Ten Do’s and Don’ts (In Chicago)

Just a few little lessons I learned while visiting Chi-town...enjoy :)

1. DO some sight seeing but DON’T stay on the beaten path, there are some really interesting neighborhoods and streets other than all the tourist attractions- make friends with some locals.

Above: Sax player by the bridge (he was good and very polite). I did not have any cash but really WISH I had. So if you are there before I go again, tip him a little extra for me!

2. DO have a Boba drink with large tapioca balls; DON’T offer one to Fred Egan- he does not like tapioca (LOL!) Above: Fred inspects his Watermelon Boba drink before diving in...he later decided to go with a smaller straw to by-pass the tapioca balls on the bottom (Ezra and I had these 3 days in a row, so trust me- they are GOOD, too bad Fred missed out) *Hint* Boba drinks can be found at any Thai Restaurant...Thai Bowl was our favorite and the Pad Thai was AWESOME!)

3. DO visit the Southside; DON’T go without Ezra or Rayshawn

Above: Silverman in Southside (notice all the hand and finger marks on the car- LOL)- this is the best I could do from the back seat of the car without wacking Rayshawn's head off with my camera...Ezra did not want to take the picture as a safety precaution- but I could not just let it pass by :)

4. DO use the bathroom before you go anywhere downtown; DON’T ask if you can use any business’ restroom…there is NO pitty, you’re on your own and it is a LONG walk.

Above: The biggest fountain I have ever seen...in walking distance from the Navy Pier (but keep in mind we walked nearly 3 miles on some days so I could be a little off...I tend to exaggerate- Ezra is the distance expert)

5. DO walk more than you drive; DON’T hesitate at a cross walk- keep up with the locals.
Above: Tracks by Soldier Field...within walking distance of the famous tunnel that Bear's fans pass through on game day...can't see that from your car ;)

6. DO try a Chicago style hot dog; DON’T leave anything off or ask questions about it (even if according to the Food Network the famous Chicago hot dogs have tomatoes!)Above: Jim's on Union & O'Brien St. Famous for their Polish Sausage (and not exactly for their customer service- but hey, it's part of the experience). I had The Chicago Dog...and YES I even ate the jalapeno- yum, yum, Mom would be proud!)

7. DO bring a few bills for the streets just give a little; DON’T feed the pigeons.

8. DO bring plenty of change for the parking meters; DON’T let them expire (at minimum it is a $50 ticket or worse…the boot or you get towed) wonder how I know???
Above: Thankfully that is NOT our car...we were spared...only a $50 ticket for being 15 minutes late back to the meter. Oh well, at least it's a funny story to go on the blog. So, was the laugh and education for future visitors worth the $50...I hope so :) save the $50 and spring a couple dollars extra on the meter just in case.

9. DO try new things; DON’T limit your experiences!

(3 amigos at the Bean- Me, Ezra and Rayshawn. Photo by Sabrina)

10. DO go with a friend or loved one, DON’T keep all the fun for yourself

(plus then they can drive you all over and parallel park so you don't have to- Thanks Ez!!)

Above: Rayshawn, Ezra and Sabrina...Chicago's best attraction in my opinion- LOVE you guys!!! Thanks for such a great time!