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Published: December 12th 2014
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Jet lag is starting to hit home today. Geoff has a sore throat and we are both extremely tired...but still the day goes on.
We did a bit of morning shopping picking up cold/flu tablets and few essential winter clothing pieces before heading off to a Weight Watchers meeting at La salle Street. Being a WW leader myself I was keen to see how it operates from this side of the world! We were welcomed with open arms by the staff - we enjoyed the 30 minute meeting and purchased a few snack products to take in our upcoming Amtrak journey...going to places like a local is what we live about being independent travellers.
Next we headed to the Hancock Centre where we caught the elevator to the 96th floor - signature lounge - here we enjoyed a drink and a light lunch. The lounge has magnificent views of Chicago and Lake Michigan...insider tip - best photos are taken from inside the ladies restroom! Beers are $8.50 each and we shared a New York sandwich at $17. It was warm as toast in the lounge and after having a beer we certainly felt very sleepy.
We decided to
walk from the Hancock Centre down to the Navy Pier. It was quite a long walk and we quickly woke up once that cold air hit our faces. Our walk took us along the "magnificent mile" which is full of high end fashion stores, hotels and restaurants.
The Navy Pier has a holiday winter wonderfest on during December/Januar. At the Pier we saw a Garretts popcorn store so we sampled some of the holiday mix - wow it was so moorish - popcorn Covered in a Smooth and creamy white chocolate, covered CaramelCrisp and Gingerbread CaramelCrisp.
Garretts Popcorn stores have been a Chicago tradition since 1949. Ingredients are sourced from local producers and the gourmet popcorn is handcrafted in old fashioned copper kettles. Their year round menu also includes Plain, Buttery, Cashew CaramelCrisp, Almond CaramelCrisp, Pecan CaramelCrisp and Macadamia CaramelCrisp.Keep an eye out for our seasonal flavors from time to time as well.
The winter wonderfest is mostly for children and includes an ice skating rink and lots of rides. We watched from the outside but didn't bother going in for any rides.
Again the sun set early and the city seems so dark at 4.30pm.
We caught a bus home to our hotel and enjoyed the buffet dinner provided by the hotel. Tonight was stuffed capsicums, green beans, fresh warm bread rolls and garden salad. Beer and wine also complimentary. Cookies are there for dessert as well.
Back home this time of year everyone says Merry Xmas but here in the USA the terminology is Happy Holidays. Haven't heard one person say Merry Xmas! Its the reason we love to travel - always learning - always growing.
Tonight will be an early night - need to catch up on sleep!
Tomorrow we will be heading off on the "California Zephyr" on a two day journey to Sacramento - there we will change trains and head on up to Seattle.
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Monique in Motion
Monique Nelson
Great Photo
Geoff and Judy, I love your photo of the Chicago skyline; the 45-degree-angle shadows are particularly intriguing. I also loved your comment: "always learning - always growing." Isn't that what we try to do as human beings? Best, Monique