Tuesday, 7 May 2019
Traveling on eMpTy: Saints �� & Sinners ��
Traveling on eMpTy: Saints �� & Sinners ��: My brother Gerry made it to the Big 5-0 so we took a trip to New Orleans to celebrate. My sisters and I have all been before but it was Gerr...
Saints 👼 & Sinners 😈
My brother Gerry made it to the Big 5-0 so we took a trip to New Orleans to celebrate. My sisters and I have all been before but it was Gerry's first time. My cousin Kenny flew from Vancouver to meet us. We chose the Prince Conti hotel, located in the French Quarter a half a block from Bourbon Street. My sister Jennie and I stayed at the same hotel 4 years ago and loved it.
After checking in and changing (what a difference in temperature to Windsor!) we hit Bourbon Street. We went to Pat O'Brien's located on St. Peter street with one of the best courtyards in the city. Famous for their Hurricane drink, this expansive bar has duelling piano's inside their lounge, and a beautiful courtyard with numerous trees and a waterfall. The Hurricane is a rum-based cocktail with passion fruit. They sell a 3 gallon glass for $150! We stuck to the smaller size and I tried their other well known cocktail, the Mint Julep. I prefer this Bourbon-based drink over the sweetness of the Hurricane.
We walked the Quarter and visited some other bars. It was a gorgeous day and we took advantage of the courtyards and the sun. Kenny's flight didn't get in until 9p.m. so we met him back at the hotel. We enjoyed some complimentary champagne and then hit the nightlife again.
Wednesday boasted the same weather with the sun shining. We walked around and took in the sights, the buskers and the music. We visited Jackson Square the home of Andrew Jackson's monument and Saint Louis Cathedral.
There were many people painting, performing,
giving readings, doing magic tricks or playing music. Jackson Square is bustling with activity and is great for people watching.
Located across the Square is Jax Brewery and Cafe du Monde. Famous for it's cafe-au-lait made with chicory and it's beignets, it's open 24 hours a day and there is always a line up. I can't even fathom how much powdered sugar they go through in one day!
That night we partook in a haunted carriage tour through the quarter. We met our guide and climbed into the mule-drawn carriage driven by Desire. Our tour started at 9p.m. so it was dark and perfect for the tales our guide shared. Passing by LaLaurie mansion, St. Louis Cathedral, and a number of bars, she told us stories of murder, medical experiments, torture and unexplained events that gave us goosebumps.
The next day, we visited the oldest bar, Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar which has been around since the 1700's. Lit by candles inside, our guide told us it's haunted but still serves a great drink. The owner himself, Jean Lafitte has been known to appear, dressed as a sailor and stands near the fireplace. He doesn't speak to anyone and disappears once he's noticed. There is also a ghost on the second floor, belonging to a woman and she will even whisper in your ear. Unfortunately, we missed the ghost experience while we enjoyed our drinks.
One of the highlights of the trip was joining the New Orleans School of Cooking for a 3 hour hands-on cooking class. My sister Bobbie and I decided to do this and the meal was fantastic.
We made roasted sweet potato tasso bisque, veal grillades with cheese grits and poached eggs, and a chocolate pecan pie for dessert. Chef Eric was both entertaining and knowledgable. The bisque was probably the best thing I ate during our entire trip!
We got our own aprons and some recipes. We learned to say pecan properly (not PEE CAN) and the difference between creole and cajun food. Creole adds tomatoes and cajun is darkened. I am definitely going to try and replicate the bisque recipe at home.
We were able to sample some other tasty delights in New Orleans. From oysters, gator bites, and jambalaya at Felix's, to crawfish at Three Legged Dog (a total hole in the wall), to the po'boys at Deja Vu, the food and atmosphere at these places did not disappoint.
For our last night, we boarded the Steamboat Natchez for a two hour journey down the Mississippi River. The cruise started in the heart of the French Quarter and went along the riverbanks showing a variety of ships in the harbour. We got to listen to the music of a live jazz band.
