Chicago    [ Travel ]

So the Chicago trip has come and passed. I said I would post from Chicago, but that didn't work out and I just couldn't bring myself to go online for more than about 2 mins the whole trip. Anyways ... that means I'll have to cover what I can in one monster entry, so here goes.

Gunna have to use the old extended entry feature for this one ...

!!--

So, Tuesday was travel day. Tuesday was pretty awesome because it was so relaxing. There was basically nobody at the airport or on my flight over, so I was able to spread out, get comfortable, and just relax on the way the Chicago. Once I got there I was going to get some food while waiting for Gun to get in on his flight, but unfortunately I left the security area to pickup my baggage, then couldn't get back in to any of the restaurants ... lame! Anways ... I just hung around until Gun came and we had to get his car and head over to Midway to pickup Panos and Tim. Once the team was assembled it was major chow time, so we ended up stopping at Portillo's in the city for some Italian beef and sausage. Then it was back to the apmt to chill for the night.

Wednesday was touring day 1. Tim, Panos, and I set out reasonably early to wander the streets of the city and check things out. We walked all the way up and down Grant park and eventually made our way the Art Institute where we spent a good couple hours browsing around. I was actually impressed with their collection, a lot better than I would have guessed. After that it was time for a bit of a late lunch, so we stopped at Potbelly's for sandwiches, then left still feeling a bit hungry and decided to hit up Joe Ma-something's for some deep dish pizza. From there we walked back to Gun's place just in time to meet him as he got home. We relaxed for a bit before heading back out to Hugo's Frog Bar and Fish House, where we had an excellent meal including: oysters, frog's legs, bouillabaisse, fish and chips, and a stunning dessert. We headed back after that so that Gun could go pickup Danny and Justin from the airport and make the team complete.

Thursday was touring day 2. This time its Panos, Tim, Danny, Justin, and I making our way around the city together. We started out with the obvious, the Sears Tower, which was a kewl visit. After that we grabbed some lunch and kept wandering around, eventually ending up at Virgin where I got a couple new cds :) At night it was time for the madness to begin, March Madness of course, so we hit up the ESPN Zone and basically watched the first game on foot at the bar while we waited for a table. Before the start of the second game we got our table and were setup to relax, watch the game, have some food, and drink. This practically marks the beginning of a 3 day drinkfest that continued until Sunday when we left. The game actually ended pretty late and some time after that we headed home.

Friday was "I barely remember" day 1. I don't remember when we got up, but it wasn't particularly early. We must have done something during the day, but I can't seem to remember all that well. I do remember that we set ourselves up to watch Friday's games at Hooters. Then around halftime of the later games we left and went to the Harry Carey bar for some reason. Once we were there we just kept the drinks coming and decided to go to a club, but rather than dance we figured we would go to the Crazy Horse and let others dance for us. Unfortunately our experience there left much to be desired, and really it was a bit of a waste. We got back from that sometime really late.

Saturday was "I barely remember" day 2. This time I know we got up really late then headed over to the famous Gino's East for what is supposed to be the best pizza in town. It was good, but I am still more of a fan of thin crust. After that it was time to prepare for Medieval Times which was a whole lot of fun. After that it was time to hit up yet another bar. This time it was the Goodbar where we met Liz :) We spent quite a while at the bar drinking "black cherry's" before Liz and I decided to ditch the guys and head to the Green Mill, a bitchin' jazz club. We left the jazz club I dunno when and then it was time to retire for the night.

Sunday was try and stay on your feet day. Come Sunday I was just fully exhausted from the weeks activities and well hung over from 3 days of drinking. Sunday was a slow day and all we really did was grab some brunch with the boys + Liz. By the time we got back from brunch it was almost time to head out to the airport and back home. My flight was a major pain in the ass because I was so tired, and then the plane was reasonably crowded and unconfortable. Anyways ... I dunno if its neccessarily nice to be home, but its nice to have a little break.

This was one of the kickass trips of all time and I know I'll remember it my whole life. It was especially great to get all the boys together in a place where we were all just hudled together and having fun all the time. Sorry to say, but now its back to the grind ... crappo!

~~ To good friends and great times :) ~~

Cheers.

-- AG

Posted by agilliland at April 1, 2003 6:06 PM