also was fortunate to get to a Chicago Bulls game which was fabulous! Didn't make to Wrigley Park but only because she is under restoration.
Like its diverse population, the food culture here is also interesting and you don't have to walk too far in any direction to have a wonderful choice of food offerings. We took in some of the iconic cuisine such as the deep dish pizza and the Italian sandwich, but also we were able to enjoy fabulous seafood and great breakfasts.
The locals are very welcoming and proud of their city and rightly so. In fact, I think Chicago is probably one of the most beautiful US cities I have visited. Would love to come back in spring or summer and see her then in all her glory. But even in the cold with snow on the ground....Chicago is absolutely worth a visit.