There is so much to see and do in New Orleans, it can't possibly be covered in one trip. This is simply a highlight of what we experienced. The music is incredible, the people are entertaining. We had such a good time and it was a great way for Gerry to say goodbye to his 40's and start his 50th year. Wonder where Bobbie will pick next year for her 50th?
~MT
 |
| Jennie cut herself out of this picture. Only her eye is visible on the left side! Bobbie chasing the Hurricane with water. Gerry sticking to beer. |
After checking in and changing (what a difference in temperature to Windsor!) we hit Bourbon Street. We went to Pat O'Brien's located on St. Peter street with one of the best courtyards in the city. Famous for their Hurricane drink, this expansive bar has duelling piano's inside their lounge, and a beautiful courtyard with numerous trees and a waterfall. The Hurricane is a rum-based cocktail with passion fruit. They sell a 3 gallon glass for $150! We stuck to the smaller size and I tried their other well known cocktail, the Mint Julep. I prefer this Bourbon-based drink over the sweetness of the Hurricane.We walked the Quarter and visited some other bars. It was a gorgeous day and we took advantage of the courtyards and the sun. Kenny's flight didn't get in until 9p.m. so we met him back at the hotel. We enjoyed some complimentary champagne and then hit the nightlife again.
Wednesday boasted the same weather with the sun shining. We walked around and took in the sights, the buskers and the music. We visited Jackson Square the home of Andrew Jackson's monument and Saint Louis Cathedral.
There were many people painting, performing,
giving readings, doing magic tricks or playing music. Jackson Square is bustling with activity and is great for people watching.
Located across the Square is Jax Brewery and Cafe du Monde. Famous for it's cafe-au-lait made with chicory and it's beignets, it's open 24 hours a day and there is always a line up. I can't even fathom how much powdered sugar they go through in one day!
That night we partook in a haunted carriage tour through the quarter. We met our guide and climbed into the mule-drawn carriage driven by Desire. Our tour started at 9p.m. so it was dark and perfect for the tales our guide shared. Passing by LaLaurie mansion, St. Louis Cathedral, and a number of bars, she told us stories of murder, medical experiments, torture and unexplained events that gave us goosebumps.
The next day, we visited the oldest bar, Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar which has been around since the 1700's. Lit by candles inside, our guide told us it's haunted but still serves a great drink. The owner himself, Jean Lafitte has been known to appear, dressed as a sailor and stands near the fireplace. He doesn't speak to anyone and disappears once he's noticed. There is also a ghost on the second floor, belonging to a woman and she will even whisper in your ear. Unfortunately, we missed the ghost experience while we enjoyed our drinks.
 |
| Poached eggs on top of the veal gillades. My first time making them but I'm not a fan! |
One of the highlights of the trip was joining the New Orleans School of Cooking for a 3 hour hands-on cooking class. My sister Bobbie and I decided to do this and the meal was fantastic.
We made roasted sweet potato tasso bisque, veal grillades with cheese grits and poached eggs, and a chocolate pecan pie for dessert. Chef Eric was both entertaining and knowledgable. The bisque was probably the best thing I ate during our entire trip!We got our own aprons and some recipes. We learned to say pecan properly (not PEE CAN) and the difference between creole and cajun food. Creole adds tomatoes and cajun is darkened. I am definitely going to try and replicate the bisque recipe at home.
We were able to sample some other tasty delights in New Orleans. From oysters, gator bites, and jambalaya at Felix's, to crawfish at Three Legged Dog (a total hole in the wall), to the po'boys at Deja Vu, the food and atmosphere at these places did not disappoint.
For our last night, we boarded the Steamboat Natchez for a two hour journey down the Mississippi River. The cruise started in the heart of the French Quarter and went along the riverbanks showing a variety of ships in the harbour. We got to listen to the music of a live jazz band.
There is so much to see and do in New Orleans, it can't possibly be covered in one trip. This is simply a highlight of what we experienced. The music is incredible, the people are entertaining. We had such a good time and it was a great way for Gerry to say goodbye to his 40's and start his 50th year. Wonder where Bobbie will pick next year for her 50th?
~MT
Thursday, 25 April 2019
Traveling on eMpTy: B����KS
Traveling on eMpTy: B����KS: My friend Cheryl asked me the other day why I haven't posted anything since December. My response was simply because I haven't t...
B📚📚KS
My friend Cheryl asked me the other day why I haven't posted anything since December. My response was simply because I haven't taken a trip for months. Then I started thinking about the 27 books I've read so far this year. It made me realize that every time I crack a book open, I am indeed traveling to where the author sends me.
Books are an escape, they transport us to places we go in our imagination and beyond. I have loved books even before I could read myself. My mother would read to me diligently and I absorbed every word. When I was able to read on my own, I would make my way every Tuesday evening to the Bookmobile where I would take out enough books to get me through the week. Beverly Cleary had me hooked with her story of the Quimby sisters Beezus and Ramona. I could relate to the nine year old narrator Beezus, and her tales of trying to get along with her younger sister. Judy Blume and her Fudge books had me in stitches. Her book "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret" was one of my favourites, following Margaret Simon's journey into puberty with her secret club of girlfriends that discussed boys, bras, and their first period. 
Then I discovered a kindred spirit in Lucy Maud Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables. The character of Anne was both charming and dramatic and the adventures she faced with her bosom friend Diana, left me wanting more. Lucky for me, Montgomery wrote several sequels.
I've always loved reading. It's been my solace and escape, has passed the time on many journeys and despite what some believe, the book is always better than the movie. I've owned a library card for most of my life. I love the smell and weight of books. Stepping into a library or bookstore immediately calms me and time stands still. I love opening a novel, anticipating where the story will take me and what I'll learn. Discovering a new author is rewarding. I enjoy my Book Club discussions and sharing our thoughts and opinions over a drink. This year alone, my books have taken me to Ireland, Japan, L.A., Nebraska, Palestine, Heaven, and even my own city of Windsor. Here's a few that have stuck with me.
The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa is a delightful story of Nana the cat and his owner Saturo. They travel through Japan in a silver van, visiting three of Saturo's lifelong friends. This story is about connections, love and loyalty.
I lived in Japan for almost seven years and could easily picture the scenery described in this story. Although I'm a dog person, I could still appreciate Saturo taking in this stray cat and the bond the two made over a number of years together.
Fifteen years ago, Mitch Albom wrote, The Five People You Meet in Heaven. His sequel, The Next Person You Meet In Heaven is just as endearing. The first novel follows the life and death of a maintenance man named Eddie and he reappears in this novel. The story centres around a girl named Annie-who Eddie saved on Earth-and reunites with him in her own heavenly journey. This book will open your eyes to the what matters and that endings can also be beginnings.
In Normal People, author Sally Rooney tells the story of Connell and Marianne. They meet in high school, both are intelligent but come from very different backgrounds. Despite their differences, they find a connection. The story follows them to Trinity College in Dublin and the dynamic of their relationship changes.
Although the story is simple, centring around class distinction, first love, friendships and family, Rooney weaves a tale that is interesting and captivating.
This is Kirby holding one of my favourite books this year, Daisy Jones & The Six. It's a fictional book about Daisy Jones, a beautiful girl with an amazing voice and a band she joins called The Six lead by singer Billy Dunne. Set in the 70's, this is the ultimate story of sex, drugs and rock and roll. The story is a chronicle of one of the biggest bands and the reason they broke up just when they were getting famous.
Jenkins Reid hooks you from the beginning and there is a twist at the end that will grab you.
Although I haven't been on a plane since last October, my books have taken me to a number of countries and lent me stories that I've delved in. I'm heading to New Orleans next week for my brother's 50th. I'm looking forward to getting away but I will most certainly have a book in my carry-on to pass the flight. If you have a favourite book or author, feel free to share it with me as I am always looking for recommendations. Until next time, happy reading!
~MT
Monday, 31 December 2018
Auld Lang Syne
There's something about December 31st that forces us to look back and reminisce. We look at our accomplishments, disappointments and failures. We wonder why we didn't stay committed to our New Year's resolutions and why we aren't where we want to be today, heading into a new year.
