Chicago!!!
Before I show you the pictures, let me rant about the lack of service at the moment with Snapfish. Snapfish is an film developing service in which you mail film to them, they process it and post the pictures online, then mail you the prints. I've been rather happy with this service and use them exclusively. However, they are really pissing me off at the moment. They send you an email when they receive your film. Your photos used to be posted online within 1 day, but now the wait is up to 2 days. I get antsy after one day, so with a random bout of insomnia, I checked my order status at 3 am two nights ago. I use APS film and have pre-ordered 15 rolls to be developed (and saves a few bucks in the process.) However, this order is being charged as two rolls of 35 mm film. Granted, the overcharge is $6, but I'm still pissed. Finally today, they posted all of my Chicago pictures. And now I can share them with you too. And I'll deal with Snapfish later.
The Good Ole Chicago Theater. :)
Andrew and I arrived in Chicago late the Thursday night of the first Presidential debate. Midway is a fairly decent airport. As soon as we stepped outside to the taxi area, our ride arrived and carried us on our merry way. No waiting for any of the parties involved is a very very good thing. We stayed with Andrew's sister, Sarah, and her boyfriend, Jessie. The ride to their apartment was fantastic on Lake Shore Dr. We could see the city all lit up to the left of us and various parks and water to the right of us. They live a few red line stops north of the city. We didn't do anything the first night we were there other than talk and eat a home cooked meal, but this was a good thing. Even though we lost an hour, we couldn't sleep in. The apartment was scheduled for painting. So promptly (at 7:45--actually not prompt) the polish painters arrived and started our early early day.
Sarah is a law student at Northwestern. She needed to go to class and we had nothing better to do, so we followed her into the city. After a brief tour of Northwestern, Andrew and I were all alone to explore. We were right off of Michigan Avenue which is the big shopping street in Chicago. We decided to head south and look around. But first things first, I forced Andrew to get a haircut. We found a barbershop hidden below and apartment building and took care of this necessity. By the time we were done, it was nearly lunchtime. Granted it was 11 am Chicago time, but my tummy said that it was definitely noon! We decided to stop at a greek restaurant that we noticed in our early wanderings. It actually wasn't open just yet, but we were allowed to sit outside and enjoy the fantastic weather. Wow, since this was recent enough, I can tell you every minor detail. You're right, none of the details are minor. ;) Anyway, lunch was fabulous and extremely well priced off of the lunch menu. We were so stuffed that we waddled further into the city. We walked underneath the marquee for the Chicago Theater and on to Millennium Park. Let the photo presentation commence!
Here is the Chicago Bean. I saw it first from imperfectly79 and also from some of the other Alpha Gams who went to Convention in Chicago. Credit given where credit is due!
And because I am the master artiste, I have two more views of the bean to share. I could have spent hours playing with the reflective surface. I am a pack rat and shiny object fascinate me.
This view is from underneath the center of the bean. Psychedelic man! The next image was an attempt of getting our reflection without the camera in front of my face. I aimed incorrectly!
On from Millennium Park, we walked back to Northwestern's campus to meet Sarah. We missed our meeting time and did a little shopping instead. Shopping was worthwhile for two reasons: 1. a fantastic smoothie and 2. part of Laura's birthday present. Eventually we did meet Sarah and went to Navy Pier. Folks, this was also my first taxi ride in the US. I've ridden in taxis in Germany--the only times I've ever been in a Mercedes or BMW at that--but here in the US, it frightens me. At least it was short, cheap, and painless. Granted, we were in Chicago in early October, but there were Halloween decorations everywhere. And, I must say that funnel cake smells good no matter where it is.
I like the scary pirate skeletons! There was even a Haunted Ship near the very end of the pier. The next picture is a view of Chicago from Navy Pier at Sunset.
After we saw Navy Pier, we headed back to the partially painted apartment. We went out for dinner, too. One of Sarah's friends just passed the bar exam, so we tagged along to celebrate. Andrew and I were pretty beat though, so we were a bit lifeless at dinner. Haha, it was miserable to find parking because the pub was in the Wrigleyville area and the Cubs were in town that night. We ended up having another fabulous meal with humongous bacon cheeseburgers (mmm bacon), ran through the rain, and promptly fell asleep.
