Downtown also holds stark evidence of an overinflated opinion of oneself at Trump Tower. Rick said the mayor of Chicago was enraged when Donald Trump plastered his name in big, bold letters across the face of his tower. After that happened, the city passed an ordinance making it illegal to place names like that on buildings by the river.
The Chicago skyline at night is a beautiful sight, with skyscrapers glowing in the darkness. It looks like a completely different place in contrast to the daytime. But during the day or night, the city is cold.
I also learned why the great lakes are considered America's "third coast." It almost feels like Chicago is on the coast, but the lack of a salty ocean smell is a dead giveaway that it's not. But Lake Michigan is massive, and it's the largest lake I've ever seen. It was especially cool to force myself to run the few blocks to the lakeshore before sunrise to see the sun go up. It was a red ball that peaked over the horizon of the lake. I seem to have a sudden fascination with sunrises now.
Rick, my Couchsurfing host, is a Chicago native and has spent his whole life in the city. Why go anywhere else when the city in which you live offers so much? There is so much opportunity and people who share your same interests. There's a sense of thrill just walking downtown amidst the many flashing lights and impending adventure. Somewhere within that metropolis, you can find something for you, like the deep dish pizza I had at Giordano's.
This year has been about growing as a person and learning new things. In Chicago I did more of that. Now, I've been to sex museums in Berlin and Paris, and I enjoyed both of them. But in Chicago I stumbled upon a leather and BDSM museum on the north side of the city. This was absolutely fascinating, despite the overabundance of male genitalia on the ground floor. This museum aims to document the history of the city's gay leather culture, and BDSM scene, no matter what sexual orientation.
My favorite part of the museum was the basement, where there were stories of famous dominatrixes, Dommes and images of their male or female submissives and slaves. There was artwork of women tied up in bondage, on sale for as much as $9,000, and a room that displayed different types of whips, riding crops, paddles and other "equipment" used during BDSM. There was also an interactive wall that displayed different types of restraints, cuffs and chains used during bondage, and a quiz that tested one's knowledge of how to be safe during BDSM play. One such question asked which kind of tape is safest to use on a sub.
While the museum was heavily gay in parts, I'm glad I went. It was something new to learn and experience, however unorthodox and (quite frankly, shocking) it was. But this is what makes my traveling so much fun; I'm open to doing pretty much anything.
And of course, Rick and I went to the Chicago Theater in the evening to see Trevor Noah, the host of the Daily Show, do standup. It was excellent. I felt this was the cherry on top of a successful visit to a new city: being able to see world-class performers. I squeezed everything I could from those two full days in Chicago, and I made the most of the visit. You could say it was a microcosm of my time in Europe; I missed few opportunities and left with no regrets.
Now, I need to go back to reality and figure out what to do with my car...
Well done Mike. One doesn't need much time in a new place when they are a mover and a shaker. As for your fascination with sunrises, it only makes sense. The root of nearly all religion is the sun and its movement throughout the heavens. A natural appreciation is shared amongst all cultures.
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