Why skip Chicago?
Oct 15th, 2004, 01:54 PM
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Because it is far cheaper for them to fly to the coasts (at least that's what many europeans have explained to me). Also, movies generally show New York City and California and for those who do not come here often, these are the places they generally want to visit.
Oct 15th, 2004, 07:15 PM
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I just know because most of my friends from overseas either never have made it to chicago, but have seen the grand canyon, and those who have come more than once and do make it to chicago end up saying it's their favorite city in the country, over NY or LA...I guess the travel route/cheaper prices to see the coast makes better sense
Oct 16th, 2004, 09:33 AM
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I have the impression that many Europeans assume Chicago is just some other American city without the importance, culture, cachet, landmark status of NYC. (Think 30s/50s movies.)
Since they are often suspicious of American cities to begin with (crime, dirty, ugly, no history compared to Europe -- not my take but their prejudice), and since the historical attraction of the US has been its natural scenic wonders, they will figure they can see one city (NY) or two if they aren't too far apart (Boston or Washington) and otherwise stick to the "pretty" nature in US.
I happen to agree with you, however, lwinokur, that Chicago is an undiscovered gem from many points of view. But it's also true that you'd better pick your season carefully!!
Since they are often suspicious of American cities to begin with (crime, dirty, ugly, no history compared to Europe -- not my take but their prejudice), and since the historical attraction of the US has been its natural scenic wonders, they will figure they can see one city (NY) or two if they aren't too far apart (Boston or Washington) and otherwise stick to the "pretty" nature in US.
I happen to agree with you, however, lwinokur, that Chicago is an undiscovered gem from many points of view. But it's also true that you'd better pick your season carefully!!
Oct 16th, 2004, 11:15 AM
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Indy - Just to be clear: Chicago has a subway, too. Though you're correct that many stops are above ground and will chill you to the core in the winter months. On the other hand, I've never ever been so hot in my life as on a New York City subway platform during a heat wave (whereas in Chicago, in the summer, the subway is a cooling refuge).
Oct 16th, 2004, 11:22 AM
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I think that many, many Europeans come to Chicago. Just not as "tourists". The tourists will oftentimes go to NYC or Orlando before they will go to Chicago. It's the air fare, but it's also because they know Chicago is much more a blue collar city. They know from their relatives.
From Europe, there are probably more Poles, Lithuanians, Serbs, Irish, Greek coming to Chicago than to any other American city right now. To stay for the most part and with some relative support- also for the most part. I see them everyday. They come to school for themselves and for their children and they come for WORK. Sometimes, very hard and physical work. After school, some go back, but the majority stay. Many are going into Nursing, and lots of those are male. Lots are going into construction trades that are becoming lost arts to American born. We (in Chicago) are all about that, and working. When you are working hard, that cold wind will brace you right up. We love the HAWK, in its own way. Keeps the wooszy and whiners away- for the most part. We also have an up and back Mexican population, but that and the Asian are probably even higher on the West Coast than here.
From Europe, there are probably more Poles, Lithuanians, Serbs, Irish, Greek coming to Chicago than to any other American city right now. To stay for the most part and with some relative support- also for the most part. I see them everyday. They come to school for themselves and for their children and they come for WORK. Sometimes, very hard and physical work. After school, some go back, but the majority stay. Many are going into Nursing, and lots of those are male. Lots are going into construction trades that are becoming lost arts to American born. We (in Chicago) are all about that, and working. When you are working hard, that cold wind will brace you right up. We love the HAWK, in its own way. Keeps the wooszy and whiners away- for the most part. We also have an up and back Mexican population, but that and the Asian are probably even higher on the West Coast than here.
