Chicago 2016 – Day Five: Chicago Unleashed
The Day of Payback
Today was all about sweet, sweet payback. After being a good sport and dutifully accompanying Michele on her marathon shopping sprees, it was finally my turn to enjoy the city. Yes, folks, I was let loose in Chicago!
We set off just after 10:00 am, skipping breakfast in favour of catching the train from Lisle to Union Station. The journey was a straightforward, comfy 50-minute ride that delivered us right into the heart of the Windy City. The weather was warm enough, but the sky was sulking under a blanket of clouds. As we pulled into Union Station, it became clear that today’s sightseeing would be more of a “heightseeing” affair, with the skyscrapers playing hide and seek in the mist. Oh well, can’t have it all, can you?
Brunch and the Bean
Emerging from the station, our first mission was to find food. A charming little deli called Cosi caught our eye, and we popped in for a well-needed brunch. Properly refuelled and ready to take on the city, we made our way over to Millennium Park. The famous ‘Bean’ was there, of course, but the low-hanging clouds put a bit of a damper on the usual stunning backdrop of towering skyscrapers. Let’s just say, it wasn’t quite the iconic Chicago view I’d hoped for. Still, there’s something magical about the ‘Bean’ even when it’s shrouded in mist – or at least that’s what I told myself.
Michigan Avenue Madness
From Millennium Park, we ambled over to Michigan Avenue. Now, you know what that means… Yes, you guessed it: more shopping. We hit the Nike store first, followed by a visit to the Water Tower Place mall. All seven floors of it. I kid you not. Macy’s was also on the agenda, because why stop at just one retail behemoth when you can visit two? By the time we were done, it was mid-afternoon, and my wallet was considerably lighter.
Pints and Patter at Timothy O’Toole’s
Shopping done, we sauntered back up the Magnificent Mile and decided it was high time for a proper Chicago pub experience. A helpful hotel concierge pointed us in the direction of Timothy O’Toole’s Pub, and off we went. Three pints of Chicago’s finest IPA later, and I was a happy man. Michele, not to be outdone, indulged in a few cocktails herself. We had a grand old time chatting with a bloke who worked for Lendlease and the barman, who, to my surprise, was a big fan of the Manchester music scene. He was well-versed in The Stone Roses, Oasis, Happy Mondays, and even the legendary Hacienda! Small world, isn’t it?
The Pizza That Defeated Us
As the evening rolled on, our thoughts turned to food – again. Michele had heard that Giordano’s was the place to go for the best pizza in Chicago, so naturally, that’s where we headed. We ordered a deep-dish pizza, which, in hindsight, was a tad ambitious. Six enormous slices arrived at our table. I managed to conquer just one, while Michele valiantly took on two. The remaining three slices were boxed up and taken back with us – our appetites well and truly beaten into submission.
The Journey Home
With our pizza in tow, we made our way back to Union Station for the return trip to Lisle. We had been assured by the hotel that taxis would be plentiful upon our arrival. Well, that turned out to be a right laugh. There wasn’t a single cab in sight! After a frustrating wait and several unanswered calls to the Hilton Lisle, we finally managed to secure a taxi. No thanks to the hotel, I might add. Not exactly the five-star service we were hoping for.
Nightcap Grumbles
Back at the hotel, we settled into the bar for a nightcap. Unfortunately, our evening was somewhat marred by a group of loud, self-opinionated Americans who seemed intent on talking utter nonsense. The kind of conversation that makes you roll your eyes and wonder why you didn’t just retire to your room with a good book instead.
And with that, dear readers, I bid you good night from a day that was equal parts shopping torture and Chicago indulgence. Until tomorrow!
