Diane's View of Day 1

What Jeff didn't share was about dinner last night. We finally got to the hotel about 8pm. We were hungry and the hotel restaurant looked good. Jeff's resolve to not be "Minnesota passive" was tested right off the bat. We sat at the table for almost 10 minutes after being seated with no recognition from anyone that we wanted to be served. So we decided to leave and look for some place else to eat. As we left he got a call from someone wanting to book a concert in the park date, so I was attempting to lead him and look for a place to eat. However, with the time now after 8:30, many places were closed, so after walking around the corner, we headed back to the tavern next to the Palmer House called Millers (what drew us in was the daily special of lamb shank). It was wonderful (but they were out of lamb shank). Jeff had a patty melt and I had broiled Lake Superior whitefish. A good end to a first day celebrating our anniversary.

Well all, our wonderful 25th Anniversary trip  has begun.  And since we only seem to update this blog while traveling, I figured I'd write a few posts to keep everyone who's interested in the loop (get it?  Loop.  Cause we're in Chicago! Ha!)  I'm writing to you by Diane's side in the beautiful, historic lobby of the Palmer House in Chicago.  We're improvising breakfast with a little Starbucks and some yogurt from the drug store across the street, and catching up on our online stuff (free internet in the lobby, but not the rooms)

Getting here was mostly perfect.  We flew directly out of the Falls and made our connection in Minneapolis no problem.  The flight to Chicago was shorter than advertised, and just about as long as the flight from Int'l Falls. Two fifty minute jaunts and we're here: amazing.  Our only hiccup on the trip so far with our pre-paid van for the ride from O'Hare into the city.  We had been told to wait at door 2E, but weren't told there were two 2E's, an upper and a lower.  Long story short, we made it into the city and I, personally, pledged not to be 'Minnesota Passive' for the rest of the trip.  No, we weren't accosted or anything, but we did wait on a sidewalk for quite a long stretch. 

Next stop, the Palmer House, the oldest, continually operating hotel in the US.  Even the great fire didn't keep this hotel from opening its doors. I wish my sister Denise could see this place because she would absolutely love it.  The hotel went under a recent renovation and they did a wonderful job of keeping the history while updating the infrastructure.  I'll take pictures and post as we go.

Today we'll get out and walk around the neighborhood a bit.  I'll make a stop at the Navy Pier (a kind of amusement park which also has some office space) to drop off some Icebox Radio gifts at the offices of the Third Coast Audio Festival.  They are an interesting group that, like everyone in public radio, doesn't do drama but is somewhat interested in it.  I'll drop off a couple of mugs and some recordings and work my unique charm.  Who knows what might come of it.  Perhaps a drama spot in their next festival?  Here's a link for more about them if you'd like to learn:  http://thirdcoastfestival.org/

More later.