I took the train to Chicago on Saturday to catch Sunday's Cubs v. Cards game, but we did a whole lot more than that. it's always nice to see Brian and Erin. Also, I was reading the "Diary of Anne Frank" so I was especially motivated to journal my every move. Here's a shortened and very modified (especially toward the end) version of my travel journal:
Saturday, Aug. 9
David's not along on this trip, though I wish he was. The sun always shines a bit brighter when he's around.
Left home around 6:50 a.m. Getting up early is terrible, especially when I know I'm won't be back in my own bed for awhile.
There were quite a few people at the Alton Amtrak station. Must be taking day trips to Chicago - no one really had their bags with them. Many of them were older. Am I going to have to share a seat?
Train arrived just before 7:30 a.m. My ticket to the Windy City cost $40, probably because it's the busy time. My ticket back was only $20.
Between 8:30 and 9 a.m. - Most of those people got off in Springfield. I forgot the State Fair was going on. Wierd Al is supposed to be playing this weekend.
I'm on page 81 of "The Diary of a Young Girl: Anne Frank." I know I read this in middle school but it seems like it was in play form. Train rides are great for reading. Passed Lincoln, Ill. about 10 minutes ago. It's 9:24 a.m.
11 a.m. Waiting for the train to switch tracks. Delay. Some bratty kid keeps touching me while I'm trying to rest. Her mom needs to take care of that. Sorry, I sound like a grumpus.
Arrived around 1 p.m., about a half hour late.
Brian and I drove around forever looking for a parking spot so we could hoof it to Navy Pier. We never plan anymore because visits are more fun when we're flying by the seat of our pants. Having a car in Chicago sucks.
Made it to Navy Pier on foot. Rode the Ferris wheel and took TONS of photos while listening to different versions of "Sweet Home Chicago" and some digital tour guide. Bought a sweet photo of us in front of the ride. Couldn't resist a ride on the swings next. Total cost (souvenier photo plus rides) $17.50.
Went inside the Navy Pier shopping center - they have fountains like at Ameristar Casino. (I'f you've been there, you know.) Took more photos in a photo booth. Pure gold, only $2.
Walked part of the way back. Almost got squirted up the butt by some crazy fountain. It would have been funny but very uncomfortable. Took water taxi from Pier to Michigan Ave., close to where we parked. Took more photos. Cost $3.
Evening. Met Erin and her new man Gable. That's his first name. Wanted to eat a Chicago style pizza but Erin and Gable preferred some Irish pub called the Atlantic. I had a caesar salad. It wasn't too bad, but def. nothing special. After dinner went for drinks and bowling at Lincoln Lanes, a bowling alley above an Ace Hardware. You'd never know it was up there. Got a refresher course in manual scorekeeping. Still can't believe I paid $3 apiece for Pabst Blue Ribbon.
Sunday, Aug. 10
Slept several hours and am now watching the Olympics, which Brian has been taping. Brian's dad got us donuts, and his mom cooked mac 'n' cheese and hotdogs. What a combo, the three. Planning on hitting up a different beach this time. North Avenue is all good but there's tons of people and it's farther away than we'd like.
We found Foster Beach, which I now prefer. Much more private and the sand is more fine. Water is deeper too. We were swimming and having a great time until a giant wave knocked Brian's glasses straight off his face. Did I mention it was windy and cool out and that the waves were as big as they are in the Atlantic Ocean? Strangely, the water felt great! Unfortunately, Brian went partially blind. Took lots of photos and videos here too. I drove back to Brian's so we wouldn't crash.
Brian found contacts so he could see the game and we headed to Wrigleyville for Cards v. Cubs, game three. Brian's sister apparently was choking on a hot dog at the game and his mom gave her the Heimlich maneuver. Luckily, she's OK but this was an unlucky day for the O'Malleys. Couldn't find a Jim Edmonds shirt. That's the only one I can bring myself to buy if I wanna stick with my "T-shirt jerseys from every stadium" idea. Will try outside after the game.
Took photos/video of Rick Ankiel's backside. Wow. Just... wow.
Wrigley is cool, but I still prefer Busch. (I AM partial to the Cards after all.) So many people are going to find that statement to be ridiculous. Sure, Wrigley's great if you are into history and want to feel like you're watching a game in the 1900's. Me? I like to be able to hear what's being said over the loudspeaker and see some faces on a digital screen. (Half the fun of baseball is the hot boys, after all.)
Cubs won. Go fig. 6-2. I got yelled at by some asshole, and booed by a couple more friendly rivals.
I saw Matt Poli! He was even seated in our section! What are the chances? We meant to meet up with him after the game for a drink but must have missed him at Goose Island, then his phone was dead. We did talk as we walked out of the stadium though. Some guy literally bought his hat straight off his head for $20 (right in front of us), trying to prove that Cubs fans aren't loyal. Poli said he had gotten it for free in the first place and wasn't attached to it, then spent the $20 on a fitted hat he really liked. I guess that guy didn't prove anything.
Finally found my Edmonds shirt for $25.
Took the train and bus back to Brian's. Watched some more Olympics. Michael Phelps is the shit.
Monday, Aug. 11
Left about an hour early and got to Union Station just as my train was boarding. Scheduled to leave at 9:25 a.m.
An older lady named Alberta sat next to me on the way home from either Joliet or Bloomington. Helped me figure out Sudoku.
Got home at 2:15 p.m. Dad didn't get my message and had been waiting for over an hour. I felt bad, but it was great to be home.
The End.
Stay tuned for photos and video to be added later.
Update: I added photos but have since accidentally deleted the post. Visit www.flickr.com/viewsfromlalaland/ for more
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