Oot & Aboot: Bright lights, big city

Due to a late night of internet perusing, I only had about 4 hours of sleep. This was ok, as I was about to hop on a plane to Chicago and if I’m tired enough, I can actually manage to get some sleep. I got myself ready for the quick shuttle to my American Airlines flight. I was slightly concerned about my luggage as I think I may be over the weight, surprise surprise. I got to the airport and as it turns out one of my bags was too heavy. I had to grab myself a spot on the floor and try and do some reshuffling. I am relieved I did this because as it turns out sunscreen had begun to leak all over the place in my luggage. I managed to stop it getting worse and even out the weight between my two bags. I went back to the guy checking me in and after it coming up at 51 pounds instead of 50, he says, ‘it’s ok, this time’. Man that cheesed me. Like I was super lucky to get one pound extra of luggage! That’s nothing. Anywhoo, after the quickest check in I’ve had to date I went to find somewhere to grab something to eat. As I’m only slowly reintroducing food to my diet, I ask for some toast. Well, wasn’t that a mistake. I was charged airport prices, $5 for two pieces of toast. Ridiculous! The plane was delayed, not at all surprising given that every plane I have caught has been delayed. Even the morning flights get delayed.

So I got onto the plane and ready to take the longest flight I would during my US adventures, 4.5 hours. The only difference between a shorter flight and this one? Access to a kiddy movie if you purchase the earphones to listen to it. So exciting…not. I took the opportunity to update this blog and read some magazines. The plane got into O’Hare airport in Chicago, one hour behind schedule and because of the change in time zones I had also more lost hours, so it was now 3.30pm. After getting my luggage I did a search around the airport for a shuttle. One thing I will say, Chicago airport is huge! I guess it is the third largest city in America, so it’s going to be big. I walked up and down stairs and along floors to eventually find the shuttles. It’s lucky I did as the airport isn’t all that close to downtown Chicago. A taxi would have cost me about $70 each way. I was looking forward to seeing what Chicago was all about as I hadn’t read much and the biggest thing I knew about Chicago was that Oprah lived there. She isn’t filming till August so I couldn’t go see her. My learning curve of Chicago started early as the shuttle driver started talking to me about the place. My first conversation with a local and it’s clear he’s passionate about his city. We pass the old Playboy Mansion, from the time Heff resided there, and we passed many beautiful houses on tree lined streets. Houses and flats that have a flight of stairs up to the front door, I love that!

After some dreaded traffic I got to my hotel that is one street from the Magnificent Mile, which at this point doesn’t mean a whole lot to me. It soon will I’m sure. The hotel was very swanky, and I’m glad I chose this place as an option. I settle into the hotel, check email, and watch a bit of tele (I’m loving the show ‘Reba’!).

I figured it’s time for some dinner and walk out the door. Having no clue which direction is which, as this seems to take me about a day to adjust, I go for whatever is closest. Another Mexican option called Beach Burrito, for a rather gross food option. I take it back to my room, finish up and get some early sleep for a big day tomorrow discovering the city.

Things in learnt today in Chicago:

It’s a BIG city! I hadn’t realized how spread out it is and how many high rises there are.
People seem to be quite friendly here, I couldn’t get the tour organizers off the phone when I confirmed tomorrow’s tour.
The heat wave has followed me, it’s hot hot hot.