Snapshots of Walking Chicago
With each step I take, my perception of Chicago changes and deepens and I learn more about my new home for the next four years.
Walking through downtown on my way to the John Hancock Tower, it is dark and raincoats the streets like ink. I am amazed by the way the bright colors from neon signs reflect off the sidewalks and glimmer. The tops of skyscrapers disappear into the foggy sky, giving them the appearance of being even larger and more intimidating. Pedestrians trudge along with their hoods up and umbrellas open.


The Gold Coast holds true to its name, as I walk past iron gates detailed with gold paint. Clean and perfect houses line the streets while equally clean and perfect cars reside on the other side of the sidewalk. I see few pedestrians and barely any trash. Gardens and large potted plants are used as a way to make each house unique, and potentially as a way for neighbors to compete with one another.

Passing murals of birds and stately portraits of Obama, I smell freshly mowed grass. Small buildings and an abundance of trees almost make me forget that I am in Chicago. My feet ache, but my eyes can’t stop moving. The light blue color of the water makes the lake look like a tropical destination. The red flag declaring the beach unsafe stands next to empty canoes that rest in front of the water, tempting people who are passing. Waves crash against the concrete bridge and their movement is so mesmerizing that it makes it difficult to listen to the tour guide.

Neal leads us through Hyde Park where kids yell playfully and swing from monkey bars. Families of many different ethnicities and backgrounds are seen throughout the park. Restaurants and small businesses line the streets and Neal greets and waves at nearly every person he sees. The neighborhood feels familiar even though it is my first time here. He shows us his favorite spots in the neighborhood while recounting both positive and negative stories from his childhood. These stories, even though they are not my own, make me feel more connected to these places and gives them more meaning. We walk along a paved bike/pedestrian path in front of the lake and I make a mental note to myself that I should return here to run. The cloudy view of the skyline over the lake is beautiful and I was able to see it from an angle that I had never seen it from before. Concrete blocks face the water and look like seats for an audience. The close community of Hyde Park reminds me of the community I grew up in and I could see myself potentially living here someday.
