kitchtrips

I been kicked back in the sand on an Alabama beach
Shut down every bar on Bourbon Street
Colorado on a cloud 9 high
But I’m back in town just for the night
I been out in Nevada, put it all on black
Me and these boots been all over the map
So if she’s asking how I been
Just tell her that’s the state I’m in

– Jason Aldean

Monday 5 June 2023

Felt much less sore this morning than I expected after the run Saturday and the ride Sunday. Another beautiful day in the Midwest, so I headed out to the Prairie Path, towards Glen Ellyn. It’s great seeing so many people out exercising when the weather is still cool.

A later departure than usual today, for downtown Chicago, which is always an adventure. We again parked at the Millennium Garages – situated, as you might have gathered – under Millennium Park, where the Cloud Gate “Bean” attracts thousands daily. Especially during the summertime, when the weather is so good. We definitely weren’t alone.

First stop was Portillo’s, a famous Chicago eatery about 2.5km from where we parked. The walk took in some of the most iconic sights in the city, and by the time we got there, I was definitely ready for some food. I didn’t have the Italian Beef sandwich like I usually do, opting instead for some pasta in marinara sauce, which was both tasty and filling.

Stop two was Willis Tower – more commonly known by it’s old, and long-time name, Sears Tower, and was, when built, the largest building in the world, maintaining that lofty status for twenty-five years – and the Skydeck observation deck that is one hundred and three storeys above the streets of downtown Chicago. The elevator whisks you up there in just over a minute, travelling at something like twenty-four feet a second.

When the doors open, you are treated to some amazing views of Lake Michigan, downtown Chicago and the wider Chicagoland area, which spreads out in every direction. It’s a very impressive scene, though the skyline doesn’t look quite right because you’re standing on the biggest building of them all. That’s why I prefer the Hancock Tower’s observatory.

We headed back to Michigan Avenue after our visit to the Willis Tower, stopping at a make-up store where Kat was hoping to make some purchases, but unfortunately they didn’t have what she wanted. A late-afternoon drink was in order after all our walking around the city. We stopped at the restaurant/bar that sits where the Millennium Parking skating rink is during the winter months, watching the world go by – people-watching on Michigan Avenue is always interesting.

Across the road from the restaurant was a Jollibee outlet that Kat explained to us as being a Philippines staple, kind of their version of KFC, but with other menu items aside from fried chicken, like spaghetti. Kat had an early dinner there whilst Nathan and I watched. Both of us had eaten enough for lunch!

Our drive back to Glen Ellyn took us via the filming locations for Chicago PD and Chicago Fire (which until recently starred Australia’s Jesse Spencer, a Neighbours star back in the 90’s), two of the more popular drama series on television, and favourites of mine along with Chicago Med. Both the police station and fire house are actually real, working houses, so it wasn’t like we could just wander in to either building. Still, cool to see where some of my favourite TV shows are filmed.

Fun fact: tonight is our first night since we landed in Indianapolis where we haven’t had dinner and/or drinks with someone. So, we’re not quite sure what to do with ourselves! A quiet, relaxing night never hurts.

Back at it tomorrow, though!