Chicago

Hello!
It's been a while, we know, but the Great Plains isn't Great for internet access, OK?
Right, let's catch up. We arrived in Chicago last week, on Saturday morning (28th April). We spent a really nice few days there. The city has a good atmosphere, and the waterfront is really clean and modern looking.

On the first day we wandered into 'the loop', Chicago's downtown named after the loop of elevated train tracks that circle it. On the shores of Lake Michigan (amazing turquoise blue) is a long park, including sculpture gardens and 'the bean', a huge reflective thing that draws the crowds. Is pretty cool. We checked into the hotel and ate in the city centre, a recommended place that does 'proper' Chicago pizzas (They are REALLY deep dish, like a pie. Two slices and you're done).

The following day we went to an aquarium - saw fish - then wanderered along 'Magnificent Mile', the shopping district. That evening we went up the John Hancock building, the most recognisable building in the world allegedly(?), and saw the city at sunset and night. Very impressive.

On Monday we explored the Magnificent Mile a bit more and took in a bit more of the city. Tuesday we had a lazy morning and picked up the car around 3. We headed towards the start point of Rte 66, right in the centre of town, and got stuck in the biggest traffic jam ever. Nationwide Immigration rallies had brought the city, in rush hour, to a standstill. 1 mile, and an hour and a half later, we wriggled out of the worst of the traffic, and our journey down Route 66 had begun!

Hope everyone's well
Love
Dave and Sarah XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX