Travelogue

Just returned from a "girls" weekend in Chicago.  Experienced the most amazing meal of my life at Fogo De Chau--an authentical Brazilian Churrascaria.  I must take my family there in the future...it was a meal not to be forgotten.  The gauchos bring different cuts of meat to your table (16 different kinds) including chicken, sausage, pork, steaks, etc.... and the meat is so tender and amazing that it just melts in your mouth!  It was a great reward for the usual inconveniences that accompany travel.  The Chicago Hilton offered comfortable accomodations with a great view of Lake Michigan and the Taste of Chicago that was underway.  Saturday morning I was up early for a workout in the fitness center and then a day of Chicago sightseeing.  It was HOT and humid but the sky was clear and there was so much to see.  We had breakfast at an outdoor diner and then walked down to the Aquarium.  The line was TOO long so we took a water taxi down to Navy Pier and enjoyed a cold beverage at Billy Goat's Tavern. We then were surprised to see the Anheiser Busch Clydesdales marching down the street.  I can never get over just how massive those horses are!  We crossed over to the river and spent an hour on an architectual cruise.  It was a wonderful way to see the amazing differences and influences in the buildings of the city and to learn a little more about the history of Chicago.  After the tour we went to the John Hancock building and went to the 95th Lounge to sip a cold drink and look at the city.  The view was AMAZING and there were so many sailboats and yachts out in the Lake.  Beautiful.  We then endured the scariest cab ride of our lives so we could make it back to the hotel and freshen up for dinner and the show.  Dinner was at a little Italian eatery "Trattorias" which was very nice.  And then we attended WICKED.  It was a great evening and the walk back to the hotel was a nice way to finish up the day.  I must admit I felt a little guilty for indulging in this weekend so closely on the heels of my other Chicago trip, but I have made a pact with myself to do this a couple of times a year and start exploring new cities.  It feels good to get out of the rut, have some time with friends away from work, church, etc... and just get a little break.  I look forward to taking my boys on trips such as this when they are ready to explore.  In the meantime, we have the MUNY to look forward to this summer.  I would love to hear about your travels!