I have always been a fan of the public transit system – it will get you anywhere you want to go. Since Chicago is such a diverse city, there are always interesting people to watch during your ride. Here is one of my experiences…
One of the most frequent buses on Michigan Ave. is the #151. I boarded the bus in front of the 900 N. Michigan Shops at the corner of Michigan and Delaware (1.5 blocks) and found a seat in back, the best ones for viewing. As we headed down Michigan we came to a stop at Pearson Street, by Borders Bookstore, and some obvious out-of-towners boarded. They all took their seats but one, who had started arguing with the driver because he didn’t get change back from his twenty dollar bill. Note: All public transit requires exact change if paying by cash - $2.25. After he finished and took his seat, they pulled out their map of Chicago, available at the Concierge Desk and also on the blog, and began plotting their next move – possibly Millennium Park or Wrigley Field. I had to laugh because they were heading in the wrong direction for Wrigley Field.
As we passed the Historic Water Tower and Pumping Station I had thoughts about the Great Chicago Fire and its impact on the city. Even though it was a horrible event, it was the single most influential event Chicago history (in my opinion). If you would like more information you can stop by either place or head to the Chicago History Museum.
After a few more blocks we stopped at the once proud spot of Garrett’s Popcorn, which now is a hole in the ground. They are constructing a new building run by the Ritz-Carlton, so blame them for the lack of popcorn on Michigan Avenue. Now, if you want that delicious carmel, cheese or blend, you’ll have to head to Navy Pier, 4 E. Madison Avenue, or 26 W. Randolph. Street.
A few people boarded at the stop, including one man which reminded me of the Dos Equis “most interesting man in the world” commercials. Even though I was taught not to stare, I couldn’t help myself. I kept asking myself questions like: Does he shop at Armani Exchange (Northbridge Shopping Center)? Would he drink the James Bond martini that we serve at the hotel? Does he drive an Aston Martin or would I have to rent one for him? Does he cut his hair at Halo for Men (Goldcoast/Bucktown)? Does he hang out at the Underground (club/lounge)? Can he teach a dog to bark in Spanish? If he could would it sound like “EL Barco” because that is also the name of a really good Mexican restaurant that serves fish with the head, eyes, and everything still attached.
Before I knew it, we were crossing the Chicago River and stopping at Millennium Park. This is the best park in Chicago for architecture, amusement, entertainment, and intrigue (mostly because of the cost to create it). Crown Fountain, two glass towers with water flowing down them and faces that spit water are my favorite part of the park. Although, I still have an issue with the North tower of the fountain because it spit on me one day without warning. The out-of-towners hurried off the bus, excited to take pictures of the “Bean” and fountain. They must have determined that they were heading the wrong direction for Wrigley Field.
A few blocks later we stopped at the Art Institute of Chicago. The AIC is a world class museum that has a large collection of Impressionist Art as well as a newly opened Modern Wing. This was also the stop where “the most interesting man in the world” departed the bus. But, he did not go into the museum, he walked into Bennigan’s. I was so disappointed - he wasn’t that interesting at all.
My stop was next and I finished my interesting bus ride and boarded the train for the rest of my trip – still laughing about Wrigley Field, angry at the fountain, and disappointed with my interesting man.
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