[BrandonTO416]

Oh how wonderful Chicago is. Blocks upon blocks of pure urban perfection. Then there is that little thing called the hell of Gary and south Chicago (not the city proper exactly, but the south suburbs). Chicago is a city of extremes. A metro area of extreme perfection, and a metro area of extreme ghetto in certain sections.

I personally thank pip and Chicago103 on the "other" forum for being so nice to me and showing me around.

I'm focusing on what makes Chicago truly America's 2nd city. The city that breathes, eats, sleeps urban.

I only got to spend 4 days in Chicagoland (and part of that in Wisconsinland). But I got a great taste and enjoyed all the flavor.

So let's start downtown in the loop.

Since its opening its been the tallest building in the US, still among the tallest (or the tallest depending on who you ask) in the world.



Some of these buildings I don't know the name of. But here's a few pics from the loop.







Okay, lets move to Millennium Park. Beautiful views.





Moving north of the loop, I didn't know NBC had a building in Chicago.




I think this is a block off Michigan Ave.




Here's more beside Millennium Park south of the river.





Aon is so powerful.



I tried the best I could to make a panorama, but it just didn't work. Here's the Chicago river through downtown:



The actual pictures:








http://www.frontiernet.net/~chiboyblue/chicago/8.JPG
http://www.frontiernet.net/~chiboyblue/chicago/9.JPG

Obviously Chicago has great architecture from the past, not only the present:

http://www.frontiernet.net/~chiboyblue/chicago/building1.JPG
http://www.frontiernet.net/~chiboyblue/chicago/building2.JPG

I really like this building. It captures quite possibly the best of the modern generation:

http://www.frontiernet.net/~chiboyblue/chicago/sofitel.JPG

Wrigley is beautiful, isn't it?

http://www.frontiernet.net/~chiboyblue/chicago/wrigley1.JPG


I know, you guys wonder. Does Chicago have nice classical urban neighborhoods? You bet. This is why its the 2nd city, afterall!

http://www.frontiernet.net/~chiboyblue/chicago/residential1.JPG
http://www.frontiernet.net/~chiboyblue/chicago/residential2.JPG
http://www.frontiernet.net/~chiboyblue/chicago/residential3.JPG
http://www.frontiernet.net/~chiboyblue/chicago/residential4.JPG
http://www.frontiernet.net/~chiboyblue/chicago/residential5.JPG
http://www.frontiernet.net/~chiboyblue/chicago/residential6.JPG
http://www.frontiernet.net/~chiboyblue/chicago/residential7.JPG
http://www.frontiernet.net/~chiboyblue/chicago/residential8.JPG
http://www.frontiernet.net/~chiboyblue/chicago/residential9.JPG
http://www.frontiernet.net/~chiboyblue/chicago/residential10.JPG

North Halsted - part of the neverending blocks of urban perfection.

http://www.frontiernet.net/~chiboyblue/chicago/north_halsted1.JPG

I forget if this was Halsted or not, but its in Lincoln Park

http://www.frontiernet.net/~chiboyblue/chicago/lincoln_park1.JPG

I did get to go to the signature room on the 96th floor of this wonderful building.

http://www.frontiernet.net/~chiboyblue/chicago/hancock2.JPG

Such a serene looking view from the brown line.

http://www.frontiernet.net/~chiboyblue/chicago/el_tracks.JPG

Is that the Gold Coast I see?

http://www.frontiernet.net/~chiboyblue/chicago/gold_coast1.JPG
http://www.frontiernet.net/~chiboyblue/chicago/gold_coast2.JPG
http://www.frontiernet.net/~chiboyblue/chicago/gold_coast3.JPG


Now after my job interview Monday morning, I decided to hop in the car and go travelling. I ended up in Milwaukee:

http://www.frontiernet.net/~chiboyblue/chicago/milwaukee1.JPG
http://www.frontiernet.net/~chiboyblue/chicago/milwaukee2.JPG
http://www.frontiernet.net/~chiboyblue/chicago/milwaukee3.JPG

Wow, what a cute city. Its quite large, and these 3 pics are all I got. LOL

I also drove through Madison - another WONDERFUL CITY - and then back down to my hotel in Chicago to complete a long Monday tour. I didn't stop there, I actually spent the night in Chicago's Boystown area. LOL

Hmm. Today I headed south toward the slums and pure crap of south Chicago. I saw this sign at the I-94/57 interchange in South Chicago reminding me I was heading home.

http://www.frontiernet.net/~chiboyblue/chicago/memphisexit.JPG


Well that's all for now.

What a grand city Chicago is.

[josita]

Wonderful pictures!!

Especially the ones of Millennium Park. This park is a big deal for the Mayor Daley -- so if anyone needs a reason to visit Chicago, this is it. It is a beautiful display of public art and public space. I really love "The Bean" - as it has been coined, reflecting the beautiful skyline.

Also, the picture of the Aon building, I think is becoming truly a historic building. It is a small replica of the WTC towers, but the architecture is the same.

Thanks again

[Urbanrailfan]

These are most pics of Chi-Town I heave seen. Great ones, too.

[monsoon]

[BrandonTO416]

It was a Sunday morning, but there were plenty of people along Michigan Ave (the Magnificent Mile), obviously in the park, and as usual there were many people in the northside areas.

[Allan]

Great pics! It looks like you had a nice time.

[Delta]

Looks like the weather was very kind to you. All that blue sky.

I'm sure 4 days wasn't adequate though. Even in a city half the size it wouldn't be enough. However, it looks like you made the most of your stay.

Good stuff heckles