Making it to a subway station and figuring out how to buy a ticket, and navigate our way to the south end of Michigan Ave. was completely out of the question. We were in a part of the city that was safe but we didn't know a soul and it felt very residential.
Our best/quickest/most comfortable option was to get an Uber back to Michigan Avenue. The problem with Uber is that during a 'peak' time or event, the price can surge to 5X what a normal fare would cost. So when I accepted the ride and we paddled across the street, our shoes getting soaked, I knew we would be paying at least $20+ to go 2-3 miles (normally a $5 trip). The driver played Sirius XM Chill, a channel that I sometimes enjoy myself. A cool beat matched the splatter of the rain on the car. We caught our last glimpses of Lake Michigan on the shorefront as soaked bikers peddled towards safety beside the traffic we were stuck in. It seemed as if everyone had either fled to the safety of a car or underground. The roadways were even more packed but the sidewalks were empty. Before we had reached the parking garage, I realized our Uber was part of a 'ride share' and we were on our way to pick up the next customer as there was a high demand for cars at that moment. I suggested that we jump out, as the hardest part of the storm wasn't directly on top of us. We pulled up our hoods and walked down the partially covered sidewalks of Michigan avenue, which were now mostly deserted. Our last few moments consisted of drinking in the wet glow of headlights on pavement, the roasty smell of coffee at the starbucks where we stopped for a final souvenir, and the wonderful excitement of exploring a new place and making the most of a stormy afternoon. I could dwell on all the things we didn't get to do because of the rain: Navy Pier, Millennium park, etc. But I think the trip was so special because it was unique and memorable, thanks to the summer storm that landed on top of the city while we were exploring.
1 Comment
julie
3/24/2018 11:12:52 am
Oh how I loved Chicago! My heart is pounding as I read about the storm and you out in it!!! What a true tourist!
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Mrs. Mitchell
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