I agree that going with a partner adds a lot to the experience. While there are aspects of traveling by myself that I enjoy like doing what I want when I want and not worrying about somebody else, it’s just not the same as sharing the experience with someone.

Funny, after posting this yesterday, once it got dark I went out for a short walk. I had no destination in mind and mostly just wanted to get outside and stretch my legs for a few minutes. I found myself down by the river, in an area that seemed pleasantly quiet and without any other people. The light reflecting off of the river looked magical, the air had cooled down and was quite pleasant and the buildings all take on a different character at nights when they’re all lit up.

(I spent a little time there and took some pictures and while I was there one of the boat tours went by and I heard the guide saying that the stretch where I was at was like that because no business had been been able to survive there. The area was right in front of the bottom level of Trump Hotel and Tower, which just happens to be in the center of the picture at the top of this post. I assume the rent they charge is just too high.)

I started thinking maybe I could like the city after all. And then I walked back up to one of the people filled streets. :/

I’ll have to put the Museum of Science and Industry on my list for the next time I visit Chicago. I really didn’t do much in the way of planning what I wanted to see this time around and maybe that didn’t help my enjoyment, but I just wanted to be free to explore a bit.

Although that said, cities where you can find a cozy neighborhood with coffee shops and fun little stores have their merits. I’m thinking specifically of Portland and Seattle, although San Francisco definitely has some, too. And New Orleans. And New York, for that matter. Hmm, maybe I like cities more than I thought I did. But I don’t like Chicago much at all, except for the Museum of Science and Industry. And when I wind up in a big city, usually for a conference, I’m always happy to retreat to my hotel room and read a book for a while!