Traveling through the US - Chicago I. (09/29 – 09/30/12)

Still dealing with my cold me, Jan, mom and my brother started early to Chicago. But thanks to Walgreens cold and flu relieve I had 4 good hours for every two pills I took (“I believe, I can fly…”).

Our hotel was located a little bit outside of Chicago to avoid the heavy traffic and not at least the prices were much cheaper. After we checked in and got some minutes of rest from the long trip in the car we entered the city via train and headed for some lunch. 

Strengthened with meatball sandwiches, spaghetti or chicken salad we were down to some exploring of the city. Besides the famous Chicago Theatre and singing flowerbeds we saw the Millennium Park with the Cloud Gate sculpture and Crown Fountain. Here are some impressions of that afternoon (and always remember: I was under the influence of some drugs and may not be responsible for my behavior or look on the pictures and videos):  

Cloud Gate

"inside" the Cloud

Crown Fountain

         

In the evening we went to the Navi Pier. This area is now used as a funfair with several attractions. Right at the beginning we were caught by one of the typical tourist trap: we made a harbor cruise. But trap or not, it was definitely worth it. The view of the illuminated skyline from the ship was fantastic. 

  

 

 

The next day we went up to the Skydeck of the Willis Tower (formally known as Sears Tower). From the highest building of Chicago we had an amazing view over the city. Their special feature, the glass balconies, was kind of scary but a really cool experience. 

all the way up...

Me and mom on the glas balcony

scarry!

 

Lost in traffic

This actually s a prison!

Prisoners playing basket ball

Up in the air we spend so much time that more of half the day was gone again and we had to decide what else we wanted to see. We headed for the Magnificent Mile where the first stop was the overcrowded Cheesecake Factory. Considering the food this was a good decision. Considering my mothers’ new developed needs for the baguette they serve with every dish it was the worst thing of the whole trip. It took us another full hour (after 30 min of waiting for a table and at least 45 min for food) to get these because of the bad coordinated sales persons.

So after we finally got the two baguettes the day was nearly over, stores were closing, sun was setting down and we had to leave Chicago. The only stop was the Disney store were we experienced securities with Mickey Mouse ears and puppet playing sales man.