Chicago Part 2

After spending a few minutes oohing and awing over the Buckingham Fountain we headed once more toward water, searching for the Navy Pier.  Although it was well past 6 PM the heat of the day was still upon us and we were weary from both the heat and our travel so we happily settled ourselves into the first sidewalk cafe we came upon.  Our plan was to have a quick drink and then continue our search.  However a pretty young girl was singing the blues while accompanied by a ragged looking jazz band and people around us seemed to really be enjoying the food offered there so..... what the heck, why not indulge?  We ordered something with "rainbow" in the name because another couple were eating it and seemed quite delighted with their choice plus I love trying new foods whenever I go out.  The waiter brought us a large plate of different fish carefully rolled around rice and something else I couldn't identify.  The different fish were placed on the plate by color creating a lovely pink rainbow effect.  Lovely, but definitely Sushi.  I have never been a fan of Sushi but I refused to start my mini vacation on the wrong foot by being negative.  I took a bite..... It wasn't bad.  Would I order it again?  Probably not, but I am glad we ordered it.

An hour later we had our tummies full and feeling pretty good from our alcoholic beverages so headed off once again on foot toward the ferris wheel that we could just barely see up ahead at the Navy Pier.  We were a short distance from the Navy Pier when we realized the sun had set and we were wandering around streets that were completely unfamiliar to us and not all the pedestrians looked trustworthy so we headed back toward Michigan Avenue with the knowledge that we had two full days to explore the Navy Pier.

Over the next two days we managed to sample everything on our list.  We went to the Field Museum and saw the T-Rex named Sue after the woman who discovered her remains.  The museum was enormous and would take several days to truly see but as we said, we knew we only had time to sample.  We had a Chicago Style Hot Dog in the park while feeding the birds and watching children play.  We toured the city on the double decker bus occasionally stopping to get off and explore on foot.  We planned to walk out on the Sky walk at the Willis Tower a/k/a the Sears Tower to witness the city at the top of the highest building in the nation.  That plan was thwarted by the hour and half line of sightseers ahead of us.  Oh well, we did get to take the elevator to the top and then take it back down again.  We ate at an Irish Pub, a fancy restaurant serving over priced food and wine, a pizzeria to try a thick Chicago style pizza and breakfasted in a small hole in the wall where local artist and musicians gather.

What was my favorite part of the trip?  Hard to say but I'd probably have to hand the award over to two events.   The Buckingham Fountain received first place and the Architectural and Historical Cruise down the river and out on Lake Michigan was close behind receiving second.   

There is so much rich history in Chicago.  Everyone who visits Chicago should take the Architectural and Historical Cruise.  This is not a pleasure cruise; however if you take the evening cruise as we did alcoholic drinks and snacks are offered.  The boat went through the locks and out to the Lake of Michigan along the shore line of Chicago with an extremely knowledgeable tour guide narrating the history of Chicago and pointing out the skyscrapers along the way.  The narration was fascinating.  She pointed out building after building telling us who designed them and any interesting story that may belong to the building.

Our last day in Chicago the weather was terribly hot and it took all our energy to walk the streets.  As much as we hated to waste any of our time we weakened and spent that last afternoon in our air conditioned hotel room.  We decided to venture out at night when it was a little cooler to tell Chicago good bye.  Our plans were to walk to the Navy Pier to join others for the night life but we never got that far.  To get to the Navy Pier from our hotel on Michigan Avenue one must walk through Grant Park, the home of Buckingham Fountain.  Every hour on the hour the great fountain sprays a jet of water 150 feet into the air.  Since it was just a few minutes before 9 when we left our room we decided to find a bench near the fountain and wait for the hourly show.  

I am so glad we did.  We felt sure something spectacular was about to occur when the crowd started forming.  There was such magic in the air around me just at that moment the beautifully lit fountain shot gallons of water 150 feet in to the air while patriot music was piped in.  The air was almost electrical with the patriot pride and excitement all around us.  I was overwhelmed with emotion and pride.  What a wonderful gift Kate Buckingham gave the people of Chicago and everyone who visits when she gave them the Buckingham Fountain.

We left the next morning for home, happy with wonderful memories to share with our family and friends.
Life is so good!