Nope, not a video this time.

August 15 2007. I awoke 3am to catch a 6am flight to O’Hare International Airport. Two hours of being sandwiched by a large dude and a black woman later, I arrived in the windy city in its urban grandeur: Chicago.


Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.

The photos I took can be browsed in the box above (the ones below are not mine). I shall just comment on the places I visited, in order.

Shedd Aquarium

Large variety of fishes. Lizard and Komodo Dragon exhibit available. Proper eating areas available. Dolphin shows awesome. Hammerhead shark! Good family experience, but the hefty $25 ticket may stumble a certain few.

The Art Institute of Chicago

Vast collection of paintings, artifacts, and statues. Even has some modern make-a-statement pieces. Will take hours and hours to see every single item. Totally worth the ticket: $7.

Downtown Chicago

It’s pretty much what you’d expect deep in the heart of any megahuge cities. Bustling with pedestrians and vehicles, uptown shopping, Subways everywhere, and subway trains everywhere. City people will love it.

Sears Tower

For $13 you get to go atop what used to be the tallest building around. Starts off with a mandatory History Channel video of its origins. More historical info at the Skydeck, where all four sides are windows through which you can look through and photograph the spectacular view yonder. I recommend going in the evening to take great photographs of the city in both day and night.

Grand Lux Cafe

Fine-dining in its finest. Fantastic atmosphere (the living of high life) and great selection. Best of all, the prices are not nearly as costly as the surroundings will hint at you. Waiters were the friendliest I’ve ever encountered in my entire life.

Belmont Ave

It’s a popular row of shops outside downtown Chicago that offers you a different shopping experience. If you can’t afford branded goods of any kind this would be a viable alternative. Bought some crazily cheap clothing here.

University of Chicago

Didn’t explore much, but the neo-gothic architecture was a sight to see. Has its own full-fledged cathedral-like chapel. Very nice.

Thanks to Oliver and Khirul for a fantabulous, awesomtastic vacation.

P/S: Oliver and I made this jobless video.