Chicago Delight!

I am doing fine in Chicago. My train reached a bit late to Chicago. It was already 6 o' clock by the time I reached Chicago. It had turned very dark and the weather was very cold and cloudy as it had rained the whole of the day in Chicago. Vaidehi had come along with one of her friends to pick me up from the station. It being a Saturday evening we directly headed towards the 'Michigan Avenue'....in the downtown of Chicago ...the poshest, busiest and the most happening places of Chicago....All along the way.....the breath taking view of the tallest buildings and heavenly structures was overwhelming in its own way....WOW!! Chicago's remarkable skyline, dominated by architectural wonders like the John Hancock Center, the Aon Center, the Tribune Tower, the Wrigley Building, the Water Tower Place and the 1454-foot Sears Tower and the still-futuristic-looking Marina City "corncobs" looked fantastic.From one end of the lakefront to the other, skyscrapers are lined up along the beautiful parks and beaches - rising higher and higher toward the center where dizzying clusters of towers reach for the clouds and beyond.

Well...I felt that Detroit is not even the miniature version of Chicago....There is a remarkable difference in the'The Motor City of Detroit' and the "City of Skyscapers' ....I was like literally welcomed in the birth place of the skyscraper!
Michigan Avenue, or The Magnificient Mile is the shopping Mecca of the Midwest.The skyline jumps out at you from every window, leers over you as you move around the Michigan Street's "Magnificent Mile". We went around the place... hopping street over street...crossing the busiest lines.... scurrying into and out of the stores ..... visiting each and every big mall and store on that wonderful Michigan street. We browsed around and window shopped in the best stores named Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Marshall Field's, Pottery Barn, Victoria's Secret and the like. We had funtime moving around and clicking pictures whereever possible....coz celebrations for Christmas had already begun and all the stores had an unique and gala exhibition and display of the festivities in thier own vibrant colour and galore....It was truly magnificient! I have already sent you some of the pictures as a link in my previous mail.

After spending three and half hour of fun packed time along the busiest and the most happening street on a saturday night in Chicago we went to dine in an Asian restaurant called the "Big Bowl"....which was just next to the Hilton and Marriott. Great crowd.....the sky kissing architectures..... the wild hustle on the streets....dazzling lights and sumptuous food marked the end of our Saturday Night's frenzy. We came back home and retired.

Next day being sunday was relaxing.....we had a good break fast of Upma....and late in the afternoon were driven to the Gurnee City which was 35 miles away from the Michigan Avenue (the place where Shanu resides). Along the drive we passed some of the great sky scrapers and most importantly, the Deloitte of Chicago catching my attention. Gurnee City had a super great mall named 'Gurnee Mills' Mall which was known for its branded stores and outlets.Gurnee Mills features hundreds of the best names in retail including Abercrombie & Fitch Outlet, Hollister Co. Outlet, Gap Outlet, Banana Republic Factory Store, Liz Claiborne and many more offering the latest fashions, gifts, or entertainment options. I had a wonderful shopping experience shopping for my winter wear in the mall.....It was just aweosme...We wandered about.... browsed...ate....and returned home only late at night picking 2 more of Shanu's friends for dinner at a nice Indian restaurant...Well it was a Birthday treat from one of her friends....Thus ended our sunday and with that a good weekend.

Shanu and her room mate left for their respective jobs....only to return at 6 in the evening. Till then I would spend my time watching movies and browsing the net.....Now having a garam methi paratha right from the tava!

Thats it till date.........will keep you informed.

-Manasi