The last time I visited Chicago must have been around ten years ago. I was
passing through on my way to New Orleans. I spent most of the afternoon looking
around, and left by train later that evening. I vowed that I would make a visit
sometime later.
The visit last weekend was as planned, but in many ways it was very
different. I arrived to find a city preoccupied with the staging of a NATO
meeting, and the demonstrations which were planned.. The trappings were
unexpected, lots of talk of security, lots of police everywhere, and sometimes
unnecessary closures of streets, and buildings. Yet the locals seem to take with
candour, even though they were inconvenienced somehow.
Most pointed fingers at the new Mayor, suggesting he was simply flexing his
muscles. Others were convinced that the security was probably needed. I wasn’t
convinced; since I witnessed almost no demonstrations or threatening
disruptions.
My big disappointment was on Sunday when I arrived at the The Art Institute
to find it closed for the day. I thought it extreme for any museum to be closed
down because of the planned demonstration. Later that day. I learned that the
museum was closed to facilitate Mrs. Obama entertaining the wives of the
visitors.
Did it wreck my holiday? Not altogether, as I was able to adjust to
situations whenever it was necessary. But had I known about the planned event, I
would have chosen another weekend.
Winston
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