Lady Whispers: Life in The Windy City..

Being in this city make you feel alive, free, strong and sophisticated. As romantic as Paris, as strong as Berlin, however, it has its own style in architecture. where ever you look there is always something to grab your attention whether it is a skyscraper or a tower or a historic building. It is Chicago, IL. The Windy City. And if you think Chicago was called the windy city because of the weather, then you are wrong. It is because of the hot air blowing from its politicians. Chicago is the largest city in the State of Illinois and its largest city. It is the third largest city in the United States with a population of 9.8 million. O`Hare International Airport is considered the second busiest airport in the world. The city is considered as one of the most important Worldwide Centers of Commerce. I used to think Chicago is a dangerous city with gangs scattered in the streets. However, when I visited this city I found one of the most beautiful places I have seen in my life. It could be a honeymoon gateway or a trip for a whole family as it contains something for everyone of us of any age. In this report I will mention some attractions that I find the most important:

1- Willis Tower (The former Sears Tower):

It was built by Sears company on 1973 and meant to be the highest skyscraper in the world till 2009. Now, it is still the highest skyscraper in the United States and the seventh in the world. It has 108 floors with 412m hight. It was owned by Willis Group on 2003. However, it was still called Sear`s Tower till 2009 when it was officially called Willis Tower.
You can go to the 103rd floor to the sky deck that is made of glass. You will feel like flying over the city. If you went there on a nice clear weather, you would see four states in the same time: Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan and of course the fourth is Illinois.
Address: Willis Tower. 233 South Wacker Drive. Chicago, IL 60606.

2- Navy Pier:

One of my best places. Especially if I want to go on a cruise or have dinner at my best seafood restaurant "Bubba Gump". The place is 202,342 sq.m. of gardens, shops, restaurants and cafes and rides. The place attracts about 8.5 million tourist every year. It was built on 1916 and renovated on 1990 with 200million dollars.
In this historical place you can ride the McDonald`s Wheel which is 15 floors high. There is also an I MAX theatre in the Navy Pier. The place has many festivals and shows some of them have free admission. It also celebrates summer with fireworks twice a week. This year will start from May 26th to September 1st every Saturday and Wednesday.
Address: 600 East Grand Avenue. Chicago. IL 60611.

3- Millennium Park:

Although the plans to build this place started on 1893, the place was completed on 2004. Designed by the well known architect Frank Gahry. The park was built over a parking garage, so it is officially the largest root top garden in the world. The Park contains a lot of art pieces including sculptures, fountains and more. The most well known is the Giant Bean. You can do many activities as walking, cycling ice-skating ..etc.
Address: 201 east randolph, Chicago. IL 60602.

4- Magnificent Mile:

It is magnificent especially for girls. It is a distance of one mile that is part of Michigan Avenue extending from Chicago River to Oak Street. This mile has more than 450 brand stores, 275 restaurants, 51 hotels and more. This mile attracts more than 22 million visitor a year. It has many stores of best designer brands.
In this mile you can visit the nights 85th tower in the world The Hancock Tower. Depenign on the season the place embraces many festivals like The Tulip Days, Magnificent Mile Gardens and Light Festivals.
Address: 645 North Michigan Avenue. Chicago, IL. 60611.

5- Museums: Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum of Natural History:

Shedd Aquarium is the most popular museum in Chicago. There you and your kids can learn and interact with the sea creatures including dolphins, sharks, penguins, turtles and more.
Address: 1200 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL. 60605
Field Museum of Natural History is the same idea of The American Museum of Natural History in New York. It has a lot of interesting things to see and experience.
Address: 1400 South Lake Shore Drive. Chicago, IL. 60605.

6- Art Museums:

If you are into Fine Arts, then you are in the right place. Chicago has meny galleries in its streets and they contain master pieces of very well known artists. If you are seeking for more, then you may want to visit these places:

The Art Institute of Chicago Museum: 111 South Mitchigan Avenue, Chicago, IL. 60603.
Museum of Contemporary Art: 220 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL. 60611
Smart Museum of Art: 5550 South Greenwood Avenue, Chicago, IL. 60637.

Pardon me for not describing these museums. I think Art is similar to life, very hard to describe but very easy to feel. This feeling is reflected by our experience and knowledge. So it differs between one person and another.

7- Chicago Premium Outlets:

Some people believe this is the best way of shopping. In this place you can buy from well known brands in reduced prices. We Used to take the Amtrak train in a trip of two hours to go there as it is not in Chicago but in a city called Aurora. Then we spend a whole day of massive extensive shopping. The Chicago Premium Outlet contains 70 stores.
Address:1650 Premium Outlets Boulevard, Aurora, IL 60502.

8- Reza`s Restaurant:

When stay away from my country I miss middle eastern food. If you like Persian food, then this is the chance to have some Koubideh Kabob and Saffron rice.
Address:
Reza's Restaurant: 432 West Ontario Ave. Chicago. IL. 60654
Or 5255 North Clark Ave. Chicago. IL. 60640
Reza's Grill: 2423 N. Clark Ave. Chicago. IL. 60614

At the end, I want to thank my young sister who was the reason for visiting this awesome place where I had some of my best memories, laughers and sweetest moments with all my beloved people. Please don`t hesitate if you have any questions about this city or in the whole blog. Just contact me through my Twitter account, Facebook or by Email. You will find more pictures in the arabic version of this blog.