When I contemplate 2018, it's not with regrets or disappointment. I'm one of the lucky ones who had a pretty great year. I traveled quite a bit and visited places I'd never been to before. I saw a couple of great broadway plays and took in a few good concerts. I started playing the ukulele which I absolutely love. I read 62 books and although not a personal best, I was able to escape in the pages and "travel" to new destinations among the stories. Of course it hasn't been all good. My dog Kirby was diagnosed with epilepsy in January and then got very sick again in March. This year has been a balance of medications and numerous visits to the vet. He woke up with me today and each day he does, I'm grateful.
Many are posting their "Best of 2018" by using nine photos of the past year. It's hard to sum up your entire year with only nine photos but I did it. I noticed that most of my good times were spent with family (and Kirby!). Trips to New York, Mexico, Chicago, Antigua, a family reunion...I feel very blessed.
If you find yourself reflecting today, focus on the good things that happened this past year. Be happy for your health, your job, family and friends that love you. Even if this year didn't turn out how you wanted it to, be thankful there's a chance to start anew in 2019. Whether you ring in the New Year at a bar or party, celebrating with friends, family or even on the couch with your dog, BE SAFE. Do what feels fun, lower your expectations and don't make resolutions. Perhaps start a new tradition in 2019 instead.
Thank you for spending time with me on my travels and journey. All the best to you in the New Year.
~MT
Thursday, 18 October 2018
Antigua
My sister Jennie and I just returned from a blissful, sun-kissed week on the luxurious Caribbean isle of Antigua. We'd been planning the trip for a few months and were indecisive about the destination in the Caribbean. We enjoyed Aruba so much last year, we weren't sure if we could top it. I'm happy to say we made a great choice. Rather small in size, Antigua is stretched along the coastline and peppered with numerous coves, bays, and white sand beaches.
We drove up to Toronto the night before our flight. We had a great dinner and a few drinks. It was nice to wake up in the Sheraton hotel, take the elevator down and walk straight through the doors to Terminal 3 of Pearson airport. It was definitely better than making the 4 hour drive before our 9a.m. departure.
The five hour flight went by quickly. Before we knew it, we touched down at V.C. Bird airport and met with a Sandals representative for transportation to our home for the week. For those of you familiar with Sandals resorts, you may wonder why my sister and I chose to stay there. The all-inclusive, adult only resorts are certainly geared toward couples. However, the service, food and locations can't be beat. I checked the reviews and with my travel agent and she assured me it was no problem for us to stay there despite not being a couple.
It took about 15 minutes from the airport to the resort. We were greeted with a cool towel and a glass of champagne, then swiftly checked into our Club junior suite. The room had everything we could possibly need. Our 2nd floor balcony faced one of the pools and the volleyball court. The grounds were gorgeous and well maintained. We quickly grabbed a drink from our fully stocked bar, unpacked, and made our way to the pool.
There were a few pools around the resort but we mostly stuck to the main pool. It was huge and not very crowded. The resort offers a butler service at an extra cost (we declined this) and they could be found at the pool and beach before 7a.m. reserving lounge chairs, putting up umbrellas and setting a cooler with ice and drinks for their assigned guests. Jennie acted as the butler and set her alarm for 6:30 each morning, guaranteeing us a sweet spot at the pool. Most guests didn't make an appearance until 10a.m. The aqua fitness classes started at 10:30, the same time the bar opened. We always got up early as the sun would rise at 5:59.
The beach was equally beautiful but more crowded. It was nice to walk along it in the morning. We were fortunate to see this rainbow 🌈 one morning while enjoying breakfast at one of the seaside restaurants.
With 11 restaurants and 7 bars, Sandals had much to offer and did not disappoint. Moving away from buffet style restaurants like most all-inclusive resorts was a nice change. We didn't have to wear wrist bands and no tipping is allowed (the staff even wear buttons reinforcing this). Despite the no tipping policy, it was likely the best customer service I've had at a resort. The entertainment was a bit lacking compared to other places I've visited but by that time of night we didn't care. It was nice to have a couple drinks with some Brits we met at one of the bars, or to sit outside on some comfortable couches in front of the fire pit.
