John’s Airbnb in Chicago
is nestled in a very quiet lake side neighborhood on the invisible line between Evanston and Chicago. In fact, I came to learn that the locals refer to it as the Pink House. It is as John advertises: capacious, within walking distance to the red line and on bus routes, with a nearby beach access, as well as close to several local restaurants, R Public being one of them.
If anything is missing or could be improved upon at John’s place, it is the “creature comforts”, that feeling of “being expected, welcomed”: the entrance being trimmed back and swept, a working light in the stairwell, an ice tray in the freezer, the air conditioning being on and preset for a comfortable temperature. Yes, Chicago can be sweltering in summer.

You see, instead of walking in, being able to fix myself an iced beverage, and then sit in the delightful breakfast nook area, looking out across the park at the wonderful view of Lake Michigan thinking about the good time I was going to have during my stay in the Chicago area and letting the hustle, bustle and discomfort of my travel day drift away.

I had walked into an airless, stifling hot home. It took my breath away and I was sweating within minutes of entering. So I had to be on the phone first with John’s representative and then with John about the taking your breath away, stifling airlessness of the home. Not knowing John or the extent of the problem and how difficult it might be to fix, I began worrying will he will he get the air back on or should I find a hotel for the night.
And honestly, I couldn’t understand why this problem hadn’t been noticed while the place was being readied, made welcome for me.
I am happy to say that John was responsive to my concern about the lack of air and within an hour and a half, cooler air was circulating and thoughts of staying elsewhere were forgotten.
So glad it all worked out because John’s place has the basics one needs, full kitchen, dishes, pots and pans , coffee maker, both a toaster oven and microwave oven, and is in a very nice location. There is even a Walgreens and a grocery store within walking distance.