Chicago North Side Tour - Michigan Avenue
In order to get to Michigan Avenue, we must again catch the Red Line from North Ave. However, instead of walking all the way back to Fullerton, I decide to walk west to a closer Red line stop (close meaning 10 blocks). On the way to the El stop, I pass the famous Salon 1800, where many celebrities and the rich elite get their hair done.
Near the salon is the famous Moody Church.
Gas prices are ridiculous in the city. Near my home in the suburbs (about 1-2 hours away), gas costs approximately 3.29/gallon for the lowest grade. Near the city, it costs $3.65. Just last year gas was about a dollar less, and when I was much younger, gas only cost a little over a dollar per gallon.
Again, food. I'm getting hungry...
Certain red line stations are underground, like this one. I'm getting on at Grand and getting off at Chicago -- about a five minute ride.
Once off at Chicago, as I make my way to Michigan Ave., I spot a McDonalds and decide to grab a bite before shopping. I took a picture of the glass above because in small letters (illegible here), McDonalds' motto "I'm lovin' it" is written in 10 different languages, from Chinese to Russian to Arabic.
McDonald's throughout the U.S. differ from one another. This particular McDonalds is very posh, with granite countertops, tile floor, and leatherback chairs. This style choice is reflective of the area in which the McDonalds exists -- in close proximity to the wealthy Michigan Avenue shops. On the contrary, the McDonalds in Lincoln Park, though nice and big, has plastic chairs and tables and cheaper tile floor because it's in a worse area.
Let the fun begin -- Michigan Ave. (also known as the "Magnificent Mile" for its many upscale retailers)
Huge skyscrapers adorn each side of the street -- many have bottom floor shops and upper floor condominiums. Condos on Michigan cost many thousand dollars to rent per month or many million dollars to own.
Street-side music is common throughout various parts of the Mag. Mile.
Though a lot of people drive around the city, I prefer using taxicabs because they're faster and drivers know their way around the city better than I do.
Clothes and shoes (Cole Haan and Nike stores).
Of course, even amongst all the glitz and glamour, there are still street beggars scattered around the city reminding people that not everyone here is living well.
More and more stores and brand name designer apparel. There are many street vendors selling bootlegged designer purses, watches, and sunglasses as well.
I could spend hours showing you pictures -- but I figure you have more interesting places to see!
And the trip continues....
