A couple weeks ago the husband and I went to Chicago with one of our best friends. One of my new favorite cities and another destination checked off my list. Although one that I definitely plan to revisit many times in the future. As usual I did not take nearly enough photos, but I've come to the realization that for me this means I'm so completely in the moment and soaking everything and just being present, which is always my goal when I travel. We were only in the city for one night, and we started planning a bit late in the game. When it came down to the wire and all the hotels were booked or outrageous, we decided to throw caution to the wind. Our plane didn't arrive until 10:30 which means we didn't actually get into the city until nearly midnight, so we rented a locker at Union Station ($12 for 24 hours and it fit ALL of our luggage) and decided to spend all night conquering this foreign city. It was an adventure I will never forget.
Let me say, Chicago is probably the cleanest city I have ever seen, rivaled maybe only by London, and felt completely safe. Their public transportation is AMAZING, maybe even more convenient than the underground? This is undeniably a metropolitan city, home to what was once the tallest building in the world, yet it felt small in scale, and easy to get around and see everything.
Upon our arrival we met a friend of our friend at a great college-y bar called Mother's Too. Beer pong table and steady stream of fun music (including the ghostbusters theme song). After last call we hit up what seemed to be a popular hole in the wall eatery, no tables only a line formed at the counter where they offered burgers, dogs, greek and mexican food. We then made our way to a 24-hour diner (White Palace) where we could hang out away from the cold wind (windy city, hello!). Of course we had to order breakfast even though we had just eaten, we felt bad sitting there for 2 hours and only drinking coffee. It was unfortunate that we weren't hungry, the food was amazing.
By now it was 5 AM, time to head toward Navy Pier at Lake Michigan. Of course by the time we got there it was still about an hour before sunrise and it was even colder being by the water. So we wandered a few blocks to an open Starbucks. We sat in the warmth (and super cozy chairs!) combatting the oncoming sleepiness with coffee, we still had a full day of exploring ahead of us! Our goal was to re-create Ferris Bueller's Day Off, unfortunately the Cubs weren't playing and there was no parade. But next we made our way back to Navy Pier for the beautiful sunrise:
Next up, Milennium Park. Visited the big reflective bean sculpture thing (technical terms), 7 AM is best time to go, there were literally 3 other people there. Usually the tourist photos I see have hundreds of people around. The City is so beautiful from that view point.
After wandering around Milennium Park, catching a glimpse at soldier field, we wandered all over the city. Took the metro to Wrigley Field. Then on to Sears (Willis) Tower. As an engineer, I have a deep fascination and appreciation for skyscrapers. Going to the 103rd floor at Sears is the tallest point I've been (besides being in an airplane). Taller than the Eiffel Tower or Empire State Building. (and yes Bernardo and I leaned our heads against the glass just like in Ferris Bueller). Such an amazing view:
Sears Tower has these very cool (super thick and reinforced) plexiglass boxes called the Ledge at Skydeck. You can literally step out over the streets below. I was super excited to do this, but taking that first step out made my heart race a little!
Woohoo!
After this we hit up the Art Institute of Chicago. Loved the impressionist paintings, they really are so much more impressive up close. Then we just had to partake of some deep dish pizza before making our way to Union Station toward our next destination.
They're by The Heads of State. It sounds like they will be expanding the store, but for now they feature: Chicago, Phoenix, Seattle, San Francisco, Philadelphia, New York City, Washington D.C. and Miami. It kind of makes me sad that out of all those great cities I've only spent a significant amount of time in one (SF), drove through another (Seattle) and had a couple layovers in a third (Phoenix).
I just discovered the most glorious travel idea. The California Zephyr. A train route between San Francisco and Chicago run by Amtrak. This journey takes 51 hours, covers almost 2500 miles and has been departing daily since 1909. Heavenly! It is said to be the most beautiful and scenic train trip on the continent. You get to cross the Great Plains, the Mississippi, The continental divide, the Rockies and the Sierra Nevadas.
Read more in this particularly eloquent post from someone who has experienced the magic firsthand.
i've written about paris a couple times. and how much i desire to go back and maybe do things differently. but thanks to one new blog, i might not have to even leave my zip code to take part in the french way of life. YSL has launched a new fragrance called "Parisienne". In a creative marketing strategy, they hired 5 established bloggers to travel to 5 different U.S. cities and write a travel diary entitled "Experience PARISIENNE". The goal is to seek out little bits of Paris in places like Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York and San Francisco. Whether it be restaurants, boutiques or well-dressed people, each lady presents unique insight and a keen eye for what it means to live like the french. (coolest job assignment EVER! so jealous!)
*This post, written by the lovely miss joanna goddard is about trying a french cheese that is served best with champagne. How incredibly elegant, and so french! must try. (photos by max wanger)
I'm super excited to check out some fabulous french neighborhoods and eateries in Los Angeles, and add sites from the other locations to my travel wish list.
