Chicago Chronicles: Day Two Shenanigans

Rise and Shine, Chicago Style

Ah, Chicago – the city that never sleeps unless it’s catching some Zs in a comfy bed. After a night of wrestling with the stubborn UK time zone, we finally emerged victorious, well-rested and ready to conquer the Windy City. The morning sun greeted us with a warm embrace as we savored a delightful breakfast on Julie’s rear porch – a meal fit for champions and breakfast enthusiasts alike.

A Bush, a Builder, and a Bit of Sweat

With the day stretching before us like a lazy cat in the sun, Michele decided to indulge in a sunbathing session, while I, being the aspiring landscaper extraordinaire, took on the task of taming a wild bush at the front. The goal? Making life easier for the soon-to-arrive builder set to transform the place. Easy, right? Well, not so much in the clammy heat, but hey, a little sweat never hurt anyone.

Booze Hunt and Pink Gin Triumph

As the temperature rose, so did our adventurous spirits. While Julie pumped iron at the gym, Michele and I embarked on a mission to Binny’s in Downers Grove. Objective: securing the elusive pink gin. Mission accomplished. Michele’s happiness levels skyrocketed, and we were left wondering why all missions couldn’t involve locating the perfect spirit. We even found a bottle of McClearys Irish Cream, maybe some distant connection to our family name of Cleary?

Horsing Around at Shiloh’s Farm

In the afternoon, we set out on a horse-themed escapade to visit Shiloh, Elle’s spirited equine companion at a farm just a horseshoe’s throw away. Elle, the horse whisperer, had Shiloh wrapped around her finger – or rather, her voice. The cheeky horse practically kicked down the stable door, demanding Elle’s attention. He even tried his luck at locksmithing, attempting to open the inner gate with his mouth. Quite the character, that Shiloh.

Naperville Nights: Beer, Stir Fry, and Rooftop Vibes

As the sun dipped below the horizon, we traded the rural charm for the urban buzz, heading to downtown Naperville. Our evening escapade unfolded like a well-scripted play, with distinct acts and unexpected twists.

Act One: Jimmy’s Grill – A Brew with a View

Our first pitstop was Jimmy’s Grill, a local watering hole with a penchant for craft brews. With a beer in hand, we soaked in the atmosphere, surrounded by the comforting hum of IPAs and the clinking of glasses. A perfect prelude to the culinary adventure awaiting us.

Act Two: BD’s Mongolian Grill – DIY Stir Fry Extravaganza

Next on the agenda was BD’s Mongolian Grill, where culinary creativity met self-service mayhem. Armed with a bowl, we roamed a buffet of ingredients, each selecting the building blocks for our custom stir fry. An unconventional choice, but the food? Oh, it danced on our taste buds like a culinary ballet.

Act Three: Santo Cielo – Where Trends Meet Tipples

Our grand finale took us to Santo Cielo, a rooftop terrace bar and grill – the epitome of hip and trendy. Seated at the bar, we sipped on our chosen elixirs. Julie, the Chardonnay aficionado; Michele, unimpressed by a celery-infused gin cocktail; and yours truly, receiving a Mojito sans the frills. A trendy joint, but my beer arrived in a tin – not quite the sophistication I expected. Round two was a hit-and-miss affair for Michele, but Julie stuck with her trusted Chardonnay, while I ventured into Mojito territory once again.

The Uber Chronicles: An Eritrean Refugee’s Tale

Our journey back to Julie’s abode was an Uber-driven odyssey narrated by a chatty Eritrean refugee. A tale of trials, triumphs, and occasional traffic, it added a dash of unexpected storytelling to our night.

Nightcap Chronicles: Ginny’s and the IPA Triumph

Before the curtain fell on our Chicago saga, we made a detour to Ginny’s, where I faced the monumental decision of choosing a nightcap. A local brewery’s award-winning IPA emerged victorious, and as the night wrapped its velvety cloak around us, I savored the triumph of an excellent choice – take a bow, GAC.