Straddling Two Cultures

​Every visit back to my former home of Chicago is a culture shock, lasting several days.
The noise level is a shock, the density of buildings and people is intimidating. The volume of never-ending traffic is numbing. 

The portions of food in restaurants are outlandish. Any three people could be satisfied with one order.

I think I remember a street address, only to find that I have forgotten how to get  to it, have to ask for directions.

But most of all it is the size of the stores that overwhelms me. All of our supermarkets in Grenada could fit into a Mariano’s, especially the suburban ones. There are isles and isles of products, it takes forever to choose the item desired, not  to mention the new products that have come on the market since my last visit.

Add to that the fact that there are all sorts of specialty products, organic, fresh farm grown (would anyone be likely to buy something that is not fresh?), vegan, gluten free, fat free, sugar free, sustainably farmed, non-GMO, plant-based, well  you get the idea. One must walk miles looking for things. Of course, regular shoppers know the layout, so they are not wandering around with the same confused look as I.

Weather is another shock. I have to remember the old saying about Chicago weather, “if you don’t like our weather stick around for a few hours.” Right now, the difference between day and nighttime temperatures can be 30° Fahrenheit.

Of course, all this is balanced by the positives. There is an energy, a vibrancy to the city that is palpable. There are an endless number of cultural institutions and programs to choose from. It is hard to find a rival to the Millenium Park concerts or the Lyric Opera or the Art Institute. Then there is the fact that Chicago is still a  city of neighborhoods, each with its own special characteristics.

After 2 weeks, I am once again acclimated and happy to be back for a visit.