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!

Chicago- Beyond the City

Much more than I could have ever expected...More than buildings: I had heard about the beauty of the skyline and the grandeur of the city but what I really loved about this trip was the insider's view of Chicago. Ezra was back home and had a long list of to-do's and to-see's as it had been a really long time...it was my pleasure to tag along and discover the real heart of Chicago :)

Our trips into the city revealed beautiful pieces like these all over the place-proving that it was a very important gem to the city and the locals (I called the "Chicagowinians"...I know, that's not the "correct" term but I liked it :) anyway).

Above are pictures of some works that caught my eye around the city and the beloved "bean" that reflects all over it's entire surface (even underneath).

So naturally it was a photographers dream. We hit some of the hot spots but also played around a little with long exposure and depth of field...

Night Life: Real Celebrations...Sunday night Ezra's family and friends threw a big party for him. Roberto (below), taught Ezra how to play the Jarana Jarocha (...the J's are pronounced more like an H).

In addition to music, Roberto and his wife have a studio where they teach art and dance. Ezra's father is also a wonderful artist. I enjoyed seeing many of his paintings and photographs hung throughout the house.

Home Away from Home: From the moment we were dropped off at the airport the morning we were flying out I began to miss my family (a lot!). But once I convinced myself that the kids would be fine and I needed to just relax and enjoy the trip, I was OK. It also helped that every night coming back from fun in the city I felt like I was coming home; welcomed and always treated as family :) ...That's the best way to travel! Thank you Marcos (and family), Roberto, Pablo, Rayshawn, Sabrina, Ezra (and everyone else) for such a great trip!...more about Chicogo still to come (hey, I was there 5 days...I've got a lot of sharing to do!)

Chicago Preview :)

Last week I had a unique opportunity (and privilege) to go to Chicago and spend 5 days there with one of my dearest friends, Ezra and his family! We left out early Friday morning and arrived in Midway by 10am. The landing in Chicago was one of the most turbulent that I have experienced but it was well worth it. The whole experience was so wonderful and something that I will always treasure.

I was welcomed as family, met some wonderful people (Rayshawn & Sabrina- LOVE ya'll!) and was introduced to the real Chicago that very few people get a chance to see. We spent time with friends and family, visited every side of the city, ate a ton of Thai food and spent a couple of days with Fred Egan. It was non stop action and it is hard to nail down what the best part was, but I am pretty sure it was the night Ezra's entire family came to his Dad's for dinner, music, etc...a celebration of family and friendship (yeah, that was the best!)

Here is just a little preview of my view of Chicago- I have soooo much to share that I will have to break it up in a little mini series...I can not wait to go back!!!