Friday, May 14, 2010

Dear Chicago City-Slickers,

I need your help. With my much anticipated move to Chicago around the corner, I need to know some of the basics for surviving the city. So I'm going to throw out some questions, and I really hope you can answer some of them for me! Any other advice you can contribute would be great!

1. I've got rain boots, but I am assuming a raincoat of some sort is a necessity. Thoughts?
2. What is the best most durable umbrella?
3. What times should I NOT ride the El?
4. How do I not look like a tourist? 
5. Is it 'ok' to listen to my iPod, talk on the phone and read on the El? Don't laugh at these questions.. I just need to know!
6. Ladies, do you wear a pair of comfy shoes and put your heels in a separate bag until you get to work?

That's all of the questions I have right now. I'll add more as they come! And again, PLEASE answer some of them if you can!


3 comments:

  1. 1. I've got rain boots, but I am assuming a raincoat of some sort is a necessity. Thoughts?
    Yes, overcoats are wise.

    4. How do I not look like a tourist?
    Memorize your train stop, so you don't have to look at the maps. Get a farecard and learn to use it. Pack light.

    5. Is it 'ok' to listen to my iPod, talk on the phone and read on the El? Don't laugh at these questions.. I just need to know!
    Yes - iPods (low volume), newspapers & magazines
    No - phones (brief calls - "I'm on may way" are okay) and work sensitve documents
    People watching is half the fun in the train.

    6. Ladies, do you wear a pair of comfy shoes and put your heels in a separate bag until you get to work?
    Some do this. It depends on the length of your walk and how high the shoes. Support/admin staff do it. Most professionals do not.

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  2. 1. You need a raincoat for sure. Actually, probably a few in different colors. Try to find one with a hood, if you just want to run out for coffee without having to bring your umbrella.

    3. Do not ride the EL alone at night. There are some lines that are safe, but you will get your money's worth taking a cab. Better safe than sorry.

    4. To not look like a tourist be aware of stop lights and crossing busy streets. I would try to never be texting and getting in people's way while walking epsicially around 8am and 5pm.

    5. DO NOT talk on your phone on the EL or the Metra. Most people spend their time commuting to catch up on their books or to just rest their eyes.

    6. I would recommend always having a pair of flip flops or small flats in your bag. You never know what kind of happy hour or event you will be going to after work.

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