Antigua blessed us with 29 degree weather daily and although there was some rain, it didn't last long or ruin our time there.
Here are some tips in case you go...
1) Drinking copious amounts of vodka martinis (extra dirty) 🍸, Wadadli beer, and Jameson will affect you (your speech, your walk, and perhaps your memories). I feel like I need a detox now.
2) Your lips will burn. Use SPF on them or risk sun blisters. Abreva is a great preemptive to avoid that. Splurge on lipbalm with SPF 30 or better. Your lips will thank you. This will also help lessen the sting when eating hellfire jerk chicken at lunch.
3) Mimosas are completely acceptable at breakfast. They will help tide you over until the bars open at 10:30. The vitamin C from the OJ will make you feel better from the night before.
4) Swapping books 📚 is a great way to pay it forward and make a new friend by the pool. Plus you will likely pick up a book by an author you aren't familiar with but will enjoy. Leaving your books for others will lighten the load of your suitcase on the way home.
5) Enjoy activities offered such as Bingo, Movie/Sports Trivia, Aqua Fitness 🏊, Corn Hole challenge, Flip Cup competition, Ping Pong tournament, etc. You will meet other guests and get your competitive streak on.
6) You will hear music that was popular a few years ago but will still know all the words to the songs. 🎼 Now watch me Whip (kill it!) Now watch me nae nae (okay!) 🎶
7) If you are a light sleeper, you should bring earplugs. The tree frogs 🐸 make quite the racket at night. You will likely never see one but you will certainly hear them.
8) The resort is fogged daily from 4-6p.m. If you aren't aware of this, you will be alarmed at the smoke around the resort. This is done to repel insects and you'll be thankful this is done. No bug repellant required.
9) The beach is public so there are vendors but if you tell them you aren't interested, they will move along.
10) It's your vacation! You aren't at work or dealing with the day-to-day stresses you usually have to. Your biggest decision is what to eat or drink and which water sport to partake in. Enjoy yourself!
This trip was wonderful. We met some great people, ate delicious food, enjoyed way too many drinks, read books, soaked up the sun and relaxed. Stepping out into 13 degree temps when we landed in Toronto was a bit of a shock since we were still dressed in flip flops and beach clothes. I look forward to our next vacation and where that will take us. Many of the people we met said they'd only stay at a Sandal's resort. Although we often times were mistaken for twins, and most recognized as sisters, one of the staff members referred to Jennie as my husband. We had a good laugh about that for the rest of the week. It wasn't too couple-y and we had a fantastic time. Back to the grind tomorrow. My Grandma always told me that it's not a vacation if it doesn't end. So until the next one...
~MT
 |
| Jennie is excited-she's just hiding her cold sore! |
We drove up to Toronto the night before our flight. We had a great dinner and a few drinks. It was nice to wake up in the Sheraton hotel, take the elevator down and walk straight through the doors to Terminal 3 of Pearson airport. It was definitely better than making the 4 hour drive before our 9a.m. departure.
The five hour flight went by quickly. Before we knew it, we touched down at V.C. Bird airport and met with a Sandals representative for transportation to our home for the week. For those of you familiar with Sandals resorts, you may wonder why my sister and I chose to stay there. The all-inclusive, adult only resorts are certainly geared toward couples. However, the service, food and locations can't be beat. I checked the reviews and with my travel agent and she assured me it was no problem for us to stay there despite not being a couple.
It took about 15 minutes from the airport to the resort. We were greeted with a cool towel and a glass of champagne, then swiftly checked into our Club junior suite. The room had everything we could possibly need. Our 2nd floor balcony faced one of the pools and the volleyball court. The grounds were gorgeous and well maintained. We quickly grabbed a drink from our fully stocked bar, unpacked, and made our way to the pool.
There were a few pools around the resort but we mostly stuck to the main pool. It was huge and not very crowded. The resort offers a butler service at an extra cost (we declined this) and they could be found at the pool and beach before 7a.m. reserving lounge chairs, putting up umbrellas and setting a cooler with ice and drinks for their assigned guests. Jennie acted as the butler and set her alarm for 6:30 each morning, guaranteeing us a sweet spot at the pool. Most guests didn't make an appearance until 10a.m. The aqua fitness classes started at 10:30, the same time the bar opened. We always got up early as the sun would rise at 5:59.
