Overcoming the Warning
I remember the day I was invited to Chicago. The only thing I had ever heard about the city was that it was dangerous. Frankly, the negative warnings were loud, and the good aspects were never mentioned. But I trusted my guide, and I knew I would approach the trip with my signature style. I am, without question, what people would consider boujee. However, I seek the finer things in travel—luxurious experiences that don't always require a luxury budget.
The Culinary Initiation: A World-Class Experience
I left Atlanta and flew into O'Hare Airport. I remember riding on the expressway and coming up on the city for the first time. I was stunned! I saw only beauty. The skyline was absolutely gorgeous.
Our very first stop was Johnnie’s Italian Beef in Arlington Heights. You can expect to pay about $10 per meal, and this place runs like a well-oiled machine, so it’s best to know what you want before you reach the counter. I got the Italian beef sub with grilled peppers and onions, fries, and a lemon Italian ice. OMG! That mouth-watering, yummy goodness is worth it every single time. It was the perfect introduction to the city's robust flavors.
The View and The Vibe: An Open-Air Museum
With a full stomach, we finally parked in the city. We simply walked around, allowing me to take in the views fully. The sheer scale and beauty of the buildings felt like walking through an open-air architecture museum. My eyes were opened, and my perspective had officially changed.
Later, as we drove down Lakeshore Drive to head home, I took in the sights: Lake Michigan to the right and this big, bold, beautiful city to the left. It was a stunning contrast between what we might consider a place of rest (the lake) and fast-paced living (the city). We passed historic buildings, including the famous pink structure, which now features apartments where celebrities like Marilyn Monroe are rumored to have stayed. It was the only place I had ever seen a sprawling beach with the city as the backdrop. The city I was warned about was replaced by deep and vibrant satisfaction. I was ready to explore and take on a new adventure.
The Globetrotter’s Takeaway
I fell completely in love with Chicago’s architecture, food, and culture. Chicago, like many other places, has its challenging areas, but that is not the definition of the entire city. My journey was about finding the treasures in the story. Once you visit a place with so many options, you find that the city is filled with countless jewels. (See my Checklist for my top spots!)
As a globetrotter, I have learned to embrace every place I visit. It's all about learning from the perspective of the people who live there. I cannot approach a place with only my own way of living. There is an entire world that doesn’t look or think like my little bubble, so keep an open mind and, within safety limits and boundaries, explore!
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