I wake up in the afternoon with the best view ever. 24. A panoramic view of the Chicago skyline from the second floor. A thunderstorm is brewing. Squalls sweep through the urban canyons. Lightning strikes the Sears Tower every minute.
The dryers in the basement do not live up to their name. The lift is flooded. The water on the street is 50cm deep in places, cellars and underground car parks are full. Cast-iron manhole covers are rhythmically lifted by compressed air in front of water surges. Police, fire brigade, helicopters everywhere. All the traffic lights are out. In principle, I have nothing against America’s downfall. But does it have to happen when I’m there?
After the storm, I go downstairs and look for a WiFi spot. But the cafe from this morning is also overflowing. I go to the beach, just two blocks away. Unfortunately it’s unsuitable for kitesurfing. I finally get access in a video shop and have to get high on strawberry slushies. Back home I realise. Wow, I can see the video store… and my laptop can just about see the hotspot when it’s by the window.
I can get some work done. With a view of the flashing city lights. And to the far right, a Chicago Cubs baseball game. The roar of 50,000 people comes up. And I wonder whether my office really needs soundproof windows :-)
Frank Woelky, born in 1973. Kitesurfer since 1998. Since 2006, I have been combining kitesurfing and web design on trips lasting several months off the beaten track.