Take Me Out to the Ball Game

After the enormity that was New York, Chicago seemed a small town. Not really, but at least I could look at central Chicago and not feel like a total oompa lumpa! Don’t get me wrong, Chicago is still an immense city, with some of the largest skyscrapers in the world. In fact Chicago is home to the skyscraper and boasts the Sear’s Tower, tallest building in the USA, even pre-September 11. Finding a hostel was easier said than done and the hefty price of $US32 was a bit steep! It was nice, but too clinical and sterile, it reminded me of a hospital ward.

We weren’t there for the lodging though, so we took off to explore. Chicago is a beautiful city, not only home to the skyscraper but full of some amazing modern architecture. Since it was the middle of summer the lakeside was equally nice especially Navy Pier. We even stumbled upon the Buckingham Fountain, set in a lovely park and made famous by Married With Children. How sad is that? Upon spying the fountain all I could remember about it was it had something to do with Al Bundy! A trip to the top of the Sear’s Tower was also memorable, the height and views were astounding.

Staring into a beer glass really brings home the essence of what the Blues is all about!

While in Bolivia we had met a Canadian couple who had told us all about Chicago. I had said I had always wanted to go see a live baseball game, just to see what all the fuss was about. I don’t particularly like the game, but since it was an American institution I wanted to check one out. Our Canadian friends told us that Wrigley Field, the Cubs home ground, was probably the most beautiful and famous baseball field in the States. So off we went.

The Cubs were playing the San Diego Padres so we took a train to the ground, bought tickets and plonked ourselves down for the afternoon. It was a very interesting experience. Everyone standing and singing the National Anthem (I had to stand as well or I feel I would have got lynched!), hot dogs, beer, crappy organ music singalongs, screaming kids, stupid rules! It had the lot. The part where everyone sings ‘Take me out the the ball game’ was particularly strange. It was an enjoyable day which ended, as most do, with copious amounts of beer at a nearby pub. Incidentally, The Cubs lost 8-6 in the 11^th (and long!) inning, and their star Sammy Sosa did absolutely nothing!!

Since Chicago is home of the blues I thought it would be good to catch some music at a blues joint. We found Buddy Guy’s Legends bar, owned by the man himself. Unfortunately the live music didn’t materialise but the jukebox, the beer and atmosphere made it a good night. Staring into a beer glass really brings home the essence of what the Blues is all about! I didn’t sell my soul to the devil at the Crossroads but I nearly got hit by a car after forgetting which side the American’s drive on!