After spending the day in the Art Institute, I found that I still had plenty of time before my flight. So I decided to take a walk around. Big, tall buildings usually draw me, so after a time I found myself at the base of the Sears tower (no the Willis tower). "Huge. Impressive." I thought. "Too bad there isn't an observation deck.". As a walked along side, I saw a sign: "SkyDeck entrance on Jackson" with an arrow pointing the way I was walking. I headed inside, bought a ticked, and got on the elevator.
A computer screen in the elevator gave a great visual as we ascended. Different structures fade in then out to indicate when we are at the height of that structure. The great pyramid, the Eiffel tower, and the Empire State Building are some of the perhaps dozen shown. I am impressed.
The elevator opens. We clamor out and are greeted by bright sunlight and an incredible view. I want the perimeter of the observation level which is about 80ft on a side. Along the south side there are three large holes cut into the outside wall. They extend from floor to ceiling. Attached to the opening in front of me is a big glass box cantilevered 1000ft above Wacker Drive below.
A group of people are lined up inside, standing with their feed a few inches from the glass and leaning out to look down or to the side. I walk up behind and say "excuse me" and step out into and onto the glass. I hear a gasp and turn around and see several expressions of "you are absolutely insane". "Wimps" I think to myself. A couple of them look at my feet and must decide that this is not a "Wile. E. Coyote temporary suspended in mid air before plunging to his demise" moment, and they step out with me onto the glass.
I look down at my feet. There is a word - Vertigo - the word is inadequate. I lock my knees so that they don't crumble beneath me. After regaining my composure I enjoy the view.
