What I’ve learned

Living in Chicago, this is what I’ve learned...Living in Chicago, this is What I’ve Learned...

The suburbs of Chicago are the same as every other suburb in the country. The city of Chicago, however, is truly one of a kind. If I ever move out of this city, I’m leaving the state. After having moved here from Michigan 14 years ago, I still only know the names of four Chicago suburbs (Evanston, Oak Park, Shaumburg and that other one...).
 — Tom Schoendorff

ALWAYS contest EVERY parking ticket you get and ALWAYS go to court when you get a speeding violation. I’ve won every time.
— Kristen Hanto

If there is a funky odor on the “L” when you step on, it is a person, and you should immediately switch cars.

People who live in Chicago take pride in their city.

If you are a woman living in the city, always carry pepper spray when you are walking alone. Even though the Northside is relatively safe, you never know what could happen.
— Erin Florczak

Do not move tray tables, cones, boards or anything else blocking a freshly shoveled parking spot. As of that moment until spring thaw, it belongs to whoever shoveled it. If you park there, your car will have scratches, broken windows and/or 20 gallons of water poured over it. While not actually included in the city ordinances, it is nonetheless enforced by the shoveler (and endorsed by the mayor).

If you ask someone about LSD, you will get driving directions, not a hallucinogen.

The only city in the world that has a higher population of Polish people is Warsaw.
— Jason Eardley

The CTA sells token cuff links that are pretty neat.

You have to have the duck tortellini from Rose Angelis on Wrightwood.
— Kristin Griffith

The No. 1 best secret I have about Chicago is hard for me to part with, for fear that others will catch on to it. But I will run the risk. ... For shopaholics who love Michigan Ave. and Oak Street shopping, and live in the city, we all know that parking is horrendous in that area. Either you pay $20 to park or take the “L” and walk from Grand. Driving works for some people who do not work in the loop but live in the city and want to go shopping there after work. This is for us. It means you have the convenience of running bags out to the car if they are too cumbersome as well. So, there are tons of meters in front of the Drake on Oak Street east of Michigan Ave., where Lake Shore Drive curves around, so you can take Lake Shore and get in and out of that area very easily. They have no parking at the meters Mon-Fri from 4-6:30 p.m., so if you get there a tad before 6:30, you will be guaranteed a spot. It is just a few blocks from Water Tower, Bloomingdales and Oak Street. $2 for 2 hours. Can’t beat that!

The restaurant Coast on Damen in Bucktown is great sushi at a mid-range price, and the best part is that it is BYOB. Atmosphere is relaxing and reflective of Bucktown’s laid-back atmosphere. The service is great too!
— Heather Alejos

Growing up on the Southside of Chicago, yes I own a gun, and it is sometimes hard to relate to the experiences Northsiders have. So here are some things I’ve learned living on the Southside...

Some neighborhood bars are not exactly outsider friendly. They are for your hard-core, two-fisted, blue-collar working man that will kick your ass if you play the wrong song on the juke box. If he is too drunk to kick your ass, his woman will. Sorry, no DJs here.

There are no cabs to be had on the Southside. So you need to own an automobile. And when it comes to owning a car, a bad ride beats a proud walk.

The only running Southsiders do is beer runs. There is nothing wrong with being a large mammal.

Lastly, life is not well for a Cub fan living in the shadow of the 2005 World Series champs.
— Robert Graczyk
 
It’s important to find a good shoe guy, especially if you have to walk anywhere in the winter. Otherwise, your shoes will be destroyed by all the salt and slush.
— Karin Kane

Got something to contribute to What I’ve Learned? Send it to info@TheRealChicago.org. It better be good.

Click here for more What I've Learned