Posted July 22, 200618 yr A time to kill; or is that, time to kill? whatever... I hate layovers. But when you have a 4.5 hour unexpected layover on a hot summer weekday afternoon at O’Hare at the distant edge of one your fave cities in the whole world (and checked thru bags ta boot), if you’re me, you’re liable to take a chance; play with fire. So lacking the courage to risk the full 45 min L trip (each way) all the way into the Loop, instead I hopped off along the way -- at Damen station – in Bucktown or Wickertown, I’m not certain; one of you Chicago local-yocals can straighten me out. The time was late rush hour, so I wasn’t worried about train frequency, but still, w/ post 911 security and long medal detector waits at the nation's busiest airport, I could fool around too long, even though I wanted to. … This was a beautiful, lively old neighborhood w/ high density and tons of pedestrian energy that echoed NYC’s Brooklyn (many brownstone walkups on the sidestreets—although they were mixed in with classic Chicago 3 and 4 “flats”). To a degree, this lively, off-the-Lake hood is somewhat like Ohio City on steroids. It also puts a lie to the myth at the only decent in-city hoods in Chicago is near-North/Gold Coast along the lake. Nonsense!. Just one more great aspect to a great town... Anyway, during 30 mins of beer & appetizer, at one of the numerous sidewalk, and a quick walk around for a few blocks, this is what I saw: corner of Damen, Milwaukee & North Aves from high above... er, the L platform, that is Now, down to earth; in more ways than one Ye olde elevated railroad (gotta be from the 1800s) Ye olde elevated II Brownstone beautifique!!!! more peaceful strollin' in da hood Alas, so near, and yet, so far... Finally, time to get the L outta there; an airplaine awaiteth! All in all, a nice little few hours to get a wiff of an awesome city... of course, at times, it felt more like an urban tease! UGH!!!! Like Ahhnult, I'll be back!
July 22, 200618 yr Nice pics. I remember my layover at O'Hare...I had an hour and 45 min. and by the time I got to the other concourse, I barely made my flight.
July 22, 200618 yr Thanks much ... it was taking a walk on the wild side, that's for sure, for if I'd missed that flight, paid a $100 penalty + hotel based on my, er, city-additiction, there'd be one guy @ O'Hare with one looooooong puss, and certainly in no mood to see the sites, that's for sure... But it shows to go ya, aren't cities with airport rapids a heck of a lot more convenient... hmmm, I can think of a nearby city with one.
July 22, 200618 yr What's an airport rapid? I took this sweet moving platform that was in certain areas...Jetsons style, and walked on it while it was moving, so I was basically running to my flight. Honestly I don't even like big airports; I prefer small ones. When I flew to and from Madison, everything in the airport was linear. You get off the plane, walk down a short hallway, pick up your bags at the baggage claim, keep walkin straight and you're out the door in like 7 minutes :). Every time I've flown FROM Madison there has never been a line for security longer than 3 people in front of me LOL! My kind of place. O'Hare definitely has a lot to offer though.
July 22, 200618 yr yeah, you hit on an even scarier part of my risky in-city jaunt: it takes a good 10-15 mins to get from the train to the friggin' airport gate (it's times like those you appreciate living in a moderate-size big city like Cleveland). Believe me, I was mentally adding up every minute as I headed out the door... fortunately, I made it, w/ some degree of cushion.
July 22, 200618 yr When I go to Chicago, I often prefer to visit the neighborhoods, which are always a treat. Based on what I see in those pics, you were NOT cheated by not going downtown! I'd never been in the neighborhood you stomped around in, but I recall seeing it when riding the Blue Line. Now I see I have to rectify that oversight! BTW, some of my favorite neighborhoods are along the section of the El shared by the Red and Brown lines (and Purple Line!) not far from where you were. That area is similar to Lakewood, but instead of the homes being made of wood, they're all brick. I seem to recall that has something to do with city building codes enacted after a little blaze in 1871.... "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
July 23, 200618 yr Wow, nice thread. As much as it's fun to see big buildings, it's great to see some neighborhood shots!
July 23, 200618 yr I agree, KJP, while I love the Loop & Gold Coast (who couldn't), the real Chicago is often overlooked in the neighborhoods-- and I don't just mean Wrigleyville or Hyde Park, which are great in their own right... Btw I flubbed (before the natives jump on me) its Wicker Park not Wickertown; geez doggone tourists, I tell ya! Here are a few more Bucktown/Wicker Park I missed in the 'ol cam: STREET LIFE. On Milwaukee Av looking SE. A beautifal urban wall of old & in-fill "flats" as far as the eye can see Foot action under the L ... even more... [sigh] Cleveland, doncha wish? And finally, a bit Paris on the urban prairie. That's all for now, but since we last met, my tentative schedule calls for a return to Broad-Shoulders City, this time as a destination and not as a (very fortuitous) pass-through. You can bet my little digital sweetheart will be tucked in le pocket, once again, should this excursion come to pass... stay tuned.
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