International airports offer some of the best people-watching available to modern man. Midway doesn't actually have as many international flights as O'Hare, making for a more provincial crowd, but that doesn't mean there's a shortage of eye-catching folks either coming or going. The human wildlife here is generally of the American-traveler bent.

Should you run low on inspiration, Midway hosts a few pretty remarkable pieces of art (those entering the ticketing area from the L should take note of Chicago Imagist Karl Wirsum's work). "The Body of Lake Michigan" by Todd Slaughter is a large blue metal and fiberglass sculpture that hangs from the ceiling near the security checkpoint that depicts the Lake Michigan that hides beneath the surface, using topical data. Also lurking up above is Ralph Helmick's "Rara Avis," a giant red bird made up of 2,500 little metal airplanes on individual wires. You're not likely to garner much suspicion if sketching or writing in a notebook, but shooting excessive photos or video might earn you a cold tap on the shoulder.

If it's food you're after, head to Midway's Concession's Triangle for a quick bite on the fly. The Triangle offers a variety of cuisine representing Chicago's cultural diversity. There's also a selection of shops, from Chicago's Treasures to House of Blues Kiosk, to keep you busy.

Centerstage Reviewer: J. Tyson