DAY 7 - OFF TO CHICAGO

Panic!  We may have survived the storm but my stuff had not been put on the bus.  Just as I was beginning to fear the worst Lindy produced the goods, very damp but still in one piece.  I’d looked in and under the tents but not behind them.  Fortunately, the laptop was kept dry by the neophrene sleeve I’d bought and all the electrical leads seemed OK as well.  The boots were obviously damp but steeped in Nickwax they soon began to dry as well.  Relief!!

Four hours driving was accomplished without mishap and brought us to the International hostel in downtown Chicago.  On the way it was my turn to sit up front and take command  of the music system.  Thus I learned to drive an i-pad thingy and managed to provide a varied entertainment given that the music was someone else’s.  Unlike the New York hostel the sexes are segregated and the four males in the party are in to same large 8 bedded room.  We even have our own washing and shower facilities.

Chicago is an impressive city.  It may not be as big as New York but the skyscrapers are varied in height and architecture so that every street seems to offer a different outlook.  Along the Lake Michigan shore is a massive and well laid out park, Grant Park.  There was a jazz festival on with several stages in action and families all out for the day, all creating a real vibe about the place.  At the northern end of the park was a large lumpen structure of polished steel called the Cloud Gate. 

Many gathered here to take photos of themselves with the skyscrapers mirrored in the background.  There seemed to be lots of weddings on this this was a site for the photos as well.  Having navigated my way round all this activity I wandered around the Loop, the main financial district to get my bearings before heading back to the hostel.  In one space I found the Daley Centre, which is the City Hall I believe.  The browny coloured structure was the result of using Cor-Ten steel which self weathers in an attractive way.  It was the first public building of its type to break from the ‘classical’ idiom of skyscraper architecture.   In front of the building was a large sculpture designed by Picasso.  The ramp at the front of it was full of children using it as a slide.  Great to see a public structure put to practical use.

The plan was to eat together early at the best American Pizza restaurant, Gino’s.  So finally the decent trousers, shirt and shoes that I’d packed got a wear and we assembled ready for Rick to lead us across the city via the subway. 

                                                                    This is Rick!
Arriving at Gino’s the queue snaked all around the building but Rick volunteered to hold a place for us so we set off to find a bar whilst he waited.   Adrian, being only 18 had to stay on soft drinks; he didn’t seem to mind but I can’t believe he hasn’t drunk beer and having one wouldn’t have done any harm.  Eventually we were seated at a table.  Gino’s is an interesting place as the décor is entirely graffiti, they even issue you with a felt tip marker so that you can add your own contribution.  Eventually, after even more waiting, two enormous pizzas arrived and were divided up. 

The Pizzas.  In view from left: Manuel, Adrian (obscured), Lindy, Kate

Now some say pizzas should be thin (Edward).  These had enormous thick bases and masses of filling.  They tasted fantastic.  From here we were led to an Irish bar where a single barman, clearly Irish, seemed to be handling up to four different orders at the same time.  It’s a long way to come for a Guinness but it was as good as any I’ve tasted in Dublin.  The bar was full of animated locals but the level of shouted conversation proved too much for me.  Some opted to stay out but the rest of us headed back to the hostel and bed.