Chicago 2018 – Day One: Chicago, Here We Come!
The Exciting Start
Ah, the day we’ve been eagerly awaiting has finally dawned upon us – Chicago, here we come! But before we dive into the bustling streets of the Windy City, let’s rewind a bit.
Preparations and Mishaps
It’s been quite the week, with Michele battling an untimely bout of illness, and me, relinquishing control over the UK engineering applications to my capable colleagues across the pond. And then, the alarm rudely interrupts our slumber at the ungodly hour of 03:00, signalling the commencement of our journey.
Taxi Troubles and Airport Antics
As we stumble groggily to the door, anticipating our 04:00 taxi pickup, a surprising early arrival by one of Conrad’s drivers throws us off our game. Nevertheless, by 03:50, we’re all set to embark on our adventure. The drive to Manchester airport passes in a blur, but the chaos ensues upon arrival at Terminal 1.
We find ourselves first in line at the Aer Lingus desk, patiently awaiting its opening at 05:05. Check-in sails smoothly, but the real drama unfolds at security. Amidst the bustling crowd, we encounter a quintessential ‘jobs-worth’ figure, whose unnecessary rudeness nearly spoils our morning.
Airport Shenanigans and Celeb Sightings
Navigating through security, we encounter a minor hiccup when I’m called back due to an overly packed tray. A futile attempt to reason with the grumpy security officer only adds to the absurdity of the situation.
With security hurdles behind us, Michele wastes no time diving into duty-free shopping, swiftly acquiring her desired perfume and a treat for me – a gesture that earns her some serious brownie points.
As luck would have it, we bump into TV chef Simon Rimmer, albeit with a slight case of amnesia on his part. Nevertheless, a quick reintroduction sparks a pleasant catch-up session, setting a jovial tone for the journey ahead.
Flying High and Immigration Woes
Our first flight to Dublin is a breeze, clocking in at a mere 50 minutes. However, it’s upon landing in Dublin that we encounter our first hiccup. Thanks to last year’s ESTA debacle, I find myself subjected to additional vetting behind the scenes. Michele, unwilling to part ways, stands by my side through it all, proving once again that she’s the ultimate travel companion.
After what feels like an eternity, but realistically lasts no more than 20 minutes, I’m cleared to proceed. Sighing in relief, we resign ourselves to a Guinness-less wait before boarding our flight to Chicago.
Onward Bound to the Windy City
The flight itself is uneventful, save for a lacklustre film selection and surprisingly palatable airline fare. Against all odds, I manage to steal a few moments of shut-eye – a rare feat for someone as perpetually restless as myself.
Touching down in Chicago ahead of schedule, we eagerly retrieve our bags and make our way to the car hire shuttle. With wheels secured, we head straight to Julie’s, our gracious host for the duration of our stay.
Warm Welcomes and Chilled Catch-Ups
Arriving at Julie’s, we find ourselves greeted by warm sunshine and even warmer hospitality. Despite our exhaustion, we manage to summon the energy for a cosy evening of pizza, beer, and heartfelt catch-ups with Julie.
As the clock strikes 21:25, we finally surrender to the exhaustion of a full 24 hours of travel since leaving the UK.
What Awaits Us Tomorrow?
As we bid adieu to the day and settle in for a well-deserved rest, we can’t help but wonder what adventures tomorrow holds in store for us amidst the vibrant streets of Chicago.
