I'm going to Chicago in two days for a short three day trip, which is essentially broken down into three lunches, two breakfasts, two dinners and a multitude of snacks. One of the dinners will be spent with an old colleague, but the rest is fair game. I don't think I accurately blogged our trip this past July, but I will try to do better this round. I have been planning a serious itinerary for this trip as I am heading out there solo and cannot hold anything against my travel partner - because it's just me! In all honesty, I think traveling alone is my preferred method of travel 85% of the time (listen, no one really likes to eat Friday or Saturday night dinner at some jumpin' restaurant by themselves - or do they? I don't even like to be OUT on a Friday night generally), but Adam is the only person I can take 90% of the time, so it works out either way.
I must have a hot dog, and I must see their beaches during the 'winter season.' I'd rather the beaches be covered in snow and ice and have to wear my Bean boots and the skyline be aglow in the background, but I will take what I can get, and I will definitely take it all in.
Yeah, I fucking get there is no Real Comparison between New York and everywhere else in this country, but when this is what I know, it's really difficult and, frankly, uncomfortable, to readjust. This serves as a constant problem in almost ever single place I've ever been for more than a few hours or days, except Tokyo and Seoul. This happens when I am in central New Jersey or driving down some road in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It is not me, it never has been, and it most likely never will be. Bright lights, big city - the individuals (and trust me, there are some freaky ass normal individuals), the cultures that thrive in them, and the hectic nature of it all. Those three things in combination provide an incredible amount of ease, and when any of those decrease (same people, same culture, slow pace), the only thing I start to feel is sick.
I'm going off on a tangent, and I must get back on track because we need to talk about food. There are so many neighborhoods in Chicago, so many options, and so many places I want to go in three days. Do you have any idea how much time you have to factor in to commuting for food? A hell of a lot of time.
I'll let you know how it goes.
p.s. Adam and I ate at a horrible barbecue place the other night, but their cornbread was off the hook. I won't name the establishment yet, but I will just say it is what is bound to happen when you venture one too many miles away from any city.
