Chicago is an old Potawatomi word meaning “wait in line here” and I got the full treatment at the Willis (formerly Sears) Tower.  I had a few hours between trains and figured I should see it while I was here.

You start with a line outside on the sidewalk.  Then you get inside into another line, then down an elevator and into another line.  Then through security into another line.  Then you buy a ticket ($17!!!) and get in another line for a brief movie.  They eventually let me skip the movie and move to another line – for an elevator.  I finally get to the 103rd floor after an hour an a half and almost as soon as I walk out of the elevator I see another  waiting line snaking around the core of the building.  I figured that was for people that wanted to go out on the sky ledge and decided to pass on that.  After walking around a bit and taking some pictures it became apparent that the line is for people that want to leave!  Having a train to catch and fearing another very long wait, I cut the sightseeing short and got in line.  Luckily, it only took about 30 minutes to get out.

The whole experience would have been better if I wasn’t rushed and didn’t have to  compete with so many people for the view.

So I walk out of Union Station wondering if I’ll be able to find Willis Tower and, well, there it was.

Count the floors.  They’re all there.

Looking south

Looking east

Looking north east

Looking north