So, that brings us to Saturday. Again we had to be up and coherent around 7 am. Did I mention how much I enjoy sleep? We went out for breakfast. I got a scone and a muffin (it was way too much food!) and then we grabbed a coffee in Starbucks. I don't drink coffee too often, so I rather enjoyed this one. Before most places were open, Andrew and I were already off exploring again. Today's adventure, the Lincoln Park Zoo!
The Lincoln Park Zoo is pretty small, but it has three attractions I'd recommend. There is a Cat House full of large cats. I like kitties! There is also a primate house with many gorillas. The last one is the Rain forest attraction. Though it may have been way too hot to be comfortable, I love the atmosphere.
Here's a picture of a tiger!
We really spent all day at the zoo. Actually, before we got to the zoo, we stopped at a small conservatory. This picture was taken from the orchid room. If this room weren't so warm, I could have spent all day in there!
We really did spend all day at the zoo. I'm sorry I don't have anything else to say about it.
Anyway, once we left we headed for Lake Michigan. We needed to cross a canal first, then a highway, so we never did. Instead, I fell asleep in a park with a hat (thanks mousecatfish) over my eyes while Andrew kept watch. It felt great to be sleeping in the sun like that. At some point when I was awake, I took another picture of Chicago.
After sampling some deep dish pizza, the 4 of us headed to a Saturday Night, Big Ten, football game. It was Northwestern vs. Ohio State. Northwestern = the nerds, Ohio State = party school. This was overly obvious by the amount of rambunctious(read DRUNK) Ohio State fans. And we were luckily seated, in the middle of an Ohio State section. But hey, I didn't buy the tickets, so I shouldn't complain. I did get to overhear things like, "Northwestern, a 6-hour-away home game," from the Ohio fans. Call: O! H! Answer: I! O! ad nauseaum. Ohio State was picked to win at that; they hadn't lost this game in xx number of years. I'm not a fan, so I'm hazy on the details. Anyway, Northwestern lead for most of the game and the Ohio sections were quite panicked. After halftime we were able to join Sarah in the Northwestern section. And we heard their band play "Hey Baby!" so I was pretty content. So, because Andrew and I were exhausted, the game went into overtime. It was like 12:30 am by this point. And luckily, or skillfully, Norhtwestern won! Thanks for the tickets, Sarah. I may whine, but I did enjoy myself.
Andrew and Sarah at the game.
Andrew, Sarah and I at the game. Thanks for the hat alissabess!
And here is the chaos that ensued!
Now, the most annoying, but most hysterical part of the evening was the trip back after the game. We planned on using the els, but so did every drunken Ohio State fan in existence. And trust me, they weren't happen to be the losing team. We gave up at the closest station, because the wall of people pushing was crazy. The only other time I've felt like this, besides getting into the stadium, was when I went to a McDonald's in Moscow, but I digress. We gave up and headed for the next station south. This one was not as crowded, but it was difficult to get into. The platform was full however. We waited. A drunk drove by a yelled, "We lost to the nerds." Everyone laughed. Train #1 pulled up. People inside the train had to suck in their breath so that they wouldn't fall it. It was packed. Train #2, the same thing happened. And it was a good 30 minutes between trains! But finally we got on to a partially filled train and headed home. Ahhh, boy that was a late night!
Sunday morning, we went to brunch. We had to drag ourselves out of bed, and bed was where I wanted to be. But brunch was worth it! I had a chocolate french toast masterpiece. There were flakes of chocolate and chunks of banana and a creme brulee sauce. *Drool* And because we were so stuffed, we slept the morning away.
Sunday was our last day in Chicago, so Sarah forced Andrew and I awake from our nap. We slept longer than we should have, but we still had time to see more things. We decided to do a bus tour of Chicago. And this is some of what I saw.
