CHICAGO – On days three, four, and five of my bucket list trip, the morning air in Chicago felt different this time—sharper, clearer, and heavy with the scent of lake water and nostalgia.
Arriving ahead of schedule on Saturday gave us the chance to retrace steps I hadn’t taken in 30 years. As we drove, the city felt like a living archive of the 1996 Democratic Convention that I covered as a journalist. We pulled up to the original Pizzeria Uno for dinner, where the buttery, bubbling scent of deep-dish crust hit me just as it did decades ago.
Standing outside Soldier Field and Wrigley Field, the sensory overload became emotional. Under the iconic red marquee, I felt the rough texture of the stadium brick and the sun on my face. A year ago, after an e-bike accident left me without speech or the use of my right arm, this moment seemed impossible. Taking a selfie was more than a tourist gesture; it was a victory. Standing on my own two feet the gratitude was overwhelming.
On Sunday, Jenny suggested a hop-on, hop-off bus—a first for me. From the top deck, the city unfolded in a panoramic sweep. We passed the deep, sapphire expanse of Lake Michigan, contrasting against the emerald meticulously manicured lawns of Grant Park. We rolled past the gleaming Wrigley Building and the storied stone facade of the Chicago Tribune. While we skipped the sky-high views of the Willis Tower, the ground-level energy of this remarkably clean, vibrant city was more than enough.
Chicago is a masterpiece of public spaces and waterfront views. If you’re traveling, give it a few days; it deserves the time. Tomorrow, the rhythm shifts from the road to the rails as we board the Amtrak Empire Builder.
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