Rush Hour in Chicago: A Love Story (Kind Of)
Chicago, the Windy City. A place where deep-dish pizza is a religion, hot dogs are served with everything, and traffic is a way of life. Oh, the traffic. Let's talk about rush hour.
When Does This Nightmare End?
So, when does rush hour actually end in Chicago? Well, the short answer is: it doesn't. It's more like a shapeshifter. It morphs and changes, like a teenage werewolf, but instead of becoming a furry beast, it becomes a congested, honking monster.
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Generally speaking, morning rush hour is a beast that awakens around 6 AM and starts to wind down around 10 AM. But let’s be real, if you're stuck on the Kennedy (I-90), it might feel like rush hour never ends.
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Evening rush hour is a whole different ball game. It typically kicks off around 3 PM and can linger until 7 PM or beyond. Fridays? Forget about it. That's when rush hour becomes a full-blown party animal, complete with flashing lights and sirens (okay, maybe not the party part, but you get the idea).
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Tips for Surviving the Rush
- Embrace Public Transportation: If you can stomach the crowds, trains and buses can be a lifesaver. Just hold onto your belongings and try not to make eye contact with the person breathing down your neck.
- Learn the Art of Patience: This is a skill that's essential for Chicago drivers. Develop it, master it. Or, just buy a really good audiobook.
- Find Alternative Routes: If you must drive, there are apps and websites that can help you find less congested routes. It's like being a secret agent, but instead of saving the world, you're saving your sanity.
- Work Remotely: If possible, consider working from home. Your car (and your mental health) will thank you.
How to...
- How to avoid rush hour stress? - Plan your day accordingly, use public transport, or work remotely.
- How to find the best alternative routes? - Use traffic apps like Google Maps or Waze.
- How to stay calm in traffic? - Listen to calming music, audiobooks, or podcasts.
- How to make the most of your commute? - Use the time to catch up on emails, listen to podcasts, or simply relax.
- How to survive a Chicago winter rush hour? - Invest in a good car heater and stock up on patience.
Remember, Chicago is a beautiful city, and rush hour is just a temporary inconvenience. So, buckle up, take a deep breath, and enjoy the ride (or at least try to).
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