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| Thread: Survival guide for first-timer in (northern) U.S. |  This thread is pages long: 1 2 · «PREV |
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Binabik
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posted July 24, 2007 09:28 PM |
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I hate those guys who open the cab door for you and expect you to pay them
This is the type of thing you are likely to see at some fancy hotel or MAYBE at an airport. Let's put it this way, I've done quite a bit of traveling in this country and I've never seen it except on TV. But admittedly, I avoid large cities as much as possible and that's where you are most likely to see it.
If it were me, and someone opened my door and expected a tip, I probably would not tip them.
Check out this thread on tipping.
http://heroescommunity.com/viewthread.php3?TID=20347
As far as culture in general, common sense and observation go a long ways. If there is any specific aspect of the Greek culture that is not acceptable here, you can always check with the local Greek community when you get here. They shouldn't be hard to find. But I really don't think you will have any problem....I mean you've read the COC at HC right? Same thing applies everywhere.
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TitaniumAlloy
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Legendary Hero
Professional
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posted July 25, 2007 10:26 AM |
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Nah but in some places, like hotels, where there is a taxi stand, there might be a guy standing there who's job it is to just open the door on your taxi as you get in...
And Binabik, if you don't tip them they SLAM the door on you as if you've committed a travesty 
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John says to live above hell.
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dimis
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posted August 08, 2007 04:05 AM |
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Edited by dimis at 04:40, 08 Aug 2007.
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New round ...
Hi guys,
Seems it's time for me to criticize some things and pose some questions based on my own (short) experience from Chicago.
Many good points that I can not list them right now; I promise I 'll do so, soon.
However, I have two major complaints:
 First thing, is the weather. Is it just my imagination or is something wrong in the air? At first I thought it was much more humid than what I was used to in Athens. From what I can observe here the humidity is around 60% while I was used to more or less in less than 50% as indicated here. Unfortunately, I am no expert, so I can not interpret these values and the impact of their difference. On the other hand, I found out that there are other places as well in Athens with humidity near 60% or even higher! But these last two examples make me sceptical, since I can't remember myself actually suffering from something similar when I was back in Athens... I really don't know what it is, but there is something wrong. I hope though it will fade away as the summer goes by as well.
Second complaint, is the  FREAKING price of water!
Today I bought a small bottle (0.5 l) at UIC for $1.1, but apart from that I tend to pay for the same bottle something between $2.75-$3.75 anywhere else around the city.  In contrast, I used to pay 0.5 euros (< 70 US cents) back in Greece for the same bootle and I thought that the bottle was severely over-priced! The reason is that this very same bottle about 7 years ago costed around 50 drachmas (= 0.15 euros), and its price switched over-night when we switched our currency to euros (i.e. the price was over-tripled within a night)!
Enough with these.
Now I live near Fullerton and Halsted and I really like the place around. It has loads of interesting people hanging around, although last night that I went out nearby (N Clark st) there were few people out in the streets; around 11 in the evening. I even visited a place for a drink but it was just like "me and the bartender".
 Btw, what drinks do you buy when you go out? Yesterday, I ordered a Cuervo on the rocks, and I didn't get what I was looking for!  Needless to say, I left no tip as I could hardly drink what I was served. Do I have to stick in beers? I thought that local stores with regular customers wouldn't have problems like these.
So far I haven't searched for a particular place to stay as I had many other things to arrange here and there. But starting from tomorrow morning I will look for an apartment in the following rectangle:
South: Roosevelt Rd or Cermak Rd
West: Damen or Asland Av
North: I have no clue, but I think I want to avoid going northern than Lincoln Park, since I don't want to spend a significant proportion of my time on transportation.
East: the lake
Do you think I should avoid an area within this region?
@dkolb: Where is east Chicago? Is it the southern part of Lincoln Park? Near the magnificent mile?
Btw, where is the magnificent mile? :] I assume it is in the Michigan Av somewhere between E Delaware Pl and the Chicago river (this morning I visited Apple's store and I was impressed! - oh, I also don't think this area is problematic; assuming it belongs to eastern Chicago...), right/wrong?
