Flying high

Televised sporting events and live webstreams have allowed me to watch some of the greatest players to have ever played in sports arenas – people who do not need full names to be identified. People like Gretsky, Montana, Tendulkar, Woods, and Federer. But the very first person to capture my imagination after I crossed the proverbial seven seas, is simply known as MJ – a man whose silhouette is just as famous as his face.

When I moved to Chicago, one of the primary motivating factors was that I would be able to watch Michael Jordan weave his magic on the basketball court. Two months after I arrived, he announced his retirement from the NBA at the young age of 31. A few weeks later, Michael was honoured by his organization by having his number retired and a life-size statue placed in front of the United Center (a building that was made affordable by the money that had poured into the city because of Jordan’s influence).

Seventeen months later, the Chicago Tribune received a two-word fax – “I’m back” and NBA was back to being Jordan’s turf. Three glorious seasons followed and the man actually played in an arena that had his life-size statue right outside it!!

He no longer plays in the NBA but his statue is still there, along with a listing of some of the stellar accomplishments of his glittering career. This time, during my Chicago visit, I took some time out to pay homage.

The City of Big Shoulders

Of the cities I have visited around the globe, the one I like most is Chicago. It has its share of everything (as most cities do) – tall buildings, famous landmarks, historical sites, museums, shopping districts, theatre, playing fields, zoos, parks - and an awesome lakefront setting (not common fare in most other cities). The best part is the fact that the metropolis is not squeezed into a tight spot (say, like Manhattan Island) but is spread out. When you walk between the buildings, the space between them allows you to appreciate how majestic and tall these structures really are; imposing feats of architecture as dreamed of by their designers.

The views from the upper floors of these tall buildings are just as spectacular to behold.

Ironically, the best view of the entire city is not from Sears Tower, the tallest building, but from the observation deck of the John Hancock Building on the north-side of the city. Not only do you get to see the cityscape but you also get some nice views over Lake Michigan. I was fortunate to go there on a gloriously sunny day as the pictures will attest.