The Procedure of Room Cleaning

IT'S NOT ABOUT TRAVELING in Chicago

AT CHICAGO O' HARE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT,

it made me feel good when everyone else was reading on an electric device while I was reading on papers. In the world that more than half of the whole population cannot survive without daily usage of phones, tabs, pads or anything else, reading paper news seems so classy, and especially in an international airport.

THE PORTUGUESE WELL-DRESSED GUY,

I arrived at the hotel I was going to check in. However, the record showed I booked a room for the day after that so I was nervous because I could be no where to staty. The snow was not like what it should feel back in the city where I came from, and there hadn't snowed for 2 years. More like sand gains, light small snow flakes were not sticky at all so as the wind carried them around, they didn't tend to settle down. 

STAYING IN A ROOM IN A HOTEL IS DEFINITELY NOT

the way I would spend the fist night in a city that I had never explored. Seriously, I had no where to do and I had no idea whether I had any friend living in Chicago. " Just wonder around, I guess." What is fun in "wondering around"? Well it is actually very engaging for I had never been in a city else than Springfield. And compared to the little and peaceful town, Chicago was truly a BIG city but the conditions of some public utility were much poorer. 

THE CHICAGO RIVER

ran through the middle of the city. I was so grateful that they still had all the Christmas decorations on so the view were really enjoyable with all the lights on.

It WAS AT THE BACK OF SOME BUILDING 

near the river where I found that little pretty spot. Supposed to be a park, it had no visitor for at least hours, which could be deduced from the depth of the snow cover. Why would any one want to come out and hang out in a outdoor park like that in a snowy night? I would probably be the only soul.

FUNNY THING WAS

it did not feel cold at all when I sat on the bench. On the contrast, it actually made me feel, different. Imagine this: in a pretty park decorated with pretty Christmas lights, sitting by yourself, with nobody around... It was GOOD.

THE IRON BRIDGE 

brought me back to the Shanghai 70 years ago. 

ABOVE THE RIVER,

that bridge was being re-constructed in the heavy snow. 

Fortunately, 

there were some random walkers appearing on the streets, which made me feel not that fall-out.

THE NEXT MORNING,

a headache hit me as soon as I woke up and I thought I knew exactly why. However, the morning actually was fresh. Although the the snow did not stop, it was unexpectedly bright, because of all the sunshine reflected by the fallen snow, I guessed. 

Dazzled,

I went to the bathroom and stood in front of mirror, staring at my face for almost a minute then I shook my head, trying to shake off all my fatigue. 

WITH ALL MY SENSE OF DIRECTIONS GAINED IN ESTERN HALF OF EARTH,

I was successfully lost in the frozen city. The funny thing was, I did not really care about missing because I was on a safari anyway.

WHY ON ERATH THE BRIDGE WAS CLOSED,

I was so mad because I did not see the sign completely covered with snow as I stepped on the bridge. Seriously, I would suggest them use something more EYE-CATCHING. 

IT IS FUNNY

whenever I am in warm and isolated room and watching some body out there in the freezing wind, I feel blessed and happy. Besides, I do feel bad for them. However, whenever I am outdoor, in a pouring rain or in a heavy snow, I feel such superiority as the others are passing by in their cars. 

THE BIG SMILING FACE

caught my attention as I passed by a clothing store. Of course, I had no clue who drew that and why but I did know the guy who did that must love his life as much as I love mine. 

WALKING LIKE A WHITE-COLLAR

is absolutely more fun than walking like a winner. I could, I guess, feel the pressure generated by the high buildings, accumulated in the air and going to burst in next moment, but several melting snowflakes on my shoulder just took that feeling away. I mean, this is just the way the world is. Accept and survive.

AT THE MILLENNIUM PARK,

I had no idea why everybody was doing that but I still did the same. As a tourist or a traveler, it was not very nice to not behave like one.

THE FIRST TIME I EVER SKATED ON REAL ICE OUTDOOR.

I mentioned the warm  weather in my home town. It would be highly impossible to imagine a skating center in the middle of downtown. College kids, families and also, visitors could never say bo to this fun. 

WHY SO FEW PEOPLE AT SUCH AN AMAZING PLACE.

The navy pier was strongly recommended by so many friends, so I, sort of, had to pay that necessary vist. Well I do regret going but if there had been more vistor on the clod afternoon, I would be more delighted.

FROM THE SHORE,

you can see the whole city, the buildings, the cars and the lights, everything. And a photo with a city that I like was definitely needed.

HOW COULD I MISS THIS?

She was one of my major reasons to pay this vist, although it was a little awkward. I am not saying that the pose was awkward, but the fact she was not born here and she did not spend her significant days in this city. Whatever.

SUFFERING FROM JET LAG

was not fun at all. Why there would ever be such a thing in universe? Patience, patience is all it takes to heal but still, it was not easy. 

CHICAGO ART INSTITUTE

was the best place I visited in Chicago. I felt the pressure on my chest and the impulse of strong emotions. I had no idea where those feelings came from and why on earth I felt sick but I loved it, either because of the huge variety of the collections or the way the institute was designed. 

ABOUT TIPPING

A friend of mine later told me I should have left some tip on the first day I lived in, in order to encourage the staff to clean your room more carefully, but I do not care. I just left some thing because it made me feel nice.

VACATION DOES NOT ALWAYS MEAN SUNSHINE AND BEACH,

it could be tough enough to discourage people to do so. Snow and mud could be your only companions in the early morning and you have to carry or your laggage on your on. In a way, it was really entertaining.

STARTED IN O' HARE, ENDED IN UNION STATION.

THE END