I made the mistake of watching a documentary on the CTA lines and now I desperately miss Chicago. The feel, the smell, the energy, the sounds, the tastes, the bustle, and the way that city made me feel inside.
One summer, I read the entire Sam Shepard cannon on the CTA. Mostly the Brown line, transferring to Green downtown on the way out to Oak Park.
Most of the time, I lived off the mighty Blue Line. Green St. Stop. Then Western (FP). Then Ashland/Division. Then Harlem (FP) and Forest Park. You name it, I saw it on the Blue Line.
The Cristkindlemarket at Daley Plaza was always a great holiday treat. It was fun to sneak down there between classes at the City Colleges – a time when the market was not busy and get some fresh, warm candied-almonds.
If I could have lived at the Downtown Cultural Arts Center, I would have. The old public library, it boasted beautiful Tiffany domes and some of the most fascinating art exhibits. Plus quiet study space. A rehearsal hall. And all free. Once they had an exhibit of Yoko Ono’s works – paintings but also some videos of her performance art. It made me realize that she’s a genius.
I’d love some giardiniera right about now.