Do not stay at Arlington House Hostel

---

---

Arrived in Chicago yesterday (Sunday) after an 8 hour bus journey with high hopes about the city. Had to get the tube to near to our hostel and walk three blocks in intense heat with all our stuff.

It was not worth it, the hostel is the worst we have ever been to. The first room was dirty and a single and when claire went to complain they were really rude and tried to make it out that we were at fault for complaining. We finally got a room and this was simply minging and its not cheap to stay here either. In addition, the facilities are poor for the number of people staying at the place it just seems to be a last resort bunk when the rest of the places are booked up.

Chicago seems really good though but the heat has stopped us seeing much of it so far, we set out this morning and just couldn't face a day walking around. So we went to the beach on the Lake. Yes the beach they have created little supervised beaches on the shores of the lake with white sand etc. it ain't exactly paradise with the freeway behind you but its great to cool off in this heat.

20 / 7/ 2006

Have now moved thankfully to a different hostel which is much nicer, which isn't hard. Now in downtown Chicago right in the city centre. Weather has broken and its been raining quite a bit with impressive thunderstorms.

Chicago is a very good place to visit although like New York it is quite pricey, we have done a few attractions like the aquarium and a few museums but are now completely sick of museums for a little while anyway. Went to the observatory deck in the John Hancock Building which is on the 96th Floor and about 1000 feet up. I hope to attach some photos as soon as I get chance.

Spent a couple of nights on navy pier where you can listen to live music and watch the chicago skyline with a beer. Life is hard.

---

Photos

Chicago (again)
Chicago at night

Harbour
Chicago Harbour and Skyline

Chicago Beach
One of the Chicago Beaches from the John Hancock Observatory

Lincoln Park
Lincoln park as seen from the observatory, its the green area (obviously!)

Claire
Claire in the Observatory with Lake Michigan backdrop, yes its a lake not the sea!

Downtown
Downtown chicago from the observatory

US
Us again, right under sears tower, the second biggest building in the world

Comments

[mam]

hi
glad you are staying somewhere cleaneri am inpressed up to now with all the photos love you lots read you very soon

[stu]

will barrow skyline match chicago?
wow, tried to spot you on the harbour pic, barrow's a long way to go till its like that