Arriving in Chicago - 7 April 2013

So I've done gone and done it. I'm here in Chicago - the "Windy City" and ready for the adventure to start.

I'm staying at the Hostel International here in Chicago.

 The rates are really cheap. I've got four nights for less than $160 including taxes for the entire stay. That would be one night at any of the hotels/motels this close to the start of Route 66. How close? Two blocks. While Hostels are not for everyone, they are definitely worth checking out.

Check in  and other volunteer staff is here to help just like any commercial hotel or motel:

Recreation area:

Full kitchen to use:

A Computer room - there is a charge for the use. But they have free access (and excellent signal strength) wifi throughout the Hostel.

Here are a few pictures of the room I'm in. An eight person dorm room (500 guests capacity) at the Hostel.

I like it and I haven't even tried out the bed yet. Since writing that statement... I got a wonderful nights rest!

Within a literal stone-throw from the Hostel we are surrounded by colleges - DePaul, Roosevelt and Columbia. Being in the heart and center of Chicago, we are surrounded by restaurants and cafes.

Go out the front door and turn left and you have the "EL" - Chicago's elevated train. Turn right and you have access 1/2 a block away to the subway. And of course, there are buses constantly passing on the four street that circle the Hostel.

I took a short excursion this evening for dinner. Every where I looked were pedestrians, bicycles and bicyclists. Bike racks galore. Chicago is definitely moving towards becoming a truly bicycle friendly city.

I also got to observe some young people out having fun (should have had the camera with me!). Things that in many places people wouldn't do without fear of trouble. The group first caught my attention as I exited the place I ate dinner. As a young girl came up and held her hand out to me for a "fist bump". Surprised, but I at least managed to get mine up for her to bump and they were all smiles, friendly and laughing with each other.

We were headed the same direction, I even caught up and passed them before their youthful pace brought them back in the lead. I was able to view more of the antics: They moved quickly from 'fist bumps' to 'high fives'. I was surprised at the number of others that willfully participated in this innocent fun with strangers. Loud comments between themselves and their surprise participants. They brought a smile to my face and to others - not only those of us that got tagged to participate, but just the ones observing their antics. If it had been a bit warmer I would have extended my evening walk and followed them for another block or two.

While I was out walking, I found this poor and neglected bicycle. Stripped of its wheels and other bits - even taking the rear brakes and calipers.

I'll close this for now, it had started raining overnight and I appears the rain has stopped. Time to get out and explore some more.

Comments and questions are always welcome.

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