Chicago 2014 – Day Six
Ah, the Windy City. Can you believe it’s already been a week since I hung up my work shoes and embraced the sweet, slow pace of holiday life? Time feels like it’s been stretching on forever – not that I’m complaining! Although, I do reckon it must feel even longer for my dear cousin Julie, who’s graciously hosted us for six days now. Poor Julie, putting up with our chaos – she deserves a medal.
Waiting for Lewis – The Real Test of Patience
Now, let me tell you something. Gents who whinge about waiting for their wives or girlfriends to get ready really ought to meet my middle son, Lewis. If you think your partner takes ages to primp and preen, Lewis will make you reconsider. This morning we found ourselves twiddling our thumbs, and again in the evening, while he showered and dressed. I swear he must be secretly entering some kind of grooming competition. Note to self: find a way to speed him up tomorrow. Maybe a timer?
The Parking Fine Fiasco
First order of business today: paying off my parking fine. I’d parked in Lisle, where we’re staying, and it seems I broke some obscure ordinance. Naturally, I had a moan about it at Lisle City Hall, but the clerk wasn’t having any of it. Just my luck. They happily took my $20, and off I went, slightly lighter in the wallet. Consider it a contribution to the local economy.
Back to Chicago – Shopping and Secrets
Today’s grand plan involved a jaunt back into the heart of Chicago for a bit of shopping and a little sightseeing. Well, I say sightseeing, but the main event was an architectural river cruise. Of course, I tried to keep that detail under wraps from the kids, but alas, they’re clever little things and sussed me out.
Before we could set sail, we stumbled across the Radisson Blu hotel – the very same chain Lewis works for. Well, that was it; Lewis just had to pop in for a look. The concierge was lovely and let us have a good nosey around. Lewis was suitably impressed. It’s a rather grander affair than the one back home in Manchester, and he was kicking himself for not bringing his staff card. The perks of the job, eh?
The Radisson Blu – A Marvelous Sight
Now, the Radisson Blu isn’t just any old building. Oh no, this one has wave-style balconies, a proper architectural statement if you ask me. A quick peek inside confirmed it’s all very swanky, the kind of place you’d feel fancy just walking through the door.
All Aboard the River Cruise
At last, it was time for our much-anticipated river cruise, setting off from Navy Pier. The cruise was a 75-minute affair, and we were lucky to have a rather well-informed guide. This lad kept up a running commentary for the full duration, regaling us with tales of Chicago’s architectural history. Much like Susan had done the other day on our walking tour, but this time from the comfort of a boat.
Reflections and Cityscapes
One of the best parts of the cruise was seeing the reflections of the cityscape on the river. The glass windows of the skyscrapers reflected the buildings on the opposite bank in a way that was simply mesmerising. Chicago’s skyline really knows how to show off.
Even Josh, who normally takes a back seat with these things, seemed to be enjoying himself. I caught him grinning ear to ear – not bad for a teenager! We’ve seen so many impressive buildings, but I think my absolute favourite has to be the Carbide and Carbon Building. It’s got this gorgeous green and gold detailing that’s hard to beat. If I had to pick a winner, that would be it.
Magnificent Mile – Shop ’Til You Drop?
After our river adventure, it was time to hit the shops on Michigan Avenue, better known as the Magnificent Mile. It’s a shopper’s paradise, or a wallet’s worst nightmare, depending on your perspective. We were on the hunt for a bargain or two, though in Chicago, ‘bargain’ is a bit of a relative term.
Lewis wasted no time parting with his cash. First stop: Bloomingdale’s, where he snagged a fancy new knife for work and saved himself a tidy £140 in the process. Not a bad haul! Next, he couldn’t resist a trip to Nike, coming away with two pairs of trainers and more savings. I reckon he’s single-handedly keeping the Chicago economy afloat at this point.
Chicago’s Famous Hotdogs – A Culinary Pit Stop
No trip to Chicago would be complete without indulging in one of its famed hotdogs. So, naturally, we made a pit stop at Portillo’s. Now, Michele and I aren’t huge hotdog fans, but we thought we’d give it a go for the sake of tradition. I have to admit, they were much better than the ones you get back home in the UK. Still, I won’t be writing home about them.
Tech Heaven – The Apple Store
Next up, the boys had their hearts set on a visit to the Apple Store. Both of them ended up treating themselves to shiny new iPad minis. Michele toyed with the idea of getting herself a new iPad as well but resisted the temptation. Mind you, I wouldn’t be surprised if she pops back before we leave – I’ve seen that look in her eyes before!
Dinner at the White Chocolate Grill
With our bags full and our feet aching, we hopped back on the ‘L’ (Chicago’s version of the tube) and headed back to Forest Park, where we’d left the car. Julie was waiting for us, and we were off to dinner at the White Chocolate Grill in Naperville. Julie, bless her, treated us, and I must say, it was a cracking choice of restaurant. The food was spot on.
That said, Lewis wasn’t too impressed with his steak – it came overcooked. Now, you have to understand, Lewis is a chef, so he’s a bit of a steak snob. The poor waiter got an earful, but to be fair, Lewis had warned him. Needless to say, the steak went back, and they sorted it out.
Off to Dreamland – Big Day Tomorrow!
By the time we got back, I was absolutely knackered. It was 23:37 when I finally crawled into bed, and let me tell you, I need my beauty sleep. Tomorrow’s a big day – we’re off to Wrigley Field to watch the Cubs play the Rays. I’m really looking forward to it, but for now, I’m off to the land of nod.
