The Windy City - Chicago

I absolutely loved Chicago!! I didn't have huge expectations before I went as it was a last minute decision to go there as my first stop and my knowledge was minimal. What I found was a very clean and undeniably beautiful city in the states, perched on the edge of the Michigan lake, with a blissful river running through the middle. Chicago certainly lived up to its name, the wind was freezing but thank goodness the sun was shining everyday.

I arrived on Wednesday afternoon, May 25th, after a good flight with plenty of movies to keep me occupied, including Downsizing and The Greatest Showman (I am now obsessed with the soundtrack, anyone who hasn't seen it yet, go see it). I then spent the next hour looking for a bus I had planned to take to get me near my hostel. After wandering back and forth through the airport asking half a dozen people for directions someone finally took pity on me (they could hear the accent,) and informed me that the bus I was looking for was nonexistent and that I needed to get the train, great start to my solo travels!

I arrived at the hostel shortly after which was in a great area called Wicker Park, had a nap, then met my roommate Maria who I organised to have lunch with the following day with another roommate Veronica. I then headed straight out determined to try my first deep dish Chicago pizza... I was not disappointed. It was everything I had hoped and more, never have I seen so much cheese on one meal, it was so delicious and was the first of many on this section of the trip (unfortunately for my waistline).

Our lunch at Pequod's, the fries were a 'half' portion

The following day I decided to have a look around Wicker Park as I had been told it was a nice area. I spent the next few hours looking at quirky shops, record stores, bars and restaurant, then had a quick march through some of the suburbs. There is something about Chicago that is so different and pretty and I enjoyed getting lost in the streets adding things to my to do list. I then met Maria and Veronica for lunch at Pequod's which had been recommended by one of the hostel workers where I had the worlds largest meatball sandwich and fries - can you believe that was a half portion?

Veronica had work to do but Maria and I had a busy afternoon being tourists walking through the the city, along the river walk, visiting the Millenium Park and Cloud Gate (or the bean as it is referred to) which was great fun, we took so many pictures! Eventually we parted ways as Maria had to pack to leave that night and I headed for The Second City Theatre for some Improv. Anne, my friend from work, had recommended it as her son had just been to Chicago and really enjoyed seeing one of their shows. It was amazing, so funny with brilliant actors I was so impressed. Turns out it's a famous venue with comedians such as Steve Carell, Bill Murray and Tina Fey performing there before becoming famous (thank you for the recommendation Anne)!

Cloud Gate or 'The Bean'

The next few days were busy to say the least. I managed to walk tens of miles along the river walk, as well as along the lake to the various beaches, enjoyed an architectural walking tour of the city which I can highly recommend to anyone thinking of visiting (I do the walking tours in most cities as it helps to get your bearings, meet people and think of things you want to do whilst there, including great recommendations for food and bars), and a boat tour along the river. I was also blown away by the Adler Planetarium (thanks for telling me about it Liv and Dave,) which not only had tons of interesting facts and pictures of the universe, but showed incredible videos of the stars and galaxies and hundreds of things I had never seen before, that was another real highlight. Oh, and I also had one of the most amazing breakfasts ever from Yolk (cheers again Liv and Dave, my pancake was carrot cake flavoured).

Riverboat tour on Lake Michigan

Breakfast from Yolk

In summary, Chicago was incredible and I loved every minute of it. It was my first stop on the trip so I had a few nerves but they quickly disappeared when I arrived and was able to explore what I consider a truly great city. Even after 4 days I felt like there was still so much I wanted to see, oh well I guess I better go back sometime soon...

Lucy B x