First time I went, I absolutely abhorred Chicago. It was a business trip and I had to dine at Red Lobster, for the first and last time in my life. On the way back home, the airline canceled my late night flight. I had to find a hotel room to stay the night in pouring rain. The hotel charged me double tax.
My second visit of opposite experience happened, ironically, because of my first visit. The airline had given out vouchers for a round trip ticket in exchange for canceled flight, and the expiration date was drawing near. A friend had just moved to Chicago a few months prior and I decided to use the ticket to visit him. It was below freezing in March, but my friend and I went bar hopping and midnight subway-riding. And I bought a white leather Wassily chair, disassembled and packed it in a box, and brought it home with me (it was before 9-11).
This last visit was seven years ago. Since, the airline that flew me out there both times went under, my friend twice moved about different continents, and I sold the white Wassily chair and bought a black one in a better condition at a better price.
I expect my third Chicago trip to be the best. Besides having to partake in the company's business development, I should be mostly free to do as I wish in that vast Merchandise Mart, seeing new things and mingling with people to do a bit of self-promo. Finer food will surely come my way. And when all that chaos is over, I will once again find indescribable peace and serenity in Onekama, Michigan....
Never before was I ever so excited as thus about my vacation plans. Santa Fe Opera will have to wait yet another year, but I don't feel too bad about it. In fact, I will wait gladly.
View from Hancock Tower, Chicago, IL, March 2001
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