Chicago

Chris and I are no strangers to traveling. We packed up and moved across the country for goodness sake, twice. We learned some valuable lessons on this last trip to Chicago for my cousin Matt’s wedding. I thought these lessons might be helpful to share, in case you find yourself planning a trip.

1. If you are like me and have become accustomed to driving in a town where traffic laws are mostly abided by, and the speed limit is below 45 for the majority of the city limits, you may not want to rent a car and drive in the city. If you do, chances are you will utilize your horn more than ever before and get completely flustered by unorthodox (and dangerous!) traffic maneuvers that city folk are completely used to, therefore calling yourself out as a tourist.
2. Try all forms of public transportation, at least once. Our last day in the city we rode the train into downtown, took a water taxi to Navy Pier, a cab to the sushi restaurant, and a trolley back to Union Station. It’s much easier to sightsee when you are not focused on navigating through unfamiliar territory.
3. Just because you exercise semi-regularly, do not fool yourself that you are in good enough shape to throw down on the dance floor at your cousin’s reception without some repercussions.
4. Wear sensible shoes. Our plan on Sunday was to drive into the city, park, and spend the day at the Art Institute. Which was a great plan until we walked 10 blocks in the opposite direction, retraced our steps, found the Art Institute, realized we needed a smoothie from Jamba Juice, walked back 4 blocks or so to find one, then traipsed all over the museum for 4 hours. I thought that flip-flops were sensible shoes, but was sorely mistaken.
5. Purchase a map. (see number 4)
6. Bring an umbrella. Just because you live in the desert and never see rain doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen anywhere else.
7. Do not assume you will be able to sleep on the plane, and therefore plan ridiculous times to travel. You may be seated next to a very nice woman that decides to slam Coronas at 7 am and yell “Hey, Toots!” every five minutes at her niece seated in the next row.
8. Take a good camera, even if you have to borrow it. We wished we had something other than our cell phones to take pictures with the whole trip. I’ll post some pictures here so you can wish we did, too.
9. Be nice to your spouse, even if you’ve been up for 20 hours, are lost in the suburbs of Chicago at 2 am, and don’t have any change for the toll road. Eventually you will find your way to the hotel.

Overall our trip was great. We spend quality time with family we don’t get to see too often, and the wedding was perfect. I’ve never seen my cousin so happy, and that was definitely worth all the travel woes in the world.


Michigan Avenue



Navy Pier



-Katy