We travelled to the Windy City (I'll bet you don't really know why it has that name...) to attend nephew Jeff's graduation from Columbia College. He graduated with a degree in Marketing and Communications on Sunday. One of the most interesting graduation ceremonies I've attended. I'll get to that later...
The experience we had in getting from O'Hare to our hotel on the CTA train showed us we will need to practice in reading signs before we get on the Amazing Race. Number one, we put too much into the ticket machine expecting change when there was a big sign on the machine that said "no change given". It's embarassing when the attendant has to point it out in front of your nose. Mark's ticket was $2.25, mine was $10. Oops. Then we promptly turned from the machine and marched down the long tunnel until we realized we were following the wrong signs to the train. Oops again. The train entrance had been right next to the ticket machine.
We arrived in the evening and desperately tried to find a "great" Chicago restaurant within walking distance of the luxurious Travelodge we were staying in. Two things here. The Travelodge was located just one block off of famous Michigan avenue across from Grant Park. I feel like we got a great deal on location for the $$. And, I have this habit of having to have the "perfect" dining experience when we travel. Don't want to "waste" a meal eating at something non-authentic or true to where we are. For instance, I hate to eat at chains that I could eat at in Portland. What's the point of travelling if not to experience the new and different? Anyway, in that quest I think I often drive Mark crazy looking for the ultimate place. On Friday when we arrived, it was about 8:30 p.m. and we had not eaten yet (we were very hungry), it was rainy and dark, and we were walking the streets in a neighborhood not known for its eateries. I also like to go off recommendations of travel books or natives. Sometimes I get a little too focused on that. So, we finally had to give up on the quest for the perfect Chicago restaurant. Too late, and too hungry. The end result was we ended up eating at a very cheesy Thai restaurant in our hotel. OK food, but food.
What did we do when we were there? We walked/ran along the Lake on Saturday morning. I love our waterfront run here in Portland, but Chicago was a close 2nd. We decided to take the Double Decker bus tour to see Chicago quickly and get some history. We had a blast! We hopped off the tour at the Chicago River to eat a great burger next to the river. We hopped back on and rode to the Sears Tower. Along the way we took in the great architecture of the city. It is called the Second City because it is the second city that rose from the ashes of the great Chicago fire in the 1800's. It's a big city but clean and beautiful. Another fun fact...It's called the Windy City not because it is windy weather-wise, but because of all the political speeches given back in the day. Hot air...wind. Get it? Back to the Sears Tower. We rode up to the 99th Floor and got a spectacular 360 degree view of the city and the Lake. Truly awe inspiring. Sunday we visited the Field Museum for a view of Sue the T Rex and to get my fill of stuffed birds! We first wanted to go to the Shedd Aquarium, but the Oceanarium was being remodeled, so we opted to go the the Field. The aquarium and the museum are on what is called the Museum Complex which also houses a Planetarium and Soldier Field where Da Bears play. One highlight was listening to a great piano player in a bar Saturday night and then a live irish band at a pub later on in the evening. We were spontaneous and hired a cab to drive us around for a half an hour to see more of the city. Turns out he is from Turkey and married an american girl. We will try to hook up Amina and his wife to compare notes.
I fell in love with two fountains. One in Millenium Park. So cool. The other in Grant Park, the Buckingham Fountain.
Jeff's graduation was interesting. A very depressed Valedictorian and a long winded honorary degree recipient made for an entertaining afternoon. From the dancer who was honored..."We used to go out to the park and gather up dry leaves then bring them back to the apartment and crumble them on the floor. But I'll come back to that..." No, please don't! Got to meet Jeff's Mom, Gma and Aunt for the first time. Lovely ladies. Dinner at a Greek restaurant afterwards capped it all off.
Our travels were made even more enjoyable by the complimentary passes we have this year for the airline lounges in the airports. It's like entering another world when you pass through those frosted glass doors. Not sure I can give it up when the year ends. Free food and drink, soft chairs and smiling concierges to greet you. In this day of delayed flights, extra costs for everything, and skimpy meals, it sure was fun to feel pampered if only for awhile. How much does it cost to extend that year?
Looking forward to going back and spending more time. Next time the Aquarium, the Art Institute, a river architecture cruise, maybe Navy Pier, a professional sports game....lots to do.
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