See You in Chicago (Part 2 of 3 parts)

(Part 2 of 3 parts)
For a decade, Chicago has been a good host to my business partners and friends…

Discovering Chicago

Chicago is a huge city. My three short visits proved inadequate for me to see all the places I wanted to see. Up to now, I still long to return there, enjoy it’s cuisine, watch a game at Wrigley Field, watch Oprah Show, etc. things, that I haven’t tried doing yet during those past visits.


The Wrigley Building

An organized bus tour could be a wise option to see the city’s architecture and skyscrapers, museums and other interesting places in four hours. Some of the world’s tallest buildings like the Sears Tower and the Hancock Center dominate its skyline. But the one that has forever left an impression on my mind every time I think of Chicago is the Wrigley Building, the headquarters of my favourite chewing gum.

If it’s a woman, to me, she’s a goddess. Built in 1920, the building has a well- proportioned architecture with sparkling white terra-cotta cladding. I like it because of its Hispanic touch. It was patterned after the Giralda Tower of the Cathedral of Seville, Spain. This Gothic cathedral was built in the 15th and 16th century on the grounds of the former major Arab mosque. It takes pride of being the largest place of worship in Spain, and the third largest cathedral in the Christian world.

Meanwhile, the Giralda Tower was the minaret of the 12th century Moslem mosque. A minaret is generally a tall spire with onion-shaped crown, usually either free standing or much taller than any surrounding support structure.

The Wrigley Building is such an architectural marvel especially at night when it is flooded with lights.


Navy Pier and Lake Michigan

Chicago boasts of its largest freshwater lake in the US and the fifth in the world, the Lake Michigan . The lake’s shoreline is approximately 500 kms. with a pier constructed in 1916, named the Navy Pier.

With my business partner, we took a one-hour Lake Michigan cruise. On board the ferry, my eyes feasted on the magnificent skyline of Chicago viewed from a distance. It was such a lovely sight, with skyscrapers, clear blue sky and white clouds on the background. Not so far away from our boat was the sight of the lake, its shoreline with people unmindful of their activities. I thought, there could be no better place for me that day save for that seat at the deck of the boat, enjoying the scenery with cool winds blowing.

After the cruise, we were joined by Rey at the port. He was my High School buddy. He works as a nurse in Chicago for over a decade, together with my other classmates Gerimel, and Marjorie. The three of us spent hours walking along the shore, passing by joggers, lovers , families and dog walkers, while enjoying the good weather and the fresh air. It was such a fine afternoon walk along the lake shore.


Casinos

After our business meeting, shopping and museum visit, Marjorie took us to a Mediterranean restaurant. We had a good meal. After dinner, she revealed her great plan for the night, to play slot machines in the nearby casinos.

Playing slots is Rey’s and Marjorie’s stress buster. I should say, Marjorie is a high roller in her own right. No table games please, only machines. She’s got VIP cards and invitations from these gaming institutions, sometimes, she receives free buffet meals and accommodations too. Though I should say her stress buster activity caught up with her over time. She said, she asked her husband to instruct Harrah’s to ban her from entering the casino.

Past Harrah’s East Chicago, they took us to a Casino in the nearby state of Indiana. Inside, we started cranking our machines, hoping that we can bring home the jackpot. While losing almost a hundred dollars of my pocket money, I heard an unusual sound of Leo’s machine. Seeing his machine’s overhead light flashing, my heart beat so fast. “Could it be the jackpot?” I asked myself.

Then he started shouting and clapping. Yes he won a jackpot! I trembled at the thought of the jackpot! However, it was my calming moment when I learned that he only won a minor jackpot prize of USD800 net of tax. “Beginner’s luck.” my friends told him. But whatever it was, it surely made my colleague’s wallet fatter that night because after cashing-out his winnings, he stopped. I swear, I turned green in envy that night. Good enough, Leo returned my USD100. Thank you!

(with part 3, last part)