Goodnight, Chicago
I spent a few days in Chicago for the Chicago Comics and Entertainment Expo (or C2E2, as its more popularly known).
Just thought I would share some images and thoughts from the trip.
Almost all images taken with the Canon m6 Mark ii
I got in at Midway Airport. And I have to tell you, Midway Airport sucks. It felt and looked like an old bus station. I had a layover in Chicago O’hare once and I remember it being pretty nice.
Thankfully, once I got to my hotel, everything about my experience improved.
The street view in front of the Hilton Chicago
We stayed at the Hilton Chicago, midway (no pun intended) between the Chicago Central Business District (no idea if they actually call it that) and McCormick Place, where C2E2 was happening. In some ways this was a hindrance, because we were kind of far from all the afterhours festivities (this means drunk famous artists). But we were also much closer to the stuff I wanted to see and do.
The Hilton was GORGEOUS. I absolutely loved that hotel and it’s location. I would easily stay there or at the connected Palmer House on my next trip.
Transportation was very simple and cheap. The el Train takes you to and from the airport for $3. Bus transportation is $1.50 each and was right there by the Hilton.
Welcome to Gotham
The city was gorgeous and eclectic. The CBD had a largely gothic design, buffered by a Riverwalk that felt more like it belonged in the South. I’m not sure if that’s a good way to say it, but it’s how I feel.
The Riverwalk
The area we were staying in had similarly old buildings to the CBD, such as— by far, the coolest library I have ever seen.
I fully suspect to find a giant X and the body of a knight somewhere in this library.
And yet, around all this, you find the city you expected…
…and things you didn’t expect. Like incredible street art and murals everywhere.
Everywhere.
Across the street from our hotel, were 3 massive state parks. They each had their own landmarks.
And yes, we did get a selfie in front of the giant bean.
We also ate very well. We had breakfast at a place called Honey Berry- delicious. After the first night at C2E2, we had dinner at a place called FatPour- the waffle fried chicken was amazing, like a beignet with fried chicken and maple syrup. And of course— we had deep dish at Lou Malnattis.
It was excellent. (Shot with my iphone 13.)
Besides the food, my favorite thing about the trip was the shooting opportunities.
I really wish I would have had the time and the cash to hire some models to go with all that scenery.
I did get to do some street photography though.
(You can see more images in my street photography portfolio above.)
Hopefully I’ll have the opportunity to go back, see more, shoot more and do more.
Until then… goodnight, Chicago.