Chicago

Sometimes I go to Chicago. That’s just how I roll. I’m actually writing this on the plane on the way home. But since this plane isn’t high tech enough to give me internet access, all of you will have to wait until I get home to read it. (I feel sorry for you. I’m glad I get to read it live as it is being written.)

I wasn’t able to do tons of things because my days were spent in a classroom. (I actually flew out for a training for work. It turned out to be very educational so I’m glad I had the opportunity. Plus, it means that I get reimbursed for travel expenses.) But each evening I went tromping about the city, so I’ll share a few things.

Of course, first I have to share with you the famous landmarks.

I was able to see Cloud Gate.

It’s a cloud, it’s a gate, it’s a giant reflective bean.

You can see the front of me and the back of me.  What a treat.

I went to Buckingham Fountain.

It’s kind of like Buckingham Palace, only it’s a fountain.

I stopped by Crown Fountain

The fountain tried to spit on me but I would have none of it.  I did, however, frolic in the water just like all the children.

This wasn't an important landmark but it should be.  Check out the automatic seat covers on the toilets in the airport.  Every public bathroom should be this awesome.

But now we get to the really important stuff.  The next 3 items are items that are on my bucket list.
Eat a real Chicago Dog

This was amazing!  I was a little worried because Chicagoans don’t like ketchup on their dogs.  That is a concern because ketchup is delicious.  But it turns out I wasn’t even offended that there was no ketchup.  With all the other goodness they put on them, ketchup is not required.  Although, I could do without the hot peppers, but other than that it was glorious.

I make the dog look good.

Eat real Chicago Pizza

This pizza was like 4 inches thick.  It kind of blew my mind.  It was good but it wasn’t necessarily any better than other pizza I’ve had.

Swim in one of the great Lakes
I need some input on this last item.  I walked to a beach of Lake Michigan, but since I was just out walking the city I wasn’t in a swimsuit or anything.  I did wade into the water until it was about knee deep but I didn't actually swim.  Can I cross “Swim in one of the Great Lakes” off my bucket list?  I need to know if the people think that I would be cheating.