Brrr Chicago! Dealing with Chicago Cold!

Brrr Chicago! Dealing with Chicago Cold!

Editors note: Yes, I know its now… June, but this was done in March when it was cold. Just work with me on this….

• Seriously… go somewhere warmer!!!
• Early morning Heathrow – Off to Heathrow Airport, Terminal 5, South Galleries Lounge
• BA458 London Heathrow to Madrid
• A MAD transit
• Iberia IB6725 Madrid to Chicago O’Hare
• Crowne Plaza O’Hare
• Dealing with Chicago Cold
• Hyatt Regency O’Hare
• More Chicago O’Hare
• BA296 Chicago O’Hare to London Heathrow
• Homeward
• Thawing out…

Whist Chicago has a reputation of being the Windy City – in the winter it becomes a frozen city. Fir those if use who live Europe and think zero degrees Celsius is cold, some in Mid West would call it a warm day.

So bow do you prepare to handle these temperatures in such an environment?

Apart from being aware of Ice.

1) Check the weather before you depart. Such a simple thing, but missed many times. I had been monitoring the weather for a few weeks before, and had an inkling want to expect… and packed accordingly.

Translation. Might be a bit nippy.

2 Layers! I’m going to let Becky at The Girl and The Globe explain layers better than I could ever could . However as well as the base layers for the torso, I urge you to consider a wicking layer for the legs too. Now, males in the audience who think they are as hard as nails, I would urge you try waking with one layer to cover your kegs. You’ll find it becomes a challenge quickly. Therefore go and get some leggings… or if you have to be manly, some cycle leggings. It doesn’t matter – its there to keep a layer of heat trapped.

Don’t laugh down the back. They kept me warm.

3 Plan your itinerary carefully. It’s basic sense to me out in the cold for as little time as possible – do plan your time outside carefully, whilst knowing locations to warm up if needed. This is where locations like Starbucks can provide welcome respite from the cold

Or you could be more active.

4 Consider that your transportation method. If you’re in a car most of the time, you probably could get away with more normal clothing. If you’re on buses or trains, you might want to add layers as you could be waiting for some considerable time between services

5) Consider taxis, Uber or other shared ride services – if it gives you a chance to cut down time waiting in the cold. There is no point being cold when there’s an option to keep you warm.

Trains and Taxis. Hmm. That sounds like a trip report title.

6) Remember the extremities such as face, head and hands. Gloves and a hat are not just a good idea, but essential to keeping you nice and toasty. Wearing clothing provided by the Boeing Company is of course completely optional.

Yes, I was warm. I wasn’t impressed that I had to take a picture of myself for this trip report.

7) and if you’re an asthma sufferer, it goes without saying, keep your Salbutamol/Ventolin puffer (the “reliever” puffer… or for those in the UK, the “Blue” puffer) to hand. If there’s a place where an attack can hit, it’s here.

With simple preparation, the cold need not be a challenge and can be enjoyable as opposed to something painful.

It’s common sense to keep warm in the cold, but preparation can make it bearable.

Just know when to quit and go indoors to warm up….

Like I did.

Next: The Hyatt Regency O’Hare

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