CHICAGO

I WANNA HAVE SIX ON THE BEACH

This city is white hot! After cruising through the southern states, it was beyond exciting to get to a power city like Chicago. We arrived on the 3rd July so that we had enough time to orientate ourselves before the big 4th of July celebrations. We checked into a spunky hotel in downtown and heard that there was a Chicago Cubs Vs Chicago White Sox baseball game on that day which in terms of baseball play offs, is a sell out event. We ended up scoring 2 of what must have been the last tickets available which was in the bleachers. Wrigley Field was an ocean of Cub and Sox clad die hards and the air a complete buzz. We made our way to the nose bleed section and sank some ice cold beers whilst relishing in the sporty atmosphere. It was more American than onion rings and Dr Pepper. The anthem saw everyone stand, take off their hats and belt out Star Spangled Banner with their hands on hearts and patriotic heads held high. It was a great game to watch and had us cheering, chanting, Mexican waving in no time. A bucket list item for sure. The next day was Uncle Sam’s birthday, a huge deal anywhere in the US, particularly in Chicago. We went to a beach party with a bunch of locals and couch surfers and had ourselves a ridiculously awesome day. After a solid 6 hour drinking effort in the scorching sun, we ended up at an after party back in the city where they provided everyone with beer, food and shade! We kicked on till the wee hours of the morning before we decided we better get back to our room before our livers had a break down… But it wasn’t the last these awesome people would see the Aussies as we were scheduled for a second appearance the next day. The morning after saw us relatively hangover free so we tackled a mammoth day around the city. Chicago is famous for some very impressive architecture, increible eateries and arty monuments. Its clean, stylish, friendly and I’ve gotta say, on par with New York for me! We walked past a stunning restaurant that overlooked the Michigan river and were spellbound to indulge. We got a gorgeous table on the terrace and had the most incredible lunch of our lives. Won’t bore you with details but it blew our minds and once again, our budget. If anyone is in Chicago, make sure you go to Wollensky’s! Throughout the day, word had gotten out that we were going to cook an Aussie style BBQ for the people we were staying with that night and before we knew it, we were playing Guess Who’s Coming For Dinner for 20 people! We went to Costco and came across imported Australian Lamb Chops (no, I’m not talking about Ads!) so bought $150 worth to feed these lamb deprived rockers (lamb is next to non existent in the US so it’s exxy to say the least!). Might we say, it was an absolute hit, there wasn’t a scrap of food left and I’m pretty sure we put Aussies in the Chicago hall of culinary fame! So impressed, they took us out and shouted us drinks all night… and following morning… without coming up for air (ie, going to bed) until 6.30am the next day!

WIN:
To be in such a strikingly fabulous city of millions and still feel like you’re in a trendy version of Newy with friends being just around the corner!

FAIL:
Having zero capacity to send ourselves home before 6.30am when we had a 9hour drive ahead of us that day. Whoops.