The beach was equally beautiful but more crowded. It was nice to walk along it in the morning. We were fortunate to see this rainbow 🌈 one morning while enjoying breakfast at one of the seaside restaurants.
With 11 restaurants and 7 bars, Sandals had much to offer and did not disappoint. Moving away from buffet style restaurants like most all-inclusive resorts was a nice change. We didn't have to wear wrist bands and no tipping is allowed (the staff even wear buttons reinforcing this). Despite the no tipping policy, it was likely the best customer service I've had at a resort. The entertainment was a bit lacking compared to other places I've visited but by that time of night we didn't care. It was nice to have a couple drinks with some Brits we met at one of the bars, or to sit outside on some comfortable couches in front of the fire pit.
Here are some tips in case you go...
1) Drinking copious amounts of vodka martinis (extra dirty) 🍸, Wadadli beer, and Jameson will affect you (your speech, your walk, and perhaps your memories). I feel like I need a detox now.
2) Your lips will burn. Use SPF on them or risk sun blisters. Abreva is a great preemptive to avoid that. Splurge on lipbalm with SPF 30 or better. Your lips will thank you. This will also help lessen the sting when eating hellfire jerk chicken at lunch.
3) Mimosas are completely acceptable at breakfast. They will help tide you over until the bars open at 10:30. The vitamin C from the OJ will make you feel better from the night before.
4) Swapping books 📚 is a great way to pay it forward and make a new friend by the pool. Plus you will likely pick up a book by an author you aren't familiar with but will enjoy. Leaving your books for others will lighten the load of your suitcase on the way home.
5) Enjoy activities offered such as Bingo, Movie/Sports Trivia, Aqua Fitness 🏊, Corn Hole challenge, Flip Cup competition, Ping Pong tournament, etc. You will meet other guests and get your competitive streak on.
6) You will hear music that was popular a few years ago but will still know all the words to the songs. 🎼 Now watch me Whip (kill it!) Now watch me nae nae (okay!) 🎶
7) If you are a light sleeper, you should bring earplugs. The tree frogs 🐸 make quite the racket at night. You will likely never see one but you will certainly hear them.
8) The resort is fogged daily from 4-6p.m. If you aren't aware of this, you will be alarmed at the smoke around the resort. This is done to repel insects and you'll be thankful this is done. No bug repellant required.
9) The beach is public so there are vendors but if you tell them you aren't interested, they will move along.
10) It's your vacation! You aren't at work or dealing with the day-to-day stresses you usually have to. Your biggest decision is what to eat or drink and which water sport to partake in. Enjoy yourself!
This trip was wonderful. We met some great people, ate delicious food, enjoyed way too many drinks, read books, soaked up the sun and relaxed. Stepping out into 13 degree temps when we landed in Toronto was a bit of a shock since we were still dressed in flip flops and beach clothes. I look forward to our next vacation and where that will take us. Many of the people we met said they'd only stay at a Sandal's resort. Although we often times were mistaken for twins, and most recognized as sisters, one of the staff members referred to Jennie as my husband. We had a good laugh about that for the rest of the week. It wasn't too couple-y and we had a fantastic time. Back to the grind tomorrow. My Grandma always told me that it's not a vacation if it doesn't end. So until the next one...
~MT
Thursday, 30 August 2018
The Windy City
My brother Gerry and I recently took a trip to Chicago. The main purpose of the trip was to see two Pearl Jam shows at Wrigley Field. It takes about five hours to drive there. I hadn't been to Chicago for years so was excited for this trip.
We arrived early afternoon but couldn't check into our hotel right away. We drove around getting familiar with the area and stopped at Manny's for lunch. Open since 1942, this deli has the most amazing food. They are known for their corned beef/pastrami sandwiches and they are loaded with meat. The prices are reasonable and they also have a bakery and serve liquor.After lunch, we checked into the hotel and got ready to make our way to Wrigley. We walked through Chinatown to catch the L train. As we got closer to Wrigley, the train filled with Pearl Jam fans, evident by their concert shirts. When we exited at Addison station, there were crowds of people hanging around before the show.
