Hello from Chicago!
Okay, it techinally isn't Chicago proper, but a suburb. I saw a sign that shows the size of the greater Chicago-land area: "Serving Chicago and its 175 suburbs". Tonight, I'm in New Lenox (former farmland, now subdivisions and strip malls).
We flew Southwest from Phoenix, and landed at their hub Midway airport. For starters, the "late day thunderstorms" caused us to circle into a holding pattern for about 25 minutes until the storm cleared. Then it took FOREVER for our checked luggage to get to the baggage claim. By the time we got to the car in the garage, we were running an hour late (very disappointed with the luggage delay, but hey at least it was dry).
Saw lightning and heard a bit of thunder on the drive to New Lenox. But the storm didn't come until hours later. Lightning, thunder, and heavy rain came and went so quickly it reminded me of a tame monsoon.
I'm glad that for the first week, family is driving me around. While I did remember my maps, it's nice to not have to worry about getting into an accident while trying to orient myself. I was VERY proud when as we pulled out of the airport, I said "Aren't we going north instead of south" and was correct! The wrong direction was more of a blessing because we drove past areas that I was familar with, but couldn't exactly place. The biggest one was the cemetary where my grandfather is buried, and would like to visit him before I leave. We also drove past a few more roads that I remember. So hopefully I won't be too hopelessly lost when I get behind the wheel.
Driving in Arizona has me spoiled! Lanes wide enough for big SUVs, left turn lanes....what a breeze. Driving out here, you have to watch out for someone trying to make a left turn (in your lane), and narrow lanes that make you hold your breath trying to pass a SUV. But the worst thing I saw today were some suburbs were you can park on the "shoulder" which is so narrow, cars have their passenger side tires on the sidewalk and you still have to switch lanes to avoid them *shudder*
Well, here's hoping the weather clears up tomorrow so we can go to Lake Michigan on my cousin's boat. (I have a lot of cousins out here, so keep that in mind if it sounds like I have a cousin that does it all.)
We flew Southwest from Phoenix, and landed at their hub Midway airport. For starters, the "late day thunderstorms" caused us to circle into a holding pattern for about 25 minutes until the storm cleared. Then it took FOREVER for our checked luggage to get to the baggage claim. By the time we got to the car in the garage, we were running an hour late (very disappointed with the luggage delay, but hey at least it was dry).
Saw lightning and heard a bit of thunder on the drive to New Lenox. But the storm didn't come until hours later. Lightning, thunder, and heavy rain came and went so quickly it reminded me of a tame monsoon.
I'm glad that for the first week, family is driving me around. While I did remember my maps, it's nice to not have to worry about getting into an accident while trying to orient myself. I was VERY proud when as we pulled out of the airport, I said "Aren't we going north instead of south" and was correct! The wrong direction was more of a blessing because we drove past areas that I was familar with, but couldn't exactly place. The biggest one was the cemetary where my grandfather is buried, and would like to visit him before I leave. We also drove past a few more roads that I remember. So hopefully I won't be too hopelessly lost when I get behind the wheel.
Driving in Arizona has me spoiled! Lanes wide enough for big SUVs, left turn lanes....what a breeze. Driving out here, you have to watch out for someone trying to make a left turn (in your lane), and narrow lanes that make you hold your breath trying to pass a SUV. But the worst thing I saw today were some suburbs were you can park on the "shoulder" which is so narrow, cars have their passenger side tires on the sidewalk and you still have to switch lanes to avoid them *shudder*
Well, here's hoping the weather clears up tomorrow so we can go to Lake Michigan on my cousin's boat. (I have a lot of cousins out here, so keep that in mind if it sounds like I have a cousin that does it all.)
posted by Jenn @ 21:39
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