Sweet Home Chicago

Flying into O'Hare we got our first sense of how big Lake Michigan is. It wasn't the last!

Chicago was a great city to visit, and we managed to fit in a lot during our three days/four nights there. Again, we had got a deal at one of the nicer hotels, this one in their Gold Coast area just north of downtown. We sought out a deep dish pizza place for dinner – apparently the thing to try of Chicago. Only this type makes sense when you talk about a pizza-pie! We also headed up to the bar on the 96^th floor of the Hancock building, where we got great views over Chicago while trying our first (and not last) local beer, 'Goose Island'. The city is a grid of golden glow from that high up, and the lake a black void. Was an extraordinary view.

Day One we headed into the main part of town and wandered around a few sights – being Veterans Day it was sometimes a gamble what was open. We had a look around Millennium and Grant Parks (where Obama gave his victory speech), and some of the amazing architecture in the city. That night we went to Second City. This is an improv comedy place that has been running for about 50 years now, and produced many comedians such as Bill Murray, Mike Myers, Tina Fey and Steve Carell. After the revue show they then invite the audience to stick around for a further session, where they try out some new scripts and play some improv games. Was very clever and VERY funny.

Day Two we hired some bikes and cycled along the shore track next to Lake Michigan. Again we were very lucky with weather, as although it was famously windy, we managed to avoid the kind of cold weather they usually have at this time of year. We headed south to pass by Soldier Field towards Hyde Park, cycled past the top of Obama's street (now completely blocked off with security and barricades!) and back around to the lake through the gardens where they had held their historic world fairs. After dropping back our bikes and some lunch, we jumped on one of the above ground trains (the L) to the Sears tower (oops – Willis Tower now). Again, some great views to be had from this point, and a little terrifying with their addition of four glass pods which sit outside of the building. Joe didn't find standing on these too challenging, but it took Em a while to put one foot out onto the glass! We also headed over to the Art Institute (for their free evening) and had a quick look around some of their huge collection. (At this stage it did occur that we were picking up parts of Ferris Bueller's Day Off – just in need of a large street parade!) After some dinner (and a rest!) we went to a Blues bar, unfortunately filled mainly with tourists and drunken office workers, but we got to experience a bit of the Chicago blues sound over a few more Goose beers.

Day Three we slowed the pace a little and enjoyed breakfast in our hotel's famous restaurant called the Pump Room. Apparently it was the place to be seen in its heyday. We then headed north into Lincoln Park for the Chicago History Museum, and then to their free zoo. A bit of a rest afterwards back at the hotel, before we headed over to United Center for a game of ice hockey. Chicago Blackhawks were playing Toronto Maple Leafs and it felt more spectacle than sport at times. We only managed some standing room tickets, but it was still a great view over the stadium. Chicago won 3-2, and we had the requisite fight and all the slams into the walls. The lead up was almost gladiatorial, and the crowd cheered the entire way through the anthem, it was all very surreal.

And then the next morning, back to the airport to fly to Vegas. And now back up to date. Hopefully will have the chance to post again at least once before we fly home next Sunday night.