Good evening, friends! I'm writing from my hotel in Downtown Chicago.
I got in around 10:30 this morning after a fitful night's sleep. (There was a very-not-sleepy toddler in my car from midnight until the early morning.)
I took the L to my hotel, dropped my bags, grabbed a quick lunch on the river (Ben J Yehuda shawarma, delicious).
Then I did the normal things Chicago tourists do: I saw The Bean; I walked along the Riverview with a self-guided architecture tour; I decided the $25 was too pricey to see the Obama portraits at the Art Institute.
I checked into my hotel this afternoon, which—despite that it was a HotelTonight discount deal—has a lovely sort-of river view. After a much-needed shower, I went out with my friend Joel for some deep dish pizza and Italian ice in the West Loop.
I don't think I've lived in New York long enough to be snotty about pizza. But, like, c'mon, y’all. (It was pretty good. But playing a different game than most pizza. Right?)
Tomorrow, I've got a morning in Chicago, and then I'm taking the most scenic leg of the planned trip: The California Zephyr, which runs from Chicago to San Francisco. I'm taking the whole leg in one go—about 50 hours without delays. Unclear how the Wi-Fi works. I'll update when I can.
–JBG
Accidentally found out I could “heart” your posts and comment (sorry, and lucky me!). I am vicariously enjoying your travels and look forward to seeing photos of the next leg. Fifty hours? I hope that toddler got off in Chicago!