Mini-tour in & around Chicago

I had planned last week to visit the downtown of Chicago. I need to catch the 9:00 am local train which goes to the Chicago Union station. So, I need to get a cab around 8:40 am to reach the station. But as usual got up late & in full tension rushed to station at 9:10 am. The tension is because only for each hour there is a train. But luckily the train came at 9:15 am only. So, just sat back & started enjoying my journey. One thing I liked in the local train is for every station, there is a voice indicating the station nearing by & also the next station. So it's unlike as in our Chennai trains, where each passenger has to peep in & out or ask the other passengers what's the next station & get ready. Also the neatness does matter. Reached the Union station in an hour. I just wanted to get out & immediately see the place. The station where local trains arrive is like our Chennai Airport. Oh my goodness, there is a mini spencer plaza inside. Everywhere fastfood centers, shopping malls.

I came out of the station & just got surprised. Is the height of the sky is lower in this place or the buildings are reaching the sky? I can see many buildings just piercing the clouds & wants to look into the sky to know whats happening inside. Yes, the buildings in the place rocks. I went mad & started walking towards my unknown destination. Just wondered everything. In tamil they say like pattikattan patanatha pakara madhiri! I just roamed the city till my legs were tired. I saw the lake with few boats. Immediately enquired near by & got the reply that they are boat rides for touring the city. Felt like going & searched for the booking center. But I need to wait for an hour for the next ride. So I planned to go to lunch in the available time. I searched for Pizza hut, so that I can get some veg. stuff. But finally ended at the Subway. Had a foot long of veg. patty. Its not bad but it was also not good. Just to fill the stomach & for a change you can eat it.

Then, I was back to the boating place, but luck wasn't in my side. Heavy showers started & I ran for a shelter. Decided to sit inside the boat & not the open upper side. I was already half drenched, when I boarded the boat. They had some covers to wear, so that people can sit in the open space & enjoy their ride amidst the showers. Jumped in to grab one & put it on me. It was like the nature is welcoming me to the place with its showers. I truely enjoyed the ride. Inch by Inch, I was watching the tour with wide open eyes. I was amazed & surprsied to see some of the buildings. Seriously, I got slight neck pain after seeing those tall buildings.

The boat ride ended up & again I started roaming the place. But couldn't walk much after sometime. I was tired & also I was totally drenched. So, wanted to get back. It was already 4:30 pm & so, started walking towards the station. But the train scheduled to my place was at 5:35 pm. So got inside the Mc Donalds fast food to get refreshed. I was surprised to see people who are like some sumo wrestlers & still getting super size pack of french fires & all kinds of fat stuffed food. I was thinking they are going to burst one day soon. Got my train & came back with full satisfaction. It was really a nice trip that I enjoyed in the sands of United States of America.