6 Things I learned in Chicago

This was the sunrise view from my hotel

I learned some fabulous things in Chicago this past weekend. Very important part of being a librarian, learnin'. Want to hear about some of the things I learned in Chi town?


1. The cab drivers are unfriendly maniacs. They have two speeds. Fast and stop. They jackrabbit from the traffic lights then slam on their brakes at the next traffic light. They are not friendly. They barely say a word to you. There is not a Chatty Cathy in the bunch.




2. When a sales lady where you just bought your husband a Cubs t-shirt on Wacker drive and Michigan tells you that the nearest bookstore is only a few blocks up Michigan Ave, "it's an easy walk, dear", don't believe her. It is a really really long walk past Saks, Nieman Marcus, and Nordstroms. I can prove this with my credit card statement. The bookstore is actually across the street from Macy's and the Water Tower. Turns out it is 11 blocks or about 2 miles. After the 5 miles I had walked earlier this was 2 miles too many. I took a scary cab back to the hotel.


3. Downtown Chicago restaurants are thieves. When a portabella mushroom burger, fries, and 2 glasses of wine makes a $30 bill, not including tip. Thank you very much!. That is what I call thievery. Cup of coffee (not at Starbleechs) $3, microwaved egg & cheese croissant $7, pasta thing with grilled veggies, $19 (does not come with a salad). I shot through a couple of hundred bucks pretty quick.





4.The best thing about the Navy Pier. Your looking at it. The view is fantastic. Enuf said!





5. The best art supply stores (yes, my credit card took yet another hit here) are right next to the lovely Art Institute. A must see BTW! Not the art store, the art museum. The grounds are also quite lovely.




6. The number one best thing I did in Chicago was........wait for it.......Taking the evening Architectural boat tour on the Chicago river. Go to the one below the Michigan street bridge. Our tour guide was getting his Masters in History and really knew his stuff. It was $22 well spent.


There you have it. I'm still recovering so don't expect much out of me until next week. I would have kept in better touch while I was gone but the cost for internet access at our hotel was $13 a day plus tax. More than breakfast but less than lunch. I had to eat you know.

I have a Friday Foodie coming up. This Friday is Carmelized Onions. Oh Yeah!!!!

Love,
M

Oh I forgot. If you are interested in contributing a recipe or two to the new blog please email it to me. I'm collecting them.