Chicago 2014 – Day Seventeen
Well, here we are, chums. Our final full day in Chicago! Tomorrow (Tuesday) will be all about packing our bags and catching our flight home to the UK. We’re set to jet off from O’Hare at 15:45, heading to Dublin, and after a brief pit stop, we’ll hop over to Manchester. We’re due to touch down back in Blighty in the wee hours of Wednesday morning.
A Warm Welcome
Julie, Chris, and the unforgettable Elle have been absolute stars, making us feel right at home. We’ve all got on famously, with barely a squabble in sight, though Lewis and Chris have indulged in a bit of playful silliness.
Today, Michele, Josh, Elle, and I ventured back into Chicago to squeeze the last drops of fun from our pre-booked excursions. Meanwhile, Julie returned to work, and Chris and Lewis enjoyed a bit of a lie-in.
Searching for Fire House 51
Our first mission of the day: tracking down Fire House 51 from the TV series “Chicago Fire.” After a bit of a hunt, we finally found it nestled in Little Italy, a charming suburb of Chicago. The Fire House is an active station, home to Squad 18. Michele was a tad miffed that the actors weren’t hanging around, but she enjoyed the visit nonetheless.
A Cloudy Start and a Dizzy Spin
The morning greeted us with dull skies and low clouds, so we postponed our trip to the Hancock Tower, hoping for clearer weather later.
We parked at Navy Pier and made a beeline for the fun fair. The Ferris wheel was decent enough, but I foolishly tried the tall swing merry-go-round. Big mistake! I ended up feeling queasy with a headache that stuck around all day. Despite my queasiness, we all had a blast with the crazy golf—though I must admit, I emerged victorious!
Sunshine and Stunning Views
Luck was on our side, and the weather brightened up, bathing us in glorious sunshine and clear skies. After a leisurely lunch, we headed to the Hancock Tower. It may be a tad shorter than the Willis Tower, but it’s no less impressive. The panoramic views over the city and the lake were breathtaking—a perfect grand finale to our Chicago adventure.
A Daring Tilt
Feeling adventurous, we splurged on an upgrade to try the “Tilt” experience. Imagine standing against glass windows that tilt you out 30 degrees over the city! Elle chickened out and became our camerawoman, Michele couldn’t handle it and shut her eyes tight, but Josh and I had a proper laugh.
One Last Round
We couldn’t resist another go at crazy golf before heading home for our final evening. Naturally, I won again. Back home, we spent our last night catching up with my cousin, soaking in the final moments of our fantastic family holiday.
Homeward Bound
As we prepare for our journey back to the UK, we reflect on the wonderful memories made and the delightful experiences shared. Chicago has treated us well, and though we’re sad to leave, we’re also looking forward to our next adventure.
