Chicago, Part II

Sorry for such a delay in posting the second part of our Chicago trip.  It is hard to narrow down 1600 pics to your favorites.  Without further adieu...


Monday:  We ventured out on our own.  Jessica had to go to work, so Brian and I hit up the "L" all by ourselves.  Let me tell ya, public transportation there works well, really well.  Besides some dirtiness and a few "crazies", the train system will get you within a few blocks of where you need to go.  I'll say it was definitely worth the $23 per person for a week for the amount we used the trains and buses.  One of the best deals we got while we were there.

Monday, the weather was beautiful.  Still bundled up cuz I can't stand being cold, Brian and I had scheduled a SEGWAY TOUR.  Awesome, I know.  Check out how cool I looked.

So we zipped all around Chicago... from Grant Park to Buckingham Fountain, by all of the museums to a beach, circled Soldier Field (where da Bears play), saw some statues... and all at about 12 miles per hour.  It was AWESOME!  I was so dissapointed when it was over and I actually had to use my legs to ambulate.  I wish I had a segway at all times.

Infront of Buckingham Fountain.

We look so good on Segways :)

We then headed to see Cloud Gate, AKA the silver bean. 

You may have seen it on tourism ads.

Seeing Double Me :)

From here we headed over to the John Hancock Observatory...

Waaaayyyy up there.

We saw beautiful views

Brian may have found a new hobby.

 Navy Pier

Downtown Chicago... you can see Trump and Willis Towers.

Tuesday:  We went to the Shedd Aquarium.  We saw lots of awesome fish... like these.

Our traditional 3D Glasses picture

 

 

The Jellies Exhibit made for some great pictures.

 

From the Shedd Aquarium we headed to Willis Tower... formerly known as Sears Tower.  On the top floor we were able to see some amazing views of the city.

 

The best views are from upside down.

Skydeck at Willis Tower

 

 

For dinner that night we met up with Jessica again for dinner at O'Brien's

 and then off to Second City...

an awesome improve comedy club that is famous in Chicago for a lot of

Saturday Night Live stars.

We are classy... I know :)

This sign was right at the train stop for our hotel.

Wednesday: Field Museum, Art Institute, Socca for dinner, and Blue Man Group at Briar Street Theater

 Meet Sue

He (yes, Sue is a He) is the most complete T-Rex ever discovered so far.

Watch Out Brian!  T-Rex's bite!

Another 3D movie

 We met this little guy waiting for the bus to head to the Art Institute.

Art Institute

These may look familiar...

They call this art???

We don't get it... metal pipe with a cord attached, stick in a corner,

and material tacked to the wall...

is all supposed to be art????

That night Brian and I had date night at Socca for dinner and then the Blue Man Group at Briar Street Theater.  This guy left a blue hand print on the back of my jacket... not cool.  (But it did wash out)

Thursday: Lincoln Park Zoo, Pizano's Pizza and Pasta for lunch, Navy Pier,

Frasca for dinner

This Polar Bear was our favorite thing of the entire trip so he (or she) deserves

his own post soon to follow.

Check out those claws...

Yes, that giraffe is licking the tree.  It is true... they have black tongues.

Don't worry, this pigeon isn't injured... he is called a bleeding heart pigeon hence the red coloring on his chest.

This is only the fastest mammal on earth.

Shout out to my Cougar friends and fam!

 Strolling around Lincoln Park on a Beautiful Day :)

We had dinner that night at Frasca with Reina and her fiance, Calvin. 

It was so fun to see them!



To wrap things up: Pictures of our hotel... Hotel 71 right on the Chicago River

with great views.

We heard the top floor is where Dark Knight was filmed (Batman's loft).

The view from our room.

Back on the train again headed to the airport.  We had such a wonderful time in Chicago.  It was awesome to see old friends and learn all about the wonderful city.  I knew nothing about Chicago before we planned this trip and I am so fortunate to have visited.  The city is so full of culture, interesting people, and authenticity that makes it so unique.