One more thing, what do you think of the area nearby Clark/Division (Red line)?
Waiting for comments. If any of you would like to hang out for a beer and talk about Chicago, just IM me and I'll give you my cellphone so that we can meet.
Regards and thanks for your help in advance,
- dimis -
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The empty set
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Binabik
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posted August 08, 2007 09:56 AM |
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I thought you weren't getting there until the 9th of August?
As far as the weather/air, you didn't say what the symptoms were. Saying something is wrong with the air doesn't help much.
I don't know about Chicago, but the weather here has been hot with no wind and very little rain. So even though the humidity hasn't been high, it still feels real muggy and stagnant. The midwest is kind of known for that in the summer, but it will be changing soon. Probably within the next few weeks you will notice a difference, becoming cooler and dryer. On the other hand the midwest is also known for having highly unpredictable weather.
I see you might have a thunder storm heading your way. If it's a good one, you're in for a real treat. Nothing like a big ol' midwest thunderstorm.
Quote:
Second complaint, is the FREAKING price of water!
Then don't buy bottled water! I don't think I've bought one of those half liter bottles in my life. But it seems to me a bottle should only be $0.75 - 1.25. If you want bottled water, buy a few gallon bottles and save the bottles. You can refill the bottles much more cheaply.
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Btw, what drinks do you buy when you go out?
Um, whatever we want?
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I ordered a Cuervo on the rocks, and I didn't get what I was looking for!
I don't understand. Cuervo is Cuervo and it should be the same anywhere. Although, in my opinion, tequila is not something to drink on the rocks and sip slowly because it tastes like $***. Tequila is for downing shots and getting totally plastered.
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dimis
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posted August 08, 2007 04:39 PM |
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Edited by dimis at 17:22, 08 Aug 2007.
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I really like this place and its architecture. I enjoy every single bit of my day. Sometimes, some buildings or stores are as if they popped out of a kiddy-story. This is nice and reviving.
Oh, and I reaaaaalllly like all those cakes/etc that you can buy with your morning coffee. Many different and unique flavours.
Quote:
I thought you weren't getting there until the 9th of August?
Actually, I wanted to have already found a home by that date. I arrived night of 5th.
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Second complaint, is the FREAKING price of water!
Then don't buy bottled water! I don't think I've bought one of those half liter bottles in my life. But it seems to me a bottle should only be $0.75 - 1.25. If you want bottled water, buy a few gallon bottles and save the bottles. You can refill the bottles much more cheaply.
Well, if you are out in the streets all day, especially these days that it is so hot, eventually you want to drink something. By the way, I sweat rather easily, therefore I need something to drink quite frequently. As for the bottles, I totally agree with you as long as you do it for your home. I can not actually refill a bottle and go out on the streets with my bottle of water. I am not in a mission in a desert!
By the way, what is the usual closing time for the various bars/etc? Last night I went to a bar at 22:30 and at 23:00 they stopped playing music.  As for the Cuervo, 2 out of 2 different flavours from 2 different (almost opposite) stores in two different nights ...
EDIT: By the way, what do you suggest for internet provider? I am completely clueless. Which organizations provide broadband internet, how much does it cost [links suffice ], how long do you have to wait until you are actually connected, anything else worth mentioning?
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The empty set
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Binabik
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Legendary Hero
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posted August 08, 2007 10:17 PM |
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For an internet provider you should ask around locally. I don't know what's available there. I haven't read it myself, but I've heard surveys say customers are more satisfied with local providers than with the big national ones. And even the national ones will have different services and prices in different places.
One warning about DSL. I don't know how it is in other countries, but here the wired DSL service is physically attached to the phone line. So if you go to another location you can't use the DSL, but you should be able to use dial up service.
Alternatives are wireless access or cable.
