So… carting around four ridiculously over-packed suitcases, a backpack laden with more reading material than a small library, and a purse that could fit Bambi in it across the Orange Line of the Chicago trains was awful…Or it would have been if it wasn’t so gosh darn exciting.
But I think that was the low of this Chicago experience so far. Everything else has been wonderful–from attending church in an old Elementary school that looks like P.S. 118 from “Hey Arnold,” to a Starbucks and Chipotle on every other corner, to all the secondhand smoke (I secretly like the smell…), I have to say Chicago rocks. I am feeling very optimistic about my summer and just hope that Jeremy falls for this city as quickly as I have.
The best part about this city though–unequivocally the people. This is not Brusque Manhattan or Too Laid Back L.A. People have a healthy sense of “rush” here, but they can also spare a moment to help a brother out. My favorite instance of Chicago Niceness:
Our first night out on the city, Jeremy and I decided to hit up a Thai Restaurant on Rush Street, because, you know, we basically take Thai with our oxygen. We left with leftover souvenirs, which Jeremy carried in his right hand, holding my hand with his left.
As we walked home, we crossed a jovial-looking old black man in a suit (there are black people here!), and as he passed he addressed Jeremy and said, “Son! Son! Where did you get that thing hanging off you there?” Jeremy and I exchanged confused looks and looked.
“This?” Jeremy asked, holding up the bag of Thai food.
“No,” persisted the man, twinkling. “That other thing. Where can I get one?”
We hunted for a string hanging off Jeremy’s coat, but we were thoroughly confused. Finally, I noticed the old man, amused by our confusion nod slightly at me.
“Oh!” I said. I couldn’t help it. I squealed. “You mean me?!” I twinkled back.
He nodded and said, “You make a lovely couple, I gotta get me one of those.” said the old man to Jeremy, moving on with a grin.
Friends, it was just delightful to start this journey out with an unsolicited compliment from a stranger, and I promise there was nothing creepy about our new, never-to-be-seen-again friend. But it got me feeling the glow of this windy city. I think we will be just fine here.
PHOTO DUMP PART:
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| This is our little apartment. We’re used to “little” with our apartments, so we actually like it a lot. |
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| This is the beautiful view from our apartment. Which car is your favorite? |
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| Our generously-sized closet. When you only pack 1/6 of your wardrobe, you’d be surprised how much mess you don’t make. |
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| This is us at the airport. For all you Instagrammers, you may have already seen these pictures. Mostly, I just need to know what you think of my “Chicago Hair,” because sometimes I worry that Ombre is too wild for me. |
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| I’m just mostly thrilled by the prospect of a $9 sundae. No really, these were magnificent. |
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| If you can see the chocolate in this picture, you win! Actually, if you can taste the chocolate in this picture, you win. Which means, I win. |
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| I’m a chocolate fan like the rest of them, but my hot chocolate was so rich (Literally steamed milk with four squares of Ghiradelli’s chocolate mixed in), I had to throw in the towel. Luckily my sweet-toothed sweetheart was up for the task. |
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| Mandatory Skyline Picture. |
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| Because none of the other pictures really proved I am in Chicago. |
PS: I am feeling uncomfortable about having 69 followers. Will someone please be my 70th?
looks like you're having an awesome time so far- and the strangers in chicago sound excellent 🙂
welcome! I'm so glad you are loving Chicago. And that you're experiencing the midwestern friendliness. i was there at church too! but in the singles branch! I'll be sure to look for you next week in the halls!!
I grew up in Chicago, spent 14 years of my life there. It's the best city in the world! Glad to hear/see that you two are enjoying yourselves so far 🙂
As a chicago girl myself I thoroughly endorse your moving there….then me visiting you when we go home 🙂 It is truly the most amazing city ever. Make sure you hit-up the modern art museum and the Shedd aquarium at least once! ooohhhh I miss it there!!
Oooh I LOVE Chicago!!!! Your blurb about the kind black man, and black people in general, cig smoke, starbucks, and chipotle reminds me a litte of St. Louis. Funny how when you leave Provo, UT there's actually quite a fun variety of people in the world. 🙂 Have an awesome time! Hubs and I (mostly me) are thinking about driving up there sometime since it's only about 5 hours away. Maybe if we time it right we could visit you. enjoy!
I gave you a funny and a well-written and a cool. Also, Jason may be joining–if we don't get some divine intervention by Wednesday.
AND I LIKE YOUR OMBRE. (My Spanish mind gets a little uncomfortable because, add an 'h', and I just said I like your man. Nevertheless, the hair. I like.)
"There are black people here!" Classic. Love all of this, keep it coming please!