Downtown
I thought I'd give a little insight into the hub of Naperville, it's downtown area. Until yesterday I thought we must find a house within walking distance. That downtown would be the centre of my universe. The place I would shop and socialise. Now these things are possible, but a four hour walk around made me re-consider.
The area is indeed beautiful. The perfect streets are lined with trees that actually sparkle in the daytime. (The fairylights catch the sun and gently blow in the breeze). Next to the shopping area is the Riverwalk, a magnificent landscaped area with a traditional covered bridge and wildlife so accommodating they will actually pose for photos.
Even the two storey car park has a stained glass window, and by the way, parking is free. Unbelievable to anyone coming from London.
Mid-week daytime the only people on the streets are middle-aged women strolling around the shops. There are art galleries, antique shops, restaurants, interior design palaces and beauty parlours galore. You can buy formal wear, casual wear, cruise wear. But washing powder or an apple? Forget it. And there is absolutely nothing for anyone under 45.
I began my visit by stopping by (I know, my American is almost fluent already) at Coldwater Creek. The place was full of older women jostling around the sale rails of brightly coloured sweaters and cotton clothes.
"Are you finding everything ok?"asked one assistant, as if I was on a treasure hunt.
I eventually picked up a couple of lurid green sweaters just to see if they looked as terrible on as off. They did.
Another assistant, at least 70-years-old, was hovering around the fitting rooms. They were spacious and cool with louvered doors with a lovely smell. I think it was "rich".
As she opened the door she asked me my name.
I told her suspiciously. Why would she need to know such a thing? Assistants in England barely care if you are breathing.
"Hi, Hilary, I'm Betty," she replied.
Maybe they think if they befriend you, you'll be more likely to buy.
As I handed the items back after trying them on, it was Betty who was apologetic.
"I'm sorry they didn't work for you," she said. Then more brightly. "Do try us again."
In another shop the assistant actually ran over to me with a free bottle of water. And the weather wasn't even hot.
The fitting room in that shop, Acorn, even seemed to have a bed in it, presumably in case all that shopping was too much for you.
Of course one good thing is that here I am a size smaller in clothes, but for some reason my shoes are two sizes bigger.
Downtown Naperville is indeed a place of beauty. But it is so highly manufactured that it resembles a cross between Stepford and The Prisoner's village.
Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if the sunshine is programmed between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. and that dog's have special public conveniences. Hey, maybe I should suggest that to the town council...
The area is indeed beautiful. The perfect streets are lined with trees that actually sparkle in the daytime. (The fairylights catch the sun and gently blow in the breeze). Next to the shopping area is the Riverwalk, a magnificent landscaped area with a traditional covered bridge and wildlife so accommodating they will actually pose for photos.
Even the two storey car park has a stained glass window, and by the way, parking is free. Unbelievable to anyone coming from London.
Mid-week daytime the only people on the streets are middle-aged women strolling around the shops. There are art galleries, antique shops, restaurants, interior design palaces and beauty parlours galore. You can buy formal wear, casual wear, cruise wear. But washing powder or an apple? Forget it. And there is absolutely nothing for anyone under 45.
I began my visit by stopping by (I know, my American is almost fluent already) at Coldwater Creek. The place was full of older women jostling around the sale rails of brightly coloured sweaters and cotton clothes.
"Are you finding everything ok?"asked one assistant, as if I was on a treasure hunt.
I eventually picked up a couple of lurid green sweaters just to see if they looked as terrible on as off. They did.
Another assistant, at least 70-years-old, was hovering around the fitting rooms. They were spacious and cool with louvered doors with a lovely smell. I think it was "rich".
As she opened the door she asked me my name.
I told her suspiciously. Why would she need to know such a thing? Assistants in England barely care if you are breathing.
"Hi, Hilary, I'm Betty," she replied.
Maybe they think if they befriend you, you'll be more likely to buy.
As I handed the items back after trying them on, it was Betty who was apologetic.
"I'm sorry they didn't work for you," she said. Then more brightly. "Do try us again."
In another shop the assistant actually ran over to me with a free bottle of water. And the weather wasn't even hot.
The fitting room in that shop, Acorn, even seemed to have a bed in it, presumably in case all that shopping was too much for you.
Of course one good thing is that here I am a size smaller in clothes, but for some reason my shoes are two sizes bigger.
Downtown Naperville is indeed a place of beauty. But it is so highly manufactured that it resembles a cross between Stepford and The Prisoner's village.
Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if the sunshine is programmed between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. and that dog's have special public conveniences. Hey, maybe I should suggest that to the town council...
posted by Hilary at
9:20 AM
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