Chicago (4/29/10 – 05/5/10)
…What else to say about this travel experience except that it was the best trip I’ve ever been on…Can’t wait to go back to Chicago! See all my photos here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pipsyrules/sets/72157624020448048/
I met so many people that it didn’t feel like I was traveling solo. I stayed at the Hyatt Regency downtown for $55/night. What a freakin’ steal! 
The food and entertainment were amazing — I wouldn’t mind living there for the summer! 
4/29:
- Chatted w/Rochester man for entire 4 hour flight
- Mercadito tapas & drinks w/oregoner
- Rosas lounge for blues (James Wheeler) w/German and Chicago natives!
4/30:
- CTA to Damen (bucktown/wicker park food & culture)
- George’s Hotdogs – Chicago dog
- Hot Chocolate – Homemade Marshmallow and cold hot chocolate drink
- Goddess & Grocer – antipasto salad
- Piece – Pizza
- Sultan’s Market – Falafel sandwich
- iCream – ice cream (featured on Food Network)
- Magnificent mile
- Chicago Symphony Orchestra – Haydn, faure, & mozart w/cellist pavel gomziakov!
5/1:
- Architecture river boat tour
- Portillos – Italian beef, chili & cheese sandwhich w/sweet peppers & choc cake shake.
- Entertained by the Polish constitution parade (largest outside of Poland)
- Grant Park
- 9:30-1:30 CTA to B.L.U.E.S. on Halsted w/performers Carlos Johnson & the serious blues band. Amazing aptitude! This is where I was hit on by older dudes (3)…but I got a nice viewing spot up in front…and was serenaded by Carlos Johnson! Good times!
5/2 (day w/the fireman from Rosa’s Lounge):
- Buffet Brunch & endless Mimosas at Merckle’s Bar & Grill
- Cubs vs Arizona at Wrigley + Beer & Hot dog
- Lou Malnati’s (deep dish pizza) – The Lou, well done, & butter crust. Delicious! The only time I’ll eat sausage on pizza!
- Tomato & goat cheese salad dinner at Las Palmas w/local (met at the library).
5/3:
- Advisory University (Training): BPI
- Hugo’s frog bar portion size is ridiculous. Muddy Bottom Pie feeds like 15-20 people
- Bars and lounges downtown
5/4:
- AU Training
- Dinner at the hotel
- Drinks at the LA boys’ room
- Drinks with coworker at the bar
5/5:
- AU Training (half day)
- Lunch & then airport
