Chicago 2014 – Day Thirteen

An Excursion to Naperville

Today, we ventured out to the charming town of Naperville, just a short jaunt up the road from Julie’s house. Naperville, by all appearances, is a mid-sized town with a quaint river meandering through its centre. It’s the kind of place that seems to have leapt straight out of a storybook, with a pace as leisurely as a Sunday morning lie-in.

A Stroll Through Town

Naperville’s shops were a familiar sight, not unlike what you’d find back in the UK. Michele and Josh were thrilled to spot an Apple store in town, which, naturally, we had to pop into for a look-see. Honestly, it baffles me why, as they all look the same, don’t they?

Once again, our delightful British accents drew attention. We were stopped by three people who simply adored our English charm and would have chatted with us all day if we’d let them.

A Refreshing Pause

We decided to take a break and indulge in some light refreshments. I treated myself to a delightful IPA from Two Brothers Brewing Co, which had a lovely grapefruit aftertaste. I must say, I was quite chuffed with it.

One thing that struck me as odd, though, was how water seems to be served with absolutely everything here!

Discovering Local Quirks

As we wandered back to the car, we stumbled upon a statue of Dick Tracy, the iconic cartoon hero. Quite the unexpected find!

Elle, ever the fashionista, found some street furniture to rest on. I wouldn’t be surprised if she ended up on the cover of a fashion magazine one day! Not to be outdone, she then struck a pose by a water feature, looking as mad as a box of frogs, but an absolute joy to be around.

Dining with Friends

This evening, we dined with Julie’s friend Teresa at Clara’s. Oh, what a feast! More food than we could possibly eat, resulting in yet more carry-out bags. But goodness me, the food was divine. If you ever find yourself in the area, Clara’s is an absolute must-visit.

A Thrilling Drive

To top off the night, I had the pleasure of taking Julie’s Porsche Panamera 4 for a spin. What a fantastic little car – quick, nimble, and a delight to drive. All in all, a splendid end to a delightful day.