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In the autumn of 1985 I move jobs within IBM. I know that for the new job there will be some training in Chicago but I'm not sure when it will happen.
I am told later that I'll go at the end of April '86. It is my first visit to the States and I am excited at the prospect. The course is for 2 weeks and I book 2 weeks vacation on the end. Times are good. IBM is still the most profitable company in the world and business is booming. There is money everywhere and no-one is looking at expenses too closely. Little did we realise then that those days wouldn't last forever.
I go to Chicago with another Brit. Unlike our American counterparts on the course, we know the machine we are learning about on the course quite well. Although we need to learn a little, this is just a 'jolly' and everyone knows it. One of the Americans, Rich, is a really cool guy and the 3 of us team up - the Three Amigos. I had the time of my life. That first US trip to Chicago will remain in my memory forever. After Chicago I head out to Colorado Springs to see my relatives and then go to California to stay with Rich.
Chicago really impressed me. There is lots to do and see and there are some great restaurants and night entertainment venues. I was also young and very carefree. At that age I didn't have a care in the world. I wish that still applied.
- Pros:Lots to do and see, great restaurants
- In a nutshell:As much fun as NYC
Reviews (5)
Lincoln Park Zoo
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(1)
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If you are in Chicago in the baseball season you MUST go to Wrigley Field. It is a little piece of American history. In... more travel advice
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Soldier Field is the home of the Chicago Bears. It wasn't football season when I went but even if it had have been I... more travel advice
Mother's
Nightlife
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The ultimate Singles Bar in Chicago. I remember spending quite a few nights here in 1986. Later that year the film... more travel advice
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Comments (4)
Wrigley Field is the greatest spot on planet earth! I live in NYC and love reminding my friends here that the difference between Chicago and NY is that one city has a 1st-place team, and the other has the Yankees ;-)
Oh..Phil, first time in States and you ate at Pizzeria Uno? I bet you're really a pizza lover,heheeh..I'm a baseball fan..and Ichiro Suzuki is the best!!
Glad you enjoyed your Chicago trip so much! You're right, we're as much fun as NYC, just on a smaller scale. :) And I agree, American football is a bore! Baseball and basketball are much better.
Very useful tip, Phil -- taking 2 large friends to an altercation. I'm not a big American football fan (hockey rules), but I won't take such slanderous accusation from someone who likes cricket!
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