this morning started off a little bit lazy. after a late night of food and family, we slept in a bit before we got on our way. our plan was to make our way to the lincoln park zoo, one of the handful of free city zoos in the nation, not to mention one of the oldest zoos in the nation. of course the weather didn't necessarily agree with us and it was drizzly and grey. we made our way over to dunkin' donuts for breakfast and as luck would have it, I found a $20 bill on the sidewalk! breakfast... paid. :) 
the bus stop was right outside the dunkin' donuts so we stood in the rain for about 10 minutes until our chariot arrived. we had a few stops and some bus changes, but we eventually made our way there! there really was NO ONE there... perhaps a few people, and I think we saw one school field trip... the weather wasn't exactly screaming for outdoor activity. we made our way around to a lot of different exhibits. they had the seals right in the front area, followed by the "big cats"... who being cats, of course, wanted *nothing* to do with being outside... so they were inside (they had cages inside for such occasions). we walked around and through the primate building, which was pretty awesome. they had a lot of species there. one really heartwrenching, 
yet amazing, story was about one of the monkeys (species "I don't remember"). he had been reaching through the cage (outside) when a patron had thrown something up onto their area. the monkey's arm was severely damaged to the point that he needed amputation just above the "elbow". however, we saw this monkey running and jumping as though nothing had happened. he'd adapted so well to the new situation. it was very cool... we tried to get pictures, 
but it was really dark inside and he was moving so fast! we went through the reptile area; SO not das's favorite, but I love reptiles. turtles are some of my favorite animals! we walked all around outside, too, to some of the other larger, outdoor animals. I felt so badly for all the warm weather animals, like the kangaroos, who had to deal with the crappy rainy chicago weather. ick! we went into the aviary... 
which was SO awesome. (can you tell I love zoos?!) they didn't have any glass up in the displays. the reason was that the hallways were dark and the birds instinctually wouldn't want to leave their lit area to become a potential snack! I don't blame them. well, in one area, the tropical jungle area, you literally walked through the birds' homes. again, das was not a *huge* fan of this... he was afraid they would attack, like in 'the birds', but I was totally all for it. 
it was so neat to see them in their "natural" environment. we moved along and saw their african safari exhibit, too. that was a lot of fun, and it was set up similarly to the bird room with the animals having a freer atmosphere. while we were at the zoo, we made a stop off at the lincoln park conservatory where we saw some amazing floral specimens. it just astounded me because I have *no* green thumb at all. it was really cool. so after the zoo, we hopped on another bus and headed over to the field museum, which was more science-oriented (my cup of tea!). the field museum is home to sue, 
the world's largest, most complete t-rex skeleton. it was really fascinating! of course, I'm a big science geek, so it would have fascinated me. :) unfortunately we didn't get to spend as much time there as I would have liked. they had a special exhibit on mythical creatures that I was very disappointed that we didn't get to see. this was one of those times that I'm really sad that I don't live closer to a place like chicago (or even closer to NY, even though I really am only 1.5-2 hrs away). hartford's OK... but not too much in the way of really big awesome crazy science museums... and for art, all we really have is the wadsworth atheneum (plus some other lower key type things). anyway, we were able to get into one of the exhibits: evolving planet. this, of course, was fine with me because I love learning about evolution and DNA and all that stuff (note: I started uconn as a molecular biology 
major - how quickly *that* changed). it was positively wonderful! it was a science geek's dream! the exhibits were so informative and the examples and skeletons that were available for viewing were great. again, I wish I'd had more time to really involve myself in their exhibits, but the museum closed at 5p, and we needed to be on our way to M's play, anyway. of course, we realized that we a) had no idea where we needed to pick up the train and b) hadn't eaten since breakfast! we didn't want to eat too much, knowing we'd be getting something after the show, but we definitely needed something so our tums wouldn't growl during the play. we eventually found our train stop and a little sandwich-y type place (the name escapes me, but it reminded me of panera bread, but with more local flavor). they had THE best cheddar and brocolli soup, 
which was what we needed after walking through the pouring rain to get to the train station. the train ride was long... we had to essentially go from one end of the line to the other, but it was a welcomed break from walking and standing for the past few hours. when we got to our stop, we realized that we had some time to kill before the play started so rather than get in the way at the theatre, we stopped into the irish pub a few doors down for some refreshments. :) das had guiness; I had hoegaarden. we made our way back down the street for the play. it was a smaller venue with only about 30ish seats. 