When you are hot and sweaty, an alternative to water is Gatorade. It won't make you sick like soda and juice will. I used to drink it when I did construction work and drank 2-3 gallons a day of liquid during the summer. (but you don't want to ONLY drink Gatorade when you're drinking that much liquid)
Closing time for bars will be entirely local. State law will dictate the latest time bars can stay open. Most will actually close at that time. Closing at 2300 seems very early. Here in Ohio bars can stay open till 0230 which is later than most states. California was 0100 I think. In general, laws concerning alcohol vary dramatically from state to state.
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dimis
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posted August 10, 2007 04:57 AM |
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k,
I arranged for an apartment very close to the area I live right now and made a lease for 1 year. Perhaps the following year I can find something better, but actually I really like the place where I've spent my first days here. It's more close to the actual meaning of a neighbourhood and has pretty much anything you like nearby. The only thing that might be a bit problematic is that it is a 10-12 minute walk (fast pace) from the nearest railway station and I don't know what is going to happen on snowy days. But then again I might get sick most of these days ...
Btw, I made the arrangement through the Chicago Apartment Finders that you two directed me earlier. Unfortunately, they could arrange only a 1-year-lease ...
On the other hand, I desperately needed a cellphone number from an american provider and hence I entered to the nearest store at the time that it was most urgent. Very wise ... But I was also very tired  ... Anyway, it's a big story. I'll describe it soon because right now I need a bath and a good night sleep.
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The empty set
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bort
Honorable
Supreme Hero
Discarded foreskin of morality
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posted August 10, 2007 04:56 PM |
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Quote:
Yesterday, I ordered a Cuervo on the rocks, and I didn't get what I was looking for! Needless to say, I left no tip as I could hardly drink what I was served.
So basically, you ordered swill and ice, which you were provided with. You then made the shocking discovery that swill and ice sucks. So you punished the bartender. Nice.
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Drive by posting.
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The_Gootch
Honorable
Supreme Hero
Kneel Before Me Sons of HC!!
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posted August 12, 2007 06:58 PM |
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Hi Dimis
I've been terribly busy with my final couple of weeks of summer school. Who would've thought that a class whose entire course curriculum boiled down to one test and one paper would've been so damn time consuming. Anyway, enough about sexy ol' me.
The main local telephone provider in Chicago is SBC. They suck. I hate them. Don't ever go through them. You're much better off getting V.O.I.P(cable telephone I guess) from someone else.
Cell phone services there are many. Major ones are AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and uh, well, I might say one but only have you find out its been merged with another giant.
Internet Services. Your most likely choices are DSL and Cable. SBC and other phone companies advertise DSL. But it's inferior to Cable internet. Many people in my family use EarthLink for their ISP.
With television, you get local channels for free. Here's how they break down.
Channel 2--CBS
Channel 5--NBC
Channel 7--ABC
Channel 9--WGN (Local Superstation, broadcasts Cubs games though)
Channel 11--PBS(Public Broadcasting Station
Channel 20--Not sure, foreign programming?
Channel 26--Various...I think Korean
Channel 32--FOX (Don't be fooled by the WFLD monniker)
Channel 38--Evangelical Christian channel(For your Benny Hinn needs)
Channel 44--Telemundo(Spanish, watch for the eye candy)
Channel 50--WPWR. Local Programming.
If you invest in cable television, I think you might have one and at most two providers to choose from. Cable providers are notorious in Chicago for enforcing their little monopolies. Comcast is a big one. Contact your building manager to see who provides service to your building. Also, with the cable providers they will offer you packages so that you can get cable tv, internet, and telephone service all rolled up into one. Look to spend a bit over $100 a month if you want all 3.
Bars and the Nightlife
Most bars have licenses that allow them to stay open until 2:00 a.m. Here's a few things though. On slow nights at local bars, don't be surprised if they close early. Also, there are a few 5:00 bars still out there. The main one I used to go to isn't around anymore. Check a local paper called The Reader for more information about Chicago's nightlife. All the locals know about it. Issues are weekly and they come out I think on Thursday. The paper's free btw. Many places will carry it but if you're having a hard time I'm pretty sure Chicago Public Libraries will have stacks.
