Pier of plenty !

When I am here, I like to take a day for myself, where I pack snacks, fluids, Gusztáv, Delphine, pick an area and get going. I have gotten better at navigating the public transit system, my weakness is orienting myself when I arrive downtown. Once I figure out where the lake is? All systems go.

Today’s adventure was to head to Navy Pier and a stroll through the Magnificent Mile. The Magnificent Mile has many shops, a huge Nordstrom mall, restaurants, ect. Since I’m not a mall rat, I kept walking. 

Navy Pier is one of the iconic places to visit here in Chicago. There really is something for every age group. Beautiful view outside as you stroll on the pier, boat tours, theatre productions, huge ferris wheel, indoor tropical oasis, and shopping inside where you can find different ideas for some really neat gifts. One of my favourite little corners is the Best Gift Idea Ever booth run by Eric. He specializes in pictures from Chicago and around the world - but each card showcases a letter. You can find him on Facebook at this link ! 

Hungry ? No problem. There is an abundance of places to eat at, and local specialties like Chicago’s famous Garrett Popcorn and  Completey Nuts. My goal was to find The Rainbow Cone. The name says it all, built of 5 layers (not scoops) of delicious chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House (New York vanilla with cherries and walnuts) pistachio, and orange sherbert, creating a sweet masterpiece. Their booth is outside, making it ideal to stop by get a cone - or a cup, and keep walking. Little pricey, 7$ for a cup, 8$ for a cone, but it’s the experience and taste is priceless. 

Tired of walking? Hop on the free Navy Pier Trolley which will take you around the area. It’s very popular, often standing room only, but on the plus side, they get moving once they reach capacity, no need to wait the 20 - 30 minutes for next one. I encourage you to tip the drivers, their job requires them to deal with hundreds of people, local and tourists, but they remain courteous, friendly and helpful.

I hopped on the trolley, got off at the second stop and just started walking. My mission, was to find iced coffee, and not from a chain establishment. I came across The Goddess and the Baker, located on the corner of Wacker and Lasalle. I opted for the iced Maya Mocha, a velvety, refreshing deliciousness which brought out my inner goddess, as I sat on their terrace and watched the hustle and bustle of downtown life.

I ended my adventure with a relaxing ride back to Bela’s office on the CTA's  Blue line. This train line actually heads out from O’hare and will take you downtown - a few blocks from the famous Bean, and the beautiful River Walk. Have a 8-10 hour layover? Don’t rent a car. For 3$ each way, this is the cheapest and best way to get and out from the airport, avoid traffic, (it really is horrendous) not to mention trying to find parking that won’t cost you a paycheck. 

Steps walked 19 000/ 10km /15 flights of stairs. Lights.out.