YAH Chicago Trip

About this every year we have our Fall Trip to someplace special. To be honest, I think any place with our group is special. This year we went to Chicago, Illinois. I will be honest and say that I was not excited about this trip because I spent my high school and college years plus the first years of my employment with NCR near Chicago. So, going to Chicago was nice but became more or less routine for both Nancy and I. However, we did thoroughly enjoy this trip for a number of reasons. First, the people we travelled with were outstanding. Next, we did things in Chicago that we had not done before. Now, we are both anxious to return to Chicago again in the future.

Remember: You can click the photos to get much larger views!

We began our trip on Monday, September 22nd and returned Friday, September 26th. Most of our first day was spent traveling in the bus but we had a good time fellowshipping on the bus and were ready to begin our Chicago adventure as soon as we arrived.
This is the large amphitheater in Millennium Park, our first stop in Chicago. This park is really awesome with a nice walkway that goes almost to the lake and includes lots of scenery. One picture cannot do justice but you must remember that I took over 400 and cannot post them all here.
The next day, Tuesday, we had a step-on-guide lead us on a bus tour of Chicago. This tour ended at Navy Pier where we spent most of the remainder of the day. While we were on the pier, we also took a tour on the lake by boat.
There was plenty to do on the pier, too.
After an afternoon on the pier, we needed something to eat and refreshments. So, we went to Tommy Gun’s Garage, Chicago’s Original 1920’s Speakeasy. There we enjoyed a fun evening of food and entertainment. One thing we hadn’t counted on was us being part of that entertainment.
We had to keep an eye open for the thugs who were continually harassing us.
But fortunately, I had my “Carry Permit” so we weren’t outgunned. Of course, I had my babe along, too!
During the show, one of our own was up on the stage.

Wednesday, we toured the Chicago Art Institute. I think one of our favorite displays was the miniature room display.
After visiting the Art Institute, we went to the Hancock Building, Water Tower Place and the Magnificent Mile of shopping. I’m not a shopper but I was more interested in the old Water Tower.
Thursday, was our last full day in Chicago but we made it a good one. First we went up in the Sears Tower to look around Chicago from a very high perch.
Next, we toured the Moody Bible Institute. I was very impressed by the campus, its history and the kids that were our guides. We also took time to visit the campus bookstore and eat in one of their eating places.

So far, I’ve only mentioned one of our evening dining experiences at Tommy Gun’s but we had great meal experiences each evening. Our last evening was another fun one. This time we ate Greek food at the Parthenon Restaurant. Watch out for singed eyebrows!

I know this little photo tour could not do justice for the sights, sounds and smells of our tour. But hopefully, you have gotten a sense of what we did that week. I will have a more complete slide show for you at our luncheon October 14, when Burt Kettinger comes to minister to us. Join us then, if you can.