the play was called 18: A Year with Footntoes, which was an autobiographical one-man show about M's life (starting just before his 18th birthday). M wasn't the star of the show, but we were there to support the work in general. we both really enjoyed it, especially since M grew up in CT and we knew of the different areas that he wrote about. after the play, we went to a diner nearby for some quick eats and then to head back to the homestead. we finally made it to bed after a wicked long day... and our flight was leaving chicago around 6:45a... so we needed to be up early. luckily, S was kind enough to drive us to the airport so that we didn't have to take one of the sketchy, all-night-running buses. we made our flight (which wasn't nearly as turbulent as the flight in) and everything was great.
we had a wonderful time and can't wait to head back... there's so much we didn't get to see and do!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
operation chicago: monday
Sunday, April 27, 2008
operation chicago: sunday
the largest I've ever made (well, dave's mom's quilt may have been the same size or slightly larger, but who's counting... we'll just say it's the largest I've had to bring as a carryon onto a plane). I had das take pictures while I got ready for lunch... since I obviously finished it last minute. :) if it weren't FOR the last minute, I swear I wouldn't get a damn thing done! :) our friends loved the quilt, though, so I could ask for anything more. we didn't unfold it too much outside as it had rained a bit the night before, but we did enough to be able to see everything. we had a heck of a time trying to find a place to eat, though. 
they aren't from the city, but rather the outskirts, so they aren't that familiar with the ins and outs of the area. we ended up at a place called cans bar and canteen... aptly named as they primarily serve beer in cans. not my most favorite way of imbibing (I prefer bottles, or a cold pint glass) but I opted for a large can of hard english cider... so it was all ok. :) we got back later than expected so we weren't too hungry... we decided to nap on the couch to pass the time (I know... who goes on vacation to NAP?!). eventually it was time for dinner... M made us some great vegan pizza. I had the spinach and pine nuts topped pizza. fabulous! I was still kind of full from lunch and the large quantity of chips and salsa appetizer I had, so I didn't sample the other options (he made three pizzas). it was a good night of laughs and family. we hit the hay late and got ready for our busy busy last day in chicago!operation chicago: saturday
saturday morning started off early (but not too early!). we got some tasty homemade vegan pancakes and were soon on our way off to the magnificent mile (aka michigan avenue) and the hancock observatory. 
there's not too much to say about the magnificent mile other than there were beautiful flowers planted on the sidewalks, and there were a lot of stores that there's no way das and I could ever afford to shop in. I think I lost some money just looking in the window! :) anyway, since das and I had never been to chicagoland before, the hancock was just a great opportunity to really view the city and all it's beauty. it wasn't the most clear of days, but even with some residual cloudiness, we could still see all four states (indiana, michigan, wisconsin, and, of course, illinois). the picture has, I *think*, the eastern coast in the background. it really is an intimidating height... and you can feel it going up the elevator. apparently their elevators are the fastest in the world?! crazy! :) so after our big trip to hancock, we made our way to the adler planetarium to meet up with S/M. how bizarre - we ended up on the same bus as them! out of all the busses in chicago, we had to get onto theirs [groan]. :) all kidding aside, the planetarium was so much fun. there were a lot of exhibits out, which is nothing that I remember seeing from my planetarium days (aka 4th grade). it was a great experience and was really interesting. we watched a show, too, because who goes to a planetarium without seeing a show?! it was a twenty minute program on black holes. *I* thought it was really great (I'm a science geek) but das dozed for a moment, and some dude behind us was in full-on snore mode! how embarrassing! 
after the planetarium, we made our way over to the navy pier, which I found out was the most visited attraction in all of chicago. it was pretty neat... not a lot there since it was still pretty chilly and there weren't many attractions out, but the view was great nonetheless. when it got too blustery, we went in to the smith stained glass museum, which was very cool. there was a lot of beautiful work... stuff I wish I could do. so post-planetarium, we went on to dinner. we ate at big bowl, an absolutely scrumptious chinese/thai restaurant. they had "homemade" ginger ale, with real ginger (of course!). I sampled the pomegranite ginger ale... wow. I want to make that at home. it was incredibly flavorful... a million times better than normal ginger ale (sorry schweppes and canada dry). of course, we were discussing over dinner that most are averse to ginger ale mostly due to the fact that a lot of people were served it during the stomach flu (or just nausea)... hense taste aversion. I personally enjoy ginger ale, and to have it au naturale was even better. and the restaurant was fantastic, too... good portions, decent prices, and great flavor. they even have a "self-service stir fry" which consisted of you getting up, filling your bowl with tasty veggie morsels after telling your server if you wanted meat (or tofu, or just the vegs) and what variety of sauce you wanted. I didn't brave the SSSF, but S did and she said it was good. if we ever go back, I'll try it. :) so after dinner, we walked around a little bit. we saw hard rock cafe (which, by the way, is NOT located near the hard rock hotel as das and I originally thought). 