We had some time to kill so went to the Irish Oak to have a couple drinks.The decor was all wooden and the menu had classic Irish fare. The music was great and the bar was packed with Pearl Jam fans. It had been 25 years to the day that I saw Pearl Jam in Toronto with Blues Traveler, Soundgarden and Neil Young. I last saw them in 2014 in Detroit and was looking forward to the show.
The setlist was epic with 32 songs and 2 encores. They played for just under 3 hours. It was a beautiful night and with 40,000 fans screaming and lighting up their cell phones, it felt magical.
It turned a bit bizarre when Dennis Rodman brought out Eddie Vedder's ukulele and promptly brought up North Korea. They did a number of cover songs, paying tribute to Chris Cornell, Tom Petty and David Bowie. Steve Gleason also made a guest appearance and it was nice to see his smile as he enjoyed the music.
The next morning, we got up early for a 90 minute architecture boat tour on the Chicago River. The weather was perfect and the guide was both extremely informative and entertaining.
The architecture was astounding and we got to see many of the famous buildings as we made our way under the numerous bridges. We also learned that Chicago didn't earn it's moniker Windy City from weather conditions. Our guide informed us that the name actually originated as an insult to the politicians, the "windbags" with inflated egos that only cared about profit. The boat tour was a great way to see some of the sights of Chicago. We even got discounted tickets on Groupon!
There was a matinee of Hamilton that afternoon at the CIBC theatre. The tickets were pricey but I heard such great reviews and really wanted to see it. The theatre itself was a bit disappointing as our seats had an obstructed view of the stage. However, once Act I began, I was enthralled with the show as they sang and rapped the story of America's Founding Father, Alexander Hamilton. I'm not much of an American history buff, but the play was so interesting and entertaining. We loved it!
Afterwards we were starving so headed to Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, home of the Chicago deep dish.
My brother ordered the Malnati Chicago classic, a deep dish with Lou's sausage, cheese and tomatoes.
I prefer my pie with a thin crust and kept it simple with garlic, basil and mushrooms. It was the best pizza I've had in ages!Monday was raining but we didn't let that stop us. My brother wanted to try Portillo's for lunch as he heard great reviews of their beef and sausage sandwich. We then made our way to the Magnificent Mile district, to 875 Michigan Ave, formally known as the John Hancock Center.
This architectural icon, is a 100 story, 1,128 foot skyscraper. It's home to a number of restaurants, shops and condominiums. We purchased tickets to 360º Chicago as well as the TILT. We took the elevator to the 94th floor, in what has to be the fastest elevator (I believe that's what was announced as we ascended in about 38 seconds). The observatory is 1,030 feet above street level. You can see 4 states and across many miles from that height.
The TILT faces the south side of the building and has 8 individual bays that tilt outward from the top at 10-30 degrees. It provides a great view of Chicago and Lake Michigan. My only complaint was it didn't last long enough!
From there, we jumped back on the L train to head to Wrigley for the second Pearl Jam show. We had general admission tickets this time so had to wait in line (which was blocks away from the stadium). It moved pretty quickly and once inside, we nabbed a great spot not too far from the stage.
After a 90 minute delay, the band took the stage and played for as long as they could. When you play an outdoor show in the Summer, you run the risk of tempting Mother Nature. When the band played here in 2013, they faced a rain delay then too. Even though this band hasn't released an album in five years, they have incredibly loyal fans and thousands were captivated by frontman Eddie Vedder as he talked about his love of the game, the Cubs, and many of the influences like Joe Maddon and Theo Epstein. While I enjoyed seeing the band outdoors at Wrigley, I think next time I'll stick to an indoor venue.
The next day we were headed home but decided to make one last stop for pizza. It'll be a while before I get pizza that good again. Thank you Chicago for a great vacation and to my brother Gerry for the great company. Next trip booked is in October with my sister Jennie to Antigua...stay tuned!
~MT
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