Leaving Chicago

  Chicago, Illinois, United States
Friday, June 6, 2008

Hello all! We are leaving Chicago this morning to head to Barcelona. Kevin and I had an amazing time in Chicago. We got into Chicago on Tuesday and meet up with our good friend Zach, who was kind enough to let us stay at his place. We went into downtown to have some authentic Chicago deep-dish pizza.

Deep Dish

I must say, for my first deep-dish, it was fantastic!

We then took a walk down the Magnificent Mile and then back to Zach's for a nap. We were tired! After our 4 hour nap we decided to go out for dinner. We walked to Wrigleyville to a place called Caesars.... known for their killer margaritas.

Killer Margaritas

Killer Margaritas 2

Man, were they killer! Probably the most amazing margaritas ever! After dinner we headed back to Zach's and passed out early.

The next day was full of adventure! We woke up and headed to the Lincoln Park Zoo.

Zoo 2

The zoo was only a few blocks from Zach's place and was absolutely FREE! It put the "World Famous" Topeka Zoo to shame and didn't charge admission. There were everything from the usual lions and bears, to kangaroos and polar bears. It was amazing.

Leopard 3

We then headed to the Navy Pier.

Navy Pier

We walked down the boardwalk and rode the ferris wheel.

Ferris Wheel

It was foggy and  cold so we didn't get a great view of the skyline but it was something you just had to do when you are in Chicago. We had a Chicago hot dog, which neither of us were too impressed with.









After Navy Pier we went to the Shedd Aquarium.

Shedd Aquarium

The aquarium was amazing! A little pricey but definitely worth it. There was a dolphin show, whales,

Whale 2

tons of fish, and Kevin's favorite... an anaconda.











After the Shedd Aquarium, we walked to Buckingham Fountain. It was this beautiful fountain that is a lot bigger than it looks in pictures.

Fountain 3

Fountain 4

We walked from there to Millennium Park. Millennium Park is this very modern artsy park with many cool installations and artwork.

Park 3

Park 5

Park 6

Art 2

Definitely one of my favorite parts of the trip. After the park we headed back to Zach's, ordered Chinese, and watched Top Chef. A must in Kevin and I's life.












The next morning Zach took us to the Hancock Observatory. He took us to the signature room which is a few stories below the viewing deck, but is free with the exception of a pricey cocktail.

Kev and Zach

We figured we might as well spend the money on a drink instead of admission.

Skyline 4

Skyline 5

After the amazing views a the Chicago skyline, we headed to Wrigley Field and stopped at the local brewery for some beers and bar food.

Wrigley

Wrigley

After that we headed back to Zach's to kind of pack up our stuff and get ready for dinner. We went to dinner with Zach's partner, David and went to this fabulous restaurant called Dunley's on Clark. It was a moderately priced upscale restaurant with amazing food and wine. The Chocolate Chip Cookie a la Mode was AMAZING! After dinner we went to a trendy little bar in Wicker Park called The Blue Line. It was $4 mojito night so we had a drink there and then headed to another little spot called the Violet Hour. This place was incredible. There is no sign advertising it. Just a yellow light above the door. When you walk in their are thick blue curtains as doors and you are greeted by a doorman in this concrete entryway. You kinda think to yourself, "What is this place?" Then after entering into the room you see all of these high backed blue chairs and little white box tables between them. The whole room is lit by candles and dimly lit chandeliers. Probably one of the best little gems of the city. After a drink there, we headed back to Zach's to call it a night.

So this morning, we woke up, finished packing our things and are heading the airport to begin our exciting day of travel to Barcelona! Hope all is well and we will post again soon to update you on our status! ~Jaclyn