Have you ever taken that leap to get on board a plane and visit a city that you've always wanted to go to? Well I never thought of Chicago as one of the places I really want to visit someday which is probably why the city really caught me off guard. Of course I was excited to see one of my dearest friends after quite a while but I was never really expecting that I would be so captivated by the city. However, I expected downtown Chicago to be as majestic as it was but if I could point out the most interesting places, it was the northern neighborhoods.
Chicago, a city of 2.7 million people and a long history of both triumph and violence. Established in 1833 and still retains it's old rustic feel. I enjoyed this city very much, especially the contrast of brick buildings to modern people.
When I first traveled out of my native country(Philippines) to Hong Kong, my family and I were on a tour package which means limited time and multiple stops in per day. On one of those days we were given a "free" day which means there's no pre-planned destination and it gave me the opportunity to walk the streets. Then my 15 year-old self told me that I could never truly experience a city if I don't take the time to really discover and observe the locals not just the place.
Back to Chicago now. I was very fortunate that my friend understood exactly what I want out of a travel experience and that's to go to places less marched by tourists. Along the way I noticed the lifestyle lived by the Chicagoans. The moderate pace and laid back attitude was really apparent especially among people who wait for public transportation. It must have been the really cold weather that controlled most of the people's tempers.
Oriental Theater - downtown Chicago
A weekend was too short for a trip to this photo mecca. I wandered around with my friend talking and catching up most of the time so don't expect any zen-like photos taken. Most of these shots were taken in one frame. I would definitely love to come back and shoot some film in this town. I feel like this would be the best way for me to give justice to what this city has to offer. It's the mystique of the cold, dark and snowy night. Who knows what went on on these streets a century ago. And what makes it so special is that even until today people walk the same path and into the same buildings. It's basically looks like an old town with modern people. Dig deeper and might just end up in an era much like that of the 1920's.
Here are some select photos from the trip. Also I have not touched most of the photos from the trip because it will be used for my friend and fellow LA Strettog, Jordan Dunn's Lightroom Workshop in downtown LA.
All photos taken by me with my Olympus EP-1 17mm and 25mm Zuiko lenses. Of course with my very reliable Street Strap courtesy of the awesome Todd Hatakeyama of SimpleStudio Lighting.
Also I recommend flying Virgin America. Affordable price, comfortable ride and convenient on-board entertainment/service. No one paid me to say this although I wish they did.