The Bean: A Shiny Object of Desire
You know that shiny, curvy thing in Chicago that everyone loves to take selfies with? Yeah, that thing. We're talking about the Bean, officially known as Cloud Gate. It's like a giant, stainless steel jellybean that somehow managed to land in the middle of Millennium Park. And yes, before you ask, it does get cleaned.
The Bean's Bath Time
You might be wondering, "How do they even clean that thing?" Well, it's not as simple as giving it a good scrub with a sponge and some dish soap. No, the Bean requires a whole team of professionals and a lot of elbow grease.
Let's break it down:
- Daily Showers: Every day, the Bean gets a power wash. Imagine hosing down a whale, but without the water park fun. This helps to remove the day-to-day grime, like pigeon poop, leaf litter, and the occasional errant hot dog.
- Deep Cleaning: Twice a year, the Bean gets a spa day. This involves a special detergent and a whole lot of scrubbing. It's like giving your car a full detail, but way more expensive.
The result? A sparkling, reflection-perfect Bean.
The Bean: A Magnet for Mess
It's a beautiful sculpture, no doubt, but the Bean is also a magnet for mess. People touch it, lean on it, and even try to hug it (we're not sure why). And let's not forget about the birds. They seem to think the Bean is a giant, stainless steel bird bath.
So, the city of Chicago has a never-ending battle against dirt and grime. But hey, it's a small price to pay for such a stunning piece of public art.
The Bean: A Selfie Sensation
While we're on the subject, let's talk about selfies. The Bean is basically the king of selfies. Everyone wants a photo with it. But let's be honest, most of those selfies are just people trying to capture their own reflection in all its distorted glory. Still, it's a fun way to immortalize your visit to Chicago.
So, next time you're in Chicago, take a moment to appreciate the hard work that goes into keeping the Bean clean. And while you're at it, snap a selfie. Just try not to get any fingerprints on it.
How To... Bean-Related FAQs
- How to get the perfect Bean selfie: Find a unique angle and avoid crowds.
- How to clean the Bean (if you could): Don't even think about it! Leave it to the professionals.
- How to avoid getting bird poop on you while admiring the Bean: Bring an umbrella.
- How to appreciate the Bean's beauty: Take a deep breath and soak it in.
- How to resist the urge to hug the Bean: Remember, it's made of stainless steel and probably pretty cold.