Chicago: 4249472 & 1840009517 - A Chaotic Dive into the Windy City

okay, so i'm still thawing out after this trip. the numbers… 4249472 and 1840009517? totally no idea what those are, but i'm convinced they're some kind of code for good vibes. whatever. i just spent a week in chicago, and honestly, it was a whirlwind. i’m a digital nomad at heart, and it’s the perfect place to get lost - in the best way possible.

first off, the weather. i just checked and it’s… there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. seriously, the temperature feels like a slap in the face. minus eight. not exactly a beach vacation, but hey, it’s got character, right? i'm perpetually bundled up in layers, wishing i’d packed more thermal underwear.

and the neighbors? they’re a mix of old-school brick buildings and towering glass structures. kinda like a fever dream. if you get bored, milwaukee is just a short drive away. i swear, it's a city built for people who like to wander - every corner seems to have a hidden alleyway or a street performer ready to serenade you with a questionable tune.

food, oh god, the food. i went to a place called Girl & the Goat - everyone’s raving about it, and it lived up to the hype. seriously, the goat dishes are legendary. i heard that someone told me that they were struggling to find a good brunch spot near the Loop, but they ended up loving a little place in River North. i also snagged some amazing pierogies from a street vendor near Wrigleyville. you have to try them.

“I heard that the deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati's is worth fighting for. Apparently, you need a friend (or three) just to carry it out!”

gear list (because i always need a gear list):
layers, layers, LAYERS. seriously.
a good pair of walking boots. you’ll be doing a LOT of walking.
a portable charger. your phone will die faster than you can say "deep dish".
a water bottle. staying hydrated is key, even when it's freezing.
* a sketchbook and pencils - for capturing all the street art and interesting architecture.

pro-tip: don't be afraid to wander off the beaten path. some of the best discoveries are made when you’re not following a map. and definitely check out Chicago's official tourism website for events and attractions.

one thing that really struck me about chicago is how much history is packed into every block. i spent hours exploring the architecture boat tour - it's a great way to get your bearings and learn about the city's past. and if you're into that sort of thing, you can check out the Chicago History Museum.

and for a little art fix, head to the Art Institute of Chicago. it's seriously impressive.

oh, and don’t forget to take a stroll along the Magnificent Mile; it's a little touristy, but you have to see it to believe it.

basically, chicago is a city of contrasts - cold and warm, old and new, chaotic and charming. it’s not always easy, but it’s definitely worth the visit. plus, the people are some of the friendliest i’ve encountered in a while. it's the kind of place where you can get lost and find yourself all at the same time.

so yeah, that’s my little taste of chicago. now, if you’ll excuse me, i’m off to find a warm cup of coffee and try to decipher these numbers…”