Chicago!

My awesome college roommate, Andrea, had a work trip in Chicago and extended it into the weekend.  I took the MegaBus up (which was quite convenient) and met her and Laura in the windy city! 

We stayed at the Congress Hotel on Michigan Ave. and had an amazing time.  We ate deep dish pizza and caught up on Andrea's 2nd pregnancy and thoughts of buying a new house.  She got to see my engagement ring and we got excited for the wedding!

 

 

On our first full day, we went to the top of Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower, which apparently is what all Chicagoans still call it).  The line was HUGE, but it was super cool at the top.  They had a special on my favorite movie of all time: Ferris Bueller's Day Off.  I got to hang with my pals Cameron, Simone, and of course Ferris!  I also ventured out into a glass box hanging over the city.  Andrea and Laura were too nervous to enter, and I don't blame them; it was totally freaky being able to see a drop over 100 floors tall!

 

 

Then we ate Chicago style hot dogs.  I cannot believe I have been missing out on this "relish"ing treat for so long!  It was loaded with I don't even know what, but it was delicious!

Then, to continue our Ferris tour, we went to the Art Institute of Chicago.  So much to see, including a touring display of miniature rooms that reflected different periods and eras.  Very cool!

The next day we went to Navy Pier to ride the Ferris Wheel (which was invented for the World's Fair in Chicago).  Then we took the architecture tour on the Chicago River.  It lived up to the hype and we learned heaps about the Chicago fire and all of the skyscrapers that have been built in that great city.  And they served cocktails on the boat!

That night we made reservations at RPM Italian; apparently a place where celebrities frequent.  I felt a little out of place there, but the food was pretty good (better than a Chicago style hot dog? the jury is still out). 

Our final day consisted of a FREE walking tour.  We got to see the Tiffany glass inside Marshall Fields and outdoor art by Picasso and Chagall.  We ended the tour in Millennial Park at The Bean.  Then I had to catch my bus back to Cincinnati!  It was a great trip in a city I love.  Thanks Chi-town!