Its a Jungle Out There...

As my first post, I contemplated on writing a fascinating blog about the cultures and subcultures of the city, but who would want to read that?
So instead I have decided to write about my two favorite things I have experienced in the great windy city of Chicago.

#1. The Pedestrians
Even though I have been in Chicago no more than three months, I have quickly learned that to be a pedestrian takes great skill. There are many rigid rules to adhere to when walking downtown Chicago. These rules are known and followed by only those who live in the city and call themselves "seasoned urban-ites;" tourists are clueless and are therefore easy to spot.

Rule 1. Anticipate the light. Always.
This rule is one of the trickier ones to grasp right away, it takes time and practice. The key is to intently watch the traffic light instead of the pedestrian light all while pretending to be bored, thus making it look as if you have mastered this skill.  It becomes a silent game: the first one to anticipate and initiate the crosswalk light is the winner. 'Nuff said.

Rule 2. Keep your personal bubble intact while weaving through manic crowds.
This is especially true when stuck in the middle of an enormous herd of tourists on Michigan Ave. on a bustling Saturday afternoon.  Avoiding the crowd is hopeless, but maneuvering while still maintaining your personal space is a perfected art. Mastering fluent dodges, bobs, and weaves are essential. It is crucial in these times of peril to view the other people as large obstructions that must be avoided in the quickest possible way.  So put on your game face, tuck your arms and hope you make it out unscathed.

This brings me to my second favorite thing about Chicago:

#2. Molly's Cupcakes
This has nothing to do with pedestrians or crowds (unless you are unlucky enough to get in line behind a large group of tourists who want to sample each cupcake --is that even allowed?)
Molly's Cupcakes is a hidden gem of Chicago. I was introduced to this lovely, child-like cupcake bakery by some girls on my floor.
Complete with indoor swings, mirrors, cafe lattes, and scrumptious cupcakes, Miss Molly certainly has been made famous. 
The small interior is designed to articulate the joys of childhood with glass cases mounted on the bright walls which display everything from ice-skates to teddy bears.
Plus, with a portion of the proceeds going to help schools in the community, how could I not gladly pay $5 for a cupcake?
http://www.mollyscupcakes.com/home.php