I'm not a fan of the Hard Rock Cafe, but I love the placement with the skyscrapers in the back.
The els, or "L"s, mesmerize me. Cruisin' USA anyone?
Whew, you may not be able to tell, but I'm winding my winded story down. That night, we headed to China Town for dinner. MMMM, that was more excellent food.
China Town!
And then we flew home the next morning!
The only thing I would have liked to do was go to the top of one of the skyscrapers. Maybe next time, eh?
The Good Ole Chicago Theater. :)
Andrew and I arrived in Chicago late the Thursday night of the first Presidential debate. Midway is a fairly decent airport. As soon as we stepped outside to the taxi area, our ride arrived and carried us on our merry way. No waiting for any of the parties involved is a very very good thing. We stayed with Andrew's sister, Sarah, and her boyfriend, Jessie. The ride to their apartment was fantastic on Lake Shore Dr. We could see the city all lit up to the left of us and various parks and water to the right of us. They live a few red line stops north of the city. We didn't do anything the first night we were there other than talk and eat a home cooked meal, but this was a good thing. Even though we lost an hour, we couldn't sleep in. The apartment was scheduled for painting. So promptly (at 7:45--actually not prompt) the polish painters arrived and started our early early day.
Sarah is a law student at Northwestern. She needed to go to class and we had nothing better to do, so we followed her into the city. After a brief tour of Northwestern, Andrew and I were all alone to explore. We were right off of Michigan Avenue which is the big shopping street in Chicago. We decided to head south and look around. But first things first, I forced Andrew to get a haircut. We found a barbershop hidden below and apartment building and took care of this necessity. By the time we were done, it was nearly lunchtime. Granted it was 11 am Chicago time, but my tummy said that it was definitely noon! We decided to stop at a greek restaurant that we noticed in our early wanderings. It actually wasn't open just yet, but we were allowed to sit outside and enjoy the fantastic weather. Wow, since this was recent enough, I can tell you every minor detail. You're right, none of the details are minor. ;) Anyway, lunch was fabulous and extremely well priced off of the lunch menu. We were so stuffed that we waddled further into the city. We walked underneath the marquee for the Chicago Theater and on to Millennium Park. Let the photo presentation commence!
Here is the Chicago Bean. I saw it first from imperfectly79 and also from some of the other Alpha Gams who went to Convention in Chicago. Credit given where credit is due!
And because I am the master artiste, I have two more views of the bean to share. I could have spent hours playing with the reflective surface. I am a pack rat and shiny object fascinate me.
This view is from underneath the center of the bean. Psychedelic man! The next image was an attempt of getting our reflection without the camera in front of my face. I aimed incorrectly!
On from Millennium Park, we walked back to Northwestern's campus to meet Sarah. We missed our meeting time and did a little shopping instead. Shopping was worthwhile for two reasons: 1. a fantastic smoothie and 2. part of Laura's birthday present. Eventually we did meet Sarah and went to Navy Pier. Folks, this was also my first taxi ride in the US. I've ridden in taxis in Germany--the only times I've ever been in a Mercedes or BMW at that--but here in the US, it frightens me. At least it was short, cheap, and painless. Granted, we were in Chicago in early October, but there were Halloween decorations everywhere. And, I must say that funnel cake smells good no matter where it is.
I like the scary pirate skeletons! There was even a Haunted Ship near the very end of the pier. The next picture is a view of Chicago from Navy Pier at Sunset.
After we saw Navy Pier, we headed back to the partially painted apartment. We went out for dinner, too. One of Sarah's friends just passed the bar exam, so we tagged along to celebrate. Andrew and I were pretty beat though, so we were a bit lifeless at dinner. Haha, it was miserable to find parking because the pub was in the Wrigleyville area and the Cubs were in town that night. We ended up having another fabulous meal with humongous bacon cheeseburgers (mmm bacon), ran through the rain, and promptly fell asleep.
