Forward
This book series takes you on a personal journey through some of the most famous cities in the United States. Since 2012, we have chronicled our travel adventures, creating lasting memories and sharing them with readers.
Each journal goes beyond a simple travelogue. We describe the specific routes we took, recount our experiences in detail, and frankly discuss the challenges we faced in reaching the places we wanted to see. These journals provide deep, personal insights into the often unpredictable reality of travel.
A significant part of our story involves navigating these cities while managing mobility difficulties and using a wheelchair. We openly share the struggles we encountered, such as using public transport systems or dealing with uneven pavements and streets. These experiences offer a unique perspective on exploring popular destinations and highlight practical difficulties that are not always apparent.
Through these yearly trips, we have steadily improved our skills in using public transportation and gained a clearer understanding of what is genuinely achievable when travelling, as opposed to what might only seem possible given the circumstances.
Introduction
This was our fourth trip to the United States and our very first visit to Chicago, famously nicknamed the “Windy City.” When planning, we weren’t sure if two weeks might be too long to spend there. But as we researched and listed all the places we wanted to see, it quickly became clear that two weeks was just right — especially since neither of us moves quite as quickly as we once did. This time, we brought a wheelchair along to save both time and discomfort, which proved to be a wise decision.
Chicago is notorious for unpredictable weather, and our visit was no exception. While the city is famous for its icy winters, the summer can be blisteringly hot. One morning the temperature was already 26°C by 9 a.m., and by late afternoon it had soared to a sweltering 36°C — with humidity pushing it closer to 40. At times, it felt like we were walking through a sauna disguised as a city street. It was the longest stretch of consecutive days I’ve ever had without needing a coat. I did pack one for the single rainy day, but even then it was far too warm and sticky to wear.
Chicago does face challenges with violence, particularly gun crime, often linked to gang activity. That reality is sobering, but setting it aside, we found the city itself to be impressively clean. One quirk we noticed was the tax system. At first glance, it felt like we were being overcharged, but the receipts revealed a breakdown of multiple taxes stacked neatly on top of the standard city tax. It’s less “you’re being robbed” and more “here’s a detailed list of exactly how your wallet is being emptied.” Another oddity: souvenirs seemed to cost the exact same price everywhere. It was almost as if the mob had decided, “No haggling, folks — one price fits all.”
On the brighter side, Chicago’s public transport system is fantastic — one of the most affordable and efficient we’ve encountered. The modern smart card system works seamlessly across buses, trains, and other services, whether fares are fixed or distance-based, all on one easy card. For us, it made navigating the city far simpler and more accessible.
So here begins our account of two truly memorable weeks exploring Chicago, from the 24th of August to the 5th of September.
