- Hunkering down in Chicago
- Chicago to Spokane
- Spokane to Seattle
- Seattle to 150 Mile House
We were up early Boxing Day – flight to catch in Dublin. Chris and Frodo had been “volunteered” to drive us to the airport. The early bus from Newry wasn’t running – different schedule over Christmas. It was lovely to have some extra cuddles in the back with Frodo – though I must admit he snoozed most of the way. Neither Chris or Frodo are early risers. Sad goodbyes – yet again! Uneventful flight – stopover in Iceland to change planes. The only little hiccup was an unexpected announcement asking a “Mr Reginald John Wilkinson” to please report to the airport security office. Reg finally found the office – not a lot of signs – ID etc in hand. He was then shuffled off to another area of the airport where he was questioned and drug tested – along with about 10 other travellers. Needless to say he got the all clear! A bit of excitement to break the monotony I guess.
Arrived in Chicago to minus 16C temperature – add to that the wind chill factor! We managed to find the train into the city and made it in one piece to our hotel. Many thanks to the locals who helped us out on the way. We had booked 2 nights at the Palmer House – the oldest hotel in Chicago. Great position in the Loop area – near everything – bordered by the Chicago River and Millennium Park. It’s called the Loop because the skyline train runs in a loop through that part of the city. It’s track sits up above the streets – cars and pedestrians scooting around underneath. We could hear it rattling past from our hotel room – a very distinctive sound.
Unfortunately I’d come down with a yucky cold so I didn’t venture very far. Basically just hunkered down and stayed warm. I did enjoy wandering around the hotel checking out its historical architecture and decor – huge arched painted ceilings a real feature. Lots of ballrooms and function venues on different floors. We also spent some very relaxed times in the bar/restaurant area – had some lovely chats with other guests. Especially enjoyed getting to know Mike – a retired Chicago policeman. He had some very interesting stories to tell – not sure if I can repeat them here! We also rugged up and visited a nearby pizza place – Vapiano. I was unrecognizable in all my winter gear – scarf wrapped around my head – you could just see my eyes, hat on, hoodie up, gloves in place. It was nice to get out a bit!! We had planned to see a lot of the famous Chicago architecture – such variation in style, so unique in character. But it wasn’t to be! So we turned to Plan B; we organized our own last minute “mini Chicago tour”. After checking out of Palmer House we needed to make our way to Union Station to catch our train to Seattle. Not that far really but too far to walk in the freezing weather. The Palmer House doorman was extremely helpful stopping traffic, hailing a taxi, juggling our bags – wind whistling around his muffled ears. As we settled into the back seat we asked the very friendly taxi driver to take us on our own little loop of the city on the way to the station. He took to his task with enthusiasm – pointing out this and that, telling us interesting little tidbits about the history of different buildings. Very much appreciated. Made us all the more determined to return one day.
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