we then all decided to head back home - well, M was going to head home but das, S, and I were going to head out to wrigleyville to scope out the scene. [sigh] this is where I admit my shortcomings... and tell you all that I lost a fight... with an el turnstile. we were running to get to the brown line... and while M/S were holding the train... both das and I got stuck in the turnstile. I, however, ended up with a bruise (the picture was taken about four days after the incident - the penny is there for size comparison). about 3/4 of my body made it through but then my right leg got slammed by a portion of the tripod turnstile. I wanted to vomit, the pain rushed through me so fast... but we had to get to the train! so I limped along and choked back some tears. we made the train, luckily. (note: as I write this a week and a half after the trip, I still have the bruise and it's only slightly smaller) 
so we get to wrigleyville (home of wrigley field) and it is quite the atmosphere... the cubby bear was offering up live band karaoke, people were all over the streets, and there was just a lot of energy there. and it was only 10pm! we walked by the io improv theatre thinking that we missed some of their more popular shows, but it turned out that there was another show on the stage at 10:30p! so we lucked out and made the show. it was really funny; das and I were so glad to be able to see it. after the show, we hailed a cab (rather than walk the two miles back home at 12:30am). such a long day... but a lot of fun!
Friday, April 25, 2008
operation chicago: friday
das and I left bradley international airport (listed as hartford, CT but not actually IN hartford... in fact, it's closer to springfield, MA probably) at 8:45a-ish on a direct flight to o'hare (as opposed to midway). it was such a turbulent flight, not just in chicago either, but the whole trip. ugh. I tried to sleep, but it was fitful at best. it was a shame that it was too cloudy for a great view when we landed; I could see the lake, but unfortunately I missed a good view of the coast. anyway, o'hare was a great 
airport to get around in; we didn't have any issues finding our luggage or the chicago transit authority (cta) signs. because das's sister (S) and brother-in-law (M) were working, we had to take the blue line (which ends/originates at the airport) to addison then pick up the bus to get to their apartment. their apt is beautiful; it is the top floor of a brownstone-looking home. so, M lets us in (he's an author/researcher of children's history books and works at home), gives us some general information, and we are on our way into the heart of chicago! we start off at millennium park which is totally amazing. they had some spectacular fountains with the lighted faces of chicago residents (see picture), plus other fountains. we even saw a wedding ceremony at one after we left morton's steakhouse for lunch (which was absolutely amazing). so after we ate lunch and walked around the park some more to admire the beautiful artwork, we decided to pop into the art institute of chicago (museum), where S/M were members (so we got in for free - yay!). of course the day we decide to visit is the same day that what seemed like 800 chicago/illinois schools decided that *they* would have field trips. it was a bit distracting in some of the lobby areas, and even some of the exhibits, but for the most part we just dealt with it. we saw a fantastic photography exhibit of the work of ed ruscha plus a graphic design mini-exhibit from a design firm in london. we perused the ancient chinese art exhibit and quickly made it through the ancient egyptian exhibit (there were a lot of loud children there). there were some special exhibits, too, but we didn't get to see them (winslow homer / edward hopper). we thought we had to pay extra (turns out we didn't), and we were running short on time as we needed to meet up with S. I would have liked to have seen the winslow homer exhibit, but such is life. I'm mad because I didn't get this fantastic blue tshirt that I wanted thinking I'd either a) be able to walk by again and pick it up before we left chicago, or b) find something better at another store. BUT, neither happened and now I'm SOL without this awesome blue shirt. :) so we met up with S at a bar in the city (the name had elephant in it, but I can't remember)... had a drink. got on the el, walked around her neighborhood, thought it was going to rain so we ducked into a bar... had a drink. met up with M at a restaurant nearby, had some fantastic nachos... and a drink. :) let me tell you... the beer gardens in chicago are so cool. I wish that CT had more of them... but it's just so different, I couldn't see them really thriving here. something I'm glad that CT doesn't have, but chicago does... ridiculous rainstorms! oh sure, every place has them... but these were flash-flood-rain-coming-in-sideways type rainstorms. we almost got flooded out of our beer garden! but then... it just... stopped. and so ended our first day in chicago.
