The Adventure Begins!

Finally we've done it, left the UK and neither of us really knows exactly what the future holds for us.
The last week before we left was a strange one, we had massive highs and massive lows.
Luke's grandma Alice was very poorly and on the Thursday before we left she unfortunately passed away, which left everyone devastated, especially Luke, who is so thankful he had such a wonderful Grandma for 25 years, she will be missed dearly.
On the Friday Luke took myself, my mom and his parents out for lunch to say thanks to them to for everything they've done for us, and I had the surprise of my life when Luke asked the question every girl wants to be asked!!
There was no hesitation and I of course said yes!
The following Saturday was our Bon Voyage party which then doubled up as our Engagement party! All our family came and our close friends and we had an absolutely wonderful night! Thank you everyone who came!
So finally on Friday the 31st October we travelled the journey down to London ready for our early morning flight!
During the night there was one sleepless night and lots of tears where I contemplated as to whether we were doing the right thing or whether we should stay because were needed at home. Of course Luke reassured me that everything would be OK and that the only right thing was to go with our dreams and he reminded me that its only ever a day away if we want to return!
Next morning and my slight episode of craziness was forgotten and we are off to the airport and quickly borded onto our BA flight (after 2 diazapam and a huge bag of sweets!)
An hour waiting on the runway and finally we were on our way!

7 hours and 58 minutes later we landed in Chicago!
Our greeting at the airport was my two cousins, now taller than me may I add, and soon we were settled in My auntie Hazel's house drinking champagne and having a BBQ!
The week so far has consisted of acting the complete opposite to a backpacker (I believe the term is Flashpacker) and living in absolute luxury, which will be sorely missed when we get down to the "REAL" backpacking next week!
The first morning was a walk to Starbucks which was followed with a day of shopping for me and a trip to see the Chicago Bears for Luke.
The following days have been amazing, we've spent time at various shoppings malls and diners and have some lovely days.
Also we were here for a piece of history on Tuesday when the election was on, so we sat at home and we cheered on Obama (in his hometown) as his score went up and he was elected as the next presdient of America! It felt like we were watching Pop idol, only slightly more important! But it was a happy occasion for everyone here and we love Obama!!
Yesterday we decided to take the train into Chicago city. This was a wonderful day and we did the whole tourist open top bus tour seeing all the sights and being proper tourists.
After the bus tour we went up Sears tower for the most amazing views of Chicago then Luke made me walk 22 blocks to look for some shoes he wanted, which I got slightly mardy about (especially when they didn't even stock them), and then we saw the city at night! We both love the place!!!
Finally we borded the train home (or so we thought) until 15 minutes later the conductor told us we'd borded the wrong train and we were basically stuck in a place called Downers Fall! Thank you Uncle Rod for rescuing us and saving the day!
Today consisted of more shopping and tonight we went real bowling then for a meal! The funniest thing was Luke getting asked for ID and him not having any, therefore he was unable to drink - gutted!!
So we've a few more days here doing the whole luxury thing before we head off to Mexico, so we will enjoy the rest of our american adventure and update then!

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