Cultural notes

Despite the size of the U.S., it is easy to travel from state to state by taking the extensive interstate system. Interstate highways crisscross America from north to south and east to west. If you're driving from coast to coast, you should allow several weeks so you can see the sights along the way.

Travel agencies can help you plan your trip and make hotel or motel reservations for you. Some agencies, like the AAA, specialize in automobile travel. One of their services is to plan a driving trip for you. They will put together an itinerary along with maps and recommendations about interesting sights you may want to see. Unlike travel agencies, AAA requires that you join their organization, so you can take advantage of such services as trip planning, insurance, etc.

Despite the high quality of interstate highways in the U.S. you should be careful not to drive too fast. Most highways are patrolled by police with radar.

Action

AAA AGENT: Good morning. Can I help you?

YOU: I'm trying to figure out the best way to get to Washington, D.C.

AAA AGENT: Are you driving or flying?

YOU: I'm driving. My car's parked outside.

AAA AGENT: You have two options. The first is to take Interstate 85 north through Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia.

YOU: What's the other option?

AAA AGENT: You could also take I-75 north through Georgia into Tennessee. In Tennessee, you pick up I-81 which will take you into Virginia. You then take I-66 to Washington.

YOU: Is there a difference in distance between the two?

AAA AGENT: I-85 is somewhat shorter, but it's not as scenic, and there's usually a lot more traffic.

YOU: How do I pick up I-85 in Atlanta?

AAA AGENT: Just head north on the freeway until you reach the I-285 beltway. Then follow the signs.

YOU: By the way, do you have any information about the Washington, D.C. area?

AAA AGENT: Sure. Here's a packet of brochures. Do you need a hotel reservation?

YOU: No thanks. I've already made one.

Chicago

What makes a city great?

Probably all the things that you can do and see and experience over and above just living.

The extras...the surprises...the magic...all those different immigrants from all those different countries with their countless cultural riches have made us a great city.

If you're a fan of Art, Architecture, or just walking and looking, Chicago is a movable feast. We invented the skyscraper here....most of the innovations of modern architecture...the iron skeleton...horizontally elongated windows...and people in glass houses.

We also perfected the revolt against modern architecture. And when we're past post-modern, we'll be inventing the future here, too.

It's getting dark, and it's time to have some fun, Chicago style. When the light goes down, the city lights up. With carriage rides and elegant restaurants, small cafes, ethnic food from just about everywhere.

Jazz...blues...rock and roll...billiards...movies...theater...Dancing all night, and even all day. And day and night, the Bears, the Bulls, the Blackhawks, the Whitesocks, and the Cubs.