Blogs from Chicago, Illinois, United States, North America - page 5

The Welcome Inn Manor Bed & Breakfast Michigan Ave, Chicago…. The following morning I must have woken about 6:30am. We were scheduled to arrive in Chicago at 8:45am so I decided to get freshened up and get some coffee. It was a going to be a bright beautiful day not a cloud insight and from what the conductors revealed that the temperature was going up to about 90! As the train pulled into the station I gathered my things and said goodbye to Cecilia and made my way down the stairs of the double decker, picked up my luggage from baggage claim train and walked about into the city of Chitown solo and “virgin” sort of speak to the second city! I decided to take a cab from the train station over to the bed and ... read more

Slightly better sleep! Today we awoke to a slightly hazy view of lake Michigan. However, it was a good relaxed morning enjoying the luxury of the Parlour suite. We headed out to find the start of Route 66 sign.! Fortunately it's located very near a good bar we found yesterday. So loaded with wings and beer, headed up to the John Hancock Observatory for a panoramic view. We headed onto the (free) Chicago zoo, before heading off for the beginning of what is to be, the Route 66 adventure! Finally made it to Springfield at 0100. America is big.... read more

We spent the first evening on Navy Pier, sampling Pinot grigio and goose island IPA (drunk out of red cups!). A couple of Chicago Viennese style hot dogs later, we settled in to watch the fireworks. Not as good as the National Championships back home, but the venue and cityscape backdrop were more than enough to compensate. Also spotted during this time were: A morbidly obese person on a mobility scooter. A loud Texan. Families, groups and couples in matching outfits. Spontaneous dance routines and family ball games. Suffice to say, America is pretty awesome so far (and not dissimilar to the movies).... read more

Made it to Heathrow on time for pre-flight champagne and oysters! Then got to Chicago in one piece and have an awesome view from the Hilton, overlooking Lake Michigan. Got flogged an upgrade on the car so now driving a Chrysler 300! It's even got arear view video camera for reversing! Got a free upgrade on our room too! Nipped out for a quick bite to eat, having a snooze, then out tonight for some fireworks on Navy pier.... read more

There was always something about the city of Chicago, which always seemed to have interest me. I know all my life I always had been obsessed with the 1920’s and 30’s era. I was fascinated by the history of prohibition and the times of The Untouchables and excitement of the Blues and Jazz age. I love how it was a time when woman rebelled and went against their modern day rules by cutting their hair short and started being daring by wearing red lipstick and darkened their eyes by using Vaseline and cigarette ashes. I was always drawn to the fashion trends of those decades as well as the art deco type furniture that once furnished Chicago’s five star luxury hotels and homes. I was always drawn to the exquisite architecture of the Queen Ann style ... read more