Chicago Blues coming from the LAP'. (Finally)

Plenty of snow again on arrival, greeted also by a fierce chill from the wind bounding off Lake Michigan, this must be the windy City then. Long train journey into Downtown Chicago, then through onto Diversey, just south of the city centre. Area is littered with wee coffee shops, pubs and canny shops. This is isn’t so bad, maybe just as well I couldn’t get into the downtown hostel.
Chicago International Hostel welcomes you, was on the main placard. Stoned, 20 year old guy behind the check in desk listening to John Foggerty, “Hey man, whhhats up?” “Yo! Man how the f%@k do you say your first name” Nice enough chap but not filling me with confidence about my new abode.
Sure enough the place was actually a bit of a shithole, bit manky and not very trusting about the security of the place. Agh well all I need is a place to lay the head and leave my stuff.
Great city Chicago though, really friendly vibe and lots to be seen. Famous for its Blues & Jazz I was determined to see some of the real McCoy. Was recommended by various folk about a place called “Kingston Mines”, however, was not convinced by the sources. Had a beer one evening and got chatting to the bar staff, was told that the Kingston Mines place was pretty cheesy crap and not the real Blues of Chicago. In fact the bar lady described it as “yeah, go there if you wanna get date raped”. Enough said, I decided not to pry any further but took their word not to go there.
So on to their recommendation, which sounded great but also, had its own perils afoot. No.83 bus to the west side which I’m told is the slightly less desirable area of Chicago. No wallet, cash in shoe, muggers 20 bill in pocket, call me John Paranoid. Hopped of the bus and to be honest the place seemed totally fine, a bit like Drumchapel. 10 minute walk round to the wee pub called “Scarlets”. Totally brilliant, the place has been old by an Italian family since the 50’s who moved over. On entering, the place was wall to wall with old photographs of performers whom had played there in the past, low ceilings and a long bar with the stage adjacent to end of bar. Really sound bar staff who, realised quickly I was a newcomer, maybe it was the map case flapping in my face. Anyway the night was great listening to both really talented old timers and young folk playing traditional blues. Generally it was one at a time, guitar and their own vocals. At the end three guys played together, harmonising one another,. Absolutely fantastic. Bus ride home at 1:00 was fine, nae hassle.
Most of the days were spent wandering around the city centre and Diversey. Great city for walking, the river is fantastic to walk along and was disappointed not to see it turn green for St Patrick’s day, 2 weeks early for that. The atmosphere I found a wee bit more relaxed than in NYC, everyone seems in less of a rush but again the place is enormous. Saw many a good gallery and had plenty of wee coffee shop experiences. The trains slither around skyscrapers on raised industrial platforms, you can hear them all over as they clank and creak.
That’s really about it for now, looking forward to San Francisco; I hear they have some fine weather preparing for my arrival. Hope you are all well, viva Alba.