Blogs from Chicago, Illinois, United States, North America - page 67

Chicago... Chicago... was not at all what any of us expected. For one, the city seems so clean! It is so shinny and city like yet there are so many trees and parks and I know we didn't find every area there was to find... but we did a pretty good job at seeing as much as we could. When we first landed we did a river boat tour which was really interesting to learn about the architecture and just see the city. We then did a lot of walking and found some cool parks, the lake, and lake/beach, and a few universities. We saw Lookinglass Alice at the Lookinglass Theatre and it was FANTASTIC! Think alice in wonderland mixed with cirque d' sole and an acid trip. I must be honest and say I didn't ... read more

What's hot: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame What's also hot: Cleveland is a hoppin' place. What's not: Gary, Indiana and the traffic jams in and around Chicago Travel lesson of the day: When living from suitcases, get a first floor room. from Kathy: Growing up in Pittsburgh, I always heard the nastiest stuff about Cleveland. (We won't mention what they said about Pittsburgh.) After this visit, JJ gave Cleveland his seal of approval and so did I. I have never been here before and I was impressed by the quality and extent of renewal. The city center, with science center, rock hall of fame, stadiums, skyscrapers, gardens and public spaces--all very well put together, and easy to drive. Besides, gas prices on the city outskirts were almost $1 per gallon less than Connecticut. The ... read more

Today we leave. The last landmark touristy thing to do on the agenda is to visit the Sears Tower. I know it is called the Willis Tower but that just makes me want to know what you are talking about. We get packed and took our bags down to the bellstand to have them held until it is time to catch the Mega-Bus back to Cincy and then finish our drive home. It was under a mile to the tower from the hotel so we decided to walk. Arriving there we paid for our tickets and waited in the line while watching a video about the history of the tower. Eventually we were loaded into a very large elevator and rode up to the top floor. The view is amazing, if you have never done this, ... read more

Day 2 dawns, and dawns, and dawns. Speck awoke early and read a book, grabbed breakfast, indulged his dirty and disgusting habit (I really have to quit smoking) and finally not being able to stand it anymore, woke Angela up so that the day could begin. After getting ready and purchasing tickets for the Museum of Science and Industry (a truly incredible place) and getting bus directions from Cynthia (who is wonderful, if I had a front desk staffed with people like her I could have the highest SALT scores of all time) we headed out to see what could be seen. We hop on the 62? bus that takes us to the museum. A wanna-be comedian boards a few stops later and starts his shtick. Every one looks like an actor or actress, Speck looks ... read more

We are here! After running into Union Station to use the facilities we start hoofing it to the hotel, anticipating dropping off the bags and then going to find some place for breakfast. Daryl, the bellman at the hotel has other plans, he calls up to the front desk and within 15 minutes we are checked in. At 7 am. That was awesome! After a few hours of sleep we head outside to see what we can see. And what do you know, Jersey Boys has seats available, limited view but it is a good limited view, and $25 dollars a ticket... we had to do it. With an hour to burn before showtime we were starving and with being on vacation I am off the diet, lead me to the trough! But apparently the theatre ... read more