Some of my old hangouts include The Map Room(largest beer list I've ever seen), The Long Room, Ten Cat, and Danny's. If you happen to meet a special someone and want to have a romantic evening with them, take them to Webster's Wine Bar. I totally roped VF with that one.
Cuervo on the Rocks? Ugh. You know. Europeans are supposed to be more refined than drinking bad tequila on ice. As Binabik said, most of those tequilas are meant to be taken as shots. Margaritas are decent mixed drinks if you enjoy the buzz that Tequila gives you. If you insist on drinking tequila like that, I suggest paying a bit more and ordering El Tesoro or Patron. Be forewarned though, there are many unscrupulous bar owners out there that will either water down their hard liquor or fill up empty top shelf bottles with the crap from the well. The higher class the establishments usually don't have this problem.
My own mixed drink preferences usually include vodka. Ketel One and Cranberry juice is fine. I like Cosmos, substituting Cointreau for Triple Sec. I love extra dry Vodka martinis. Belvedere and Grey Goose are my personl favorites. Remember though, martinis are like a woman's breasts. One isn't enough and three is too many. As for shots, I go the way of the Irish. Jameson and Tullamore Dew are my whiskey shots of choice. If it's going to be a long and raucous night I'll use Red Bull as a mixer with either Vodka or Jaegermeister.
As for beer, our famous local microbrew is Goose Island. The brewery is right there in the city so you might want to check it out sometime. It has a full service restaurant as well as some of the more interesting small batches it produces. The best beer I ever had in my life was a Goose Island stout that had been marinated in old Jim Beam casks for 100 days. The dang thing was 13.5% alcohol and was served in a brandy snifter. Amazing.
Public Transportation
If ever you need to get somewhere via the CTA, here is a most indispensable tool.
Grocery shopping
Jewel and Dominick's are the main grocers in the city. But they're awfully expensive. Try to limit your shopping there to absolute essentials and sale items. Whole Foods has got some great food. But like my buddy Keith said, they need to call that place Whole Paycheck. For most of your shopping needs, try Trader Joe's. Great selections, great pricing, and of course, the world famous Charles Shaw wine is there. We call it 3 buck Chuck. Can't go wrong with a decent bottle of wine for that cheap.
Any other questions right now?
My girl and I are going to be back up into the city in a few weeks. If schedules permit let's hang out and do something.
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dimis
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posted August 12, 2007 09:26 PM |
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Edited by dimis at 21:28, 12 Aug 2007.
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Thanks for all the +QP info about Chicago Gootch!
(Cell)Phone/TV/Internet
I don't think I 'll get a local phone. However, I will get a cellphone. Atm I have something temporary from T-Mobile, but I will drop it next month since I am planning to get an iPhone! (yeah, I 've been a Mac-lover and now is a great opportunity to get mac-related stuff! )
As for the TV, I 've never been much of a fan, so I don't know if I am actually going to buy even a TV-set or not. Anyway, I'll see what I am going to do about that, but I will certainly not pay for additional channels.
 What I really want to know is some specs about internet connections. For example, what upload speeds do DSL or Cable connections usually cover? I visited earthlink but only thing I could find was the download speed. Btw, I think I 'll go for the cheapest DSL instead of Cable. I assume it supports at least 256kbps upload which should be enough for my needs. Of course I am assuming, that whatever the contract may be, all ports are going to be at my disposal, i.e. I can open ports so that I can run some services (web-server, ssh, ...) 24/7. I am just asking about this, because a provider that was recently established in Greece didn't have this option by default and wanted extra money for each additional port! Needless to say, the case is at courts ...
Bars/Nightlife
Ok guys. I accept the fact that you don't drink/like tequila alone. Anyway, I already visited another Irish bar, where I ordered "the spirit of Ireland". Now, this couldn't have been bad in an Irish bar, right? Indeed, Jameson was perfect! Moreover, since Friday I am out of town to a friend of mine in South Bend (IN). I plan to arrive on Monday back in Chicago when I am supposed to be given the keys for my apartment. All the drinks so far in SouthBend are perfect-quality, so I guess what I described were some unfortunate incidents of the first few days.
