Chicago

Our chests vibrate to the rhythm as young faces, decked out in baggy uniforms, march past to the infectious “Street Beat” drum cadence. High school academies, veteran groups, and various detachments wave our nation’s colors high. Memorial Day is here again. For the third time, purely by happy coincidence, we're in Chicago for this national holiday. Complicated feelings rise as we watched a new squad of Marine Corps volunteers take their oaths during the parade.

Chicago is like no other city. It's spectacular with its fascinating history, including the river that flows backward. The architecture—this is the birthplace of the skyscraper—is enough reason to visit. But then there’s the music scene: jazz clubs that pulse with life, actual historic speakeasies whispering secrets, and the ever-present shadow of the mob’s past.

We find ourselves at the Green Mill, Al Capone’s old stomping ground. Sure, there are stories of tunnels and trapdoors where bootleg liquor snuck through. But the jazz here is incredible. Manhattans? They pack a punch. But die hard locals opt for Chicago’s own Jepson’s Malort instead. The place exudes a nostalgic vibe that harks back to 1907. We feel echos of the ghosts of the greatest musicians who ever played, lingering around the booths and tables.

Reluctantly, we bid farewell to the vibrant streets and rich histor, knowing that our memories of this captivating city will linger until our next adventure. Goodbye for now, Chicago—farewell and fond wishes.もっと詳しく