Oh Chicago, how I miss you so. You filled my days with some of the best food I’ve ever eaten, the most beautiful sights, and for once in my life, difficulties figuring out public transportation. A beautiful city with so much to it, that I even had difficulty seeing even half of it before I had to come back to New York.

Coming from New York City I’m used to the skyscrapers, busy streets, and all of that stereotypical city stuff. And when I said I was going to Chicago, many were quick to ask me what the point was, since New York and Chicago are both just big cities with little differences between the two. But Chicago, although it had its similarities to New York, was nothing like New York. The people were different, the parks were different, the food, the streets, the art, and so much more was different.

Chicago made me feel right at home, even though I was far from it.

Another place that I visited while there was the Chicago Skydeck. Now if you’re going to a city far from home, I would suggest investing in the city pass to make the most out of everything you want to do there for a little less money and for a smaller cost. We tried to go to the Skydeck four times before we actually got in. The first time it became overcast by the time we got there, the second it closed do to weather, and the third time it was a bright and sunny day, but the line to get through security was two hours long. The final time ended up being at night, but honestly it worked out.

Security moved fast enough, it took about half an hour to get through with city pass, those without it weren’t so lucky. The line to get up to the 101st floor took about forty five minutes, and the line for the skybox took about an hour. The skybox wasn’t as vertigo inducing as I had anticipated, but it did make for some cool shots. Though if you’re seeking a thrill, I would definitely suggest the Tilt at 360 Chicago.

If you are going to go to the Skydeck at the Willis Tower, I would suggest you go for more than the skybox. I would suggest checking out the views throughout the 101st floor of the building. It’s quite amazing, and you can see the entire city from up there, and even beyond it. Parts of Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan can be seen from here.

It’s definitely worth it if you don’t mind standing in line.

See more of my adventures in the Mid-West in my next few blog posts and on Instagram @suburbanwasteland and on my personal @im_just_elle