Regarding the rest of the recommendations I'll definately visit each and every one of them! Actually, so far I haven't been Downtown in the evening, basically because I was always tired from morning work / walking around. Oh, and I'll definately get the newspaper, as soon as I am back!
Millenium Park
Again, a superb place to be. It has so many events, and now with clear sky it is simply remarkable! I think I visited Wednesday midday and they played classical music. It was so reviving to sit on a bench and just listen to them!
Public Transportation
What can I say? The link is super!
Grocery Shopping
I 'll see what I am going to do with these. Atm, I am anxious to get the keys of the apartment, create a sketch and see where I am going to place very basic stuff like my bed!
Eating
I tried Gino's pizza and I really liked it, although I believe it is a bit overpriced for what you get. Perhaps I don't have the best impression because I had to wait around 40-45 minutes and in the meanwhile I drunk 1.5 big glasses of beer which made me feel a bit dizzy since I had almost no breakfast that morning and I had travelled a lot (walking more than 7-9 miles) around Chicago. I 'll definately have another try soon though!
Moreover, I had a good burger-experience [(1), (2), (3), (4) - yeah, I need a haircut! ] at ihop [South Bend]. Any other recommendation for burgers?
What about american steaks? Any place that is a must for a tourist like me?
Whenever you are back Gootch, it will be a pleasure to hang out and do something!
Best regards and thanks again for your time and help!
- dimis -
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The empty set
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Binabik
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Legendary Hero
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posted August 12, 2007 10:32 PM |
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http://www.att.com/gen/general?pid=6431
I have ATT for my ISP. They have four plans. I have the "Pro DSL" plan, but I got a good deal and it's only $18/month. They claim up to 3000kbps upload for my plan. I'm getting about 2200kbps actual throughput.
The cheapest plan is 768kbps maximum upload and 128kbps maximum download. My sister has that cheap plan and she gets very close to the max speed.
From the link, click "learn more" for the plan you are interested in. It will prompt you for either a phone number or a zip code to check if it's available in your area.
Also, check out the sidebar at the link, you MIGHT qualify for a cheaper plan.
You might also want to consider wireless because the uni will probably have hot spots everywhere.
I'm not sure what you mean by having all ports available. Is this related to having a static or dynamic IP? If you want to run a web server you need a static IP, right? I'm pretty sure all those plans at the ATT link have dynamic IPs. They have static IP plans available, but they will be more expensive.
Oh yea, Ihop sucks
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friendofgunnar
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Legendary Hero
able to speed up time
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posted August 12, 2007 11:06 PM |
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Somebody once asked me "what's special about Chicago?" and even though I've been there briefly I couldn't really answer.
What makes Chicago different I'm curious...
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Binabik
Responsible
Legendary Hero
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posted August 12, 2007 11:13 PM |
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It's big and it has a lot of train yards.
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dimis
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Supreme Hero
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posted August 13, 2007 07:40 PM |
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Thanks Binabik.
Seems that earthlink and AT&T have a similar program that interests me, the one with 1.5Mbps download / 384 kbps upload for 20 bucks.
As for the server thing, you are right, I want to have some services running 24/7. But there is no need for static-ip. Most routers have an option for DynDNS. This way, when your ip changes by your internet service provider, the router automatically communicates with them and updates your info (i.e. the matching between your ip and your desired dynDNS name). So, no need for static ip!
Anyway, I have to go now. More soon ...
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The empty set
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Binabik
Responsible
Legendary Hero
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posted August 14, 2007 07:11 AM |
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A more serious reply to FOGs question:
If I were playing tourist in Chicago I'd hit the blues bars. Chicago blues played such an important role in modern music. It had a strong influence on just about all types of modern blues, rock, R&B and all the spinoffs from those types of music.
I assume their is still an active blues scene in Chicago.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_blues
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