Chicago

Blackhawks,

Forget the Windy City, it should be called the Rainy City as we arrived in a downpour (it had been the same when we passed through en route to Wisconsin 2 days previously). Undeterred, once we'd settled into the hostel (amazingly the first since we left Blighty almost 3 weeks ago) and set out on foot to see the sites.

We realised this was misguided enthusiasm (or maybe just overly frugal) and we cut our losses and caught a bus, soaked to the skin. This was a good way to dry off and get our bearings, however and Betta came up with the idea of doing some shopping to stay out of the rain. Clever.

That evening we had a traditional Chicago deep dish pizza at Pizza Due (the second outlet of the original Pizza Uno). They are very much like a pie... softcrust pastry and a pizza filling. Bit weird really but not unpleasant. I had one last time I was here but it was obviously not the real thing.

Luckily the weather took a turn for the better on our full day here. We had a long walk through the loop area and later took a boat ride, which was the highlight of our time in Chicago. It heads out to Lake Michigan via the lock system (I didn't know they had one!), as well as all through the river system through town. It's a great way to see they city skyline and get up close to some wonderful architecture and anecdotes. We Walked home along the beautiful north shore which was lovely...I had no idea Chicago had so many beaches.

I really like Chicago, it's very much a big city with amazing architecture everywhere you look, but somehow feels quite small and friendly. Public transport is good and there's a very low freak & weirdo quotent (FWQ) for an american city. Maybe even more European in feel. Basically every bit as good as I remember, if not better.

Next stop, Californ-I-A

MandB