So, that brings us to Saturday. Again we had to be up and coherent around 7 am. Did I mention how much I enjoy sleep? We went out for breakfast. I got a scone and a muffin (it was way too much food!) and then we grabbed a coffee in Starbucks. I don't drink coffee too often, so I rather enjoyed this one. Before most places were open, Andrew and I were already off exploring again. Today's adventure, the Lincoln Park Zoo!
The Lincoln Park Zoo is pretty small, but it has three attractions I'd recommend. There is a Cat House full of large cats. I like kitties! There is also a primate house with many gorillas. The last one is the Rain forest attraction. Though it may have been way too hot to be comfortable, I love the atmosphere.
Here's a picture of a tiger!
We really spent all day at the zoo. Actually, before we got to the zoo, we stopped at a small conservatory. This picture was taken from the orchid room. If this room weren't so warm, I could have spent all day in there!
We really did spend all day at the zoo. I'm sorry I don't have anything else to say about it.
Anyway, once we left we headed for Lake Michigan. We needed to cross a canal first, then a highway, so we never did. Instead, I fell asleep in a park with a hat (thanks mousecatfish) over my eyes while Andrew kept watch. It felt great to be sleeping in the sun like that. At some point when I was awake, I took another picture of Chicago.
After sampling some deep dish pizza, the 4 of us headed to a Saturday Night, Big Ten, football game. It was Northwestern vs. Ohio State. Northwestern = the nerds, Ohio State = party school. This was overly obvious by the amount of rambunctious(read DRUNK) Ohio State fans. And we were luckily seated, in the middle of an Ohio State section. But hey, I didn't buy the tickets, so I shouldn't complain. I did get to overhear things like, "Northwestern, a 6-hour-away home game," from the Ohio fans. Call: O! H! Answer: I! O! ad nauseaum. Ohio State was picked to win at that; they hadn't lost this game in xx number of years. I'm not a fan, so I'm hazy on the details. Anyway, Northwestern lead for most of the game and the Ohio sections were quite panicked. After halftime we were able to join Sarah in the Northwestern section. And we heard their band play "Hey Baby!" so I was pretty content. So, because Andrew and I were exhausted, the game went into overtime. It was like 12:30 am by this point. And luckily, or skillfully, Norhtwestern won! Thanks for the tickets, Sarah. I may whine, but I did enjoy myself.
Andrew and Sarah at the game.
Andrew, Sarah and I at the game. Thanks for the hat alissabess!
And here is the chaos that ensued!
Now, the most annoying, but most hysterical part of the evening was the trip back after the game. We planned on using the els, but so did every drunken Ohio State fan in existence. And trust me, they weren't happen to be the losing team. We gave up at the closest station, because the wall of people pushing was crazy. The only other time I've felt like this, besides getting into the stadium, was when I went to a McDonald's in Moscow, but I digress. We gave up and headed for the next station south. This one was not as crowded, but it was difficult to get into. The platform was full however. We waited. A drunk drove by a yelled, "We lost to the nerds." Everyone laughed. Train #1 pulled up. People inside the train had to suck in their breath so that they wouldn't fall it. It was packed. Train #2, the same thing happened. And it was a good 30 minutes between trains! But finally we got on to a partially filled train and headed home. Ahhh, boy that was a late night!
Sunday morning, we went to brunch. We had to drag ourselves out of bed, and bed was where I wanted to be. But brunch was worth it! I had a chocolate french toast masterpiece. There were flakes of chocolate and chunks of banana and a creme brulee sauce. *Drool* And because we were so stuffed, we slept the morning away.
Sunday was our last day in Chicago, so Sarah forced Andrew and I awake from our nap. We slept longer than we should have, but we still had time to see more things. We decided to do a bus tour of Chicago. And this is some of what I saw.
I'm not a fan of the Hard Rock Cafe, but I love the placement with the skyscrapers in the back.
The els, or "L"s, mesmerize me. Cruisin' USA anyone?
Whew, you may not be able to tell, but I'm winding my winded story down. That night, we headed to China Town for dinner. MMMM, that was more excellent food.
China Town!
And then we flew home the next morning!
The only thing I would have liked to do was go to the top of one of the skyscrapers. Maybe next time, eh?