More Chicago Fun — Patti Part Two

I was in Chicago for quite a long time, so lots to write about! I have become a big fan of AirBnb, so when I came back from Lake Geneva I had reserved 3 nights in a house close to Wrigley Field for myself. I figured it might be nice to have a place to myself for a few days and give family and friends a break. I had a bedroom and my own bathroom on the lower level of a three flat, and it worked out great. Technically I might have had to share the family room it was off of but I only met the owner when I got there and never saw her or anyone else the entire time I was there. It was very quiet and clean and I loved the neighborhood. My best advice on using AirBnb is to read ALL the reviews people write. I have found the vast majority of places to be exactly as described and have been happy with the accommodations almost all the time.

My entrance was around the back and right into the lower level.

When I met the owner I asked her for a recommendation for a coffee shop and she gave me a great one, and just a block from the building. It was called Bittersweet and it’s right on Belmont Ave just east of Racine. It is more of a bakery than a coffee shop which was just fine with me. It has been in business a long time and I ate there 3 mornings straight. There were lots of great choices so why not go with a sure thing.

Blueberry scone, croissant and a lemon blueberry muffin. I can’t pick a favorite. All good!

The building was exactly a mile from the lake, so first on my list was walking over and taking a nice long walk south. It was a beautiful day and before I knew it I had walked from Belmont Harbor all the way to Oak St Beach. I could have kept going but I needed to get back, shower and head to the museum I had selected for the afternoon.

I wanted to see the Museum of Contemporary Art which is located just east of Michigan Ave and on Chicago Ave. The best and most economical way to get there was to use the City Mapper APP and it worked perfectly. Took the subway right there!

First a quick lunch at Sweetgreen for an awesome salad. I had eaten at one in New York City and really liked it so was happy to see they had made their way to Chicago. They have some suggested options or you can just design your own. All super fresh ingredients.

I can’t actually remember what was in it but it was delicious 😊

My favorite museum in Chicago is The Art Institute, but I decided to try The Museum of Contemporary Art for a change. I was glad I did even though it didn’t surpass my favorite. It was interesting and well done. A really pretty building and I spent most of my time in a special exhibit called I Was Raised On The Internet. I got to experience virtual reality for the first time and it really changes your perception on what constitutes art, and how the internet has added a new medium. On Tuesday nights from 5:30 to 8 PM they have a free concert on the terrace and I wish I could have gone to it. Next time perhaps and at least now I know about it.

The virtual reality took place while you sat on the snake, and the snake was part of the experience.

When I lived in Chicago I attended a lot of baseball games at Wrigley Field, almost always with their number one fan - my friend Robin! I was so close I just had to walk over and see what it and the neighborhood look like now. I was blown away with the incredible improvements to the stadium and the entire area. What an awesome job of preserving the history and what makes Wrigley Field so special, but bringing it into the 21st century. My only mistake was not knowing there was a game that day and wearing a Royals shirt for my walk. Right color but wrong team!

So many memories - we were Bleacher Bums and Murphy’s regulars.

Speaking of Robin we got to spend a fun day together walking down another memory lane. We both lived in the same building in Old Town, so we spent a day walking around the area and seeing what was the same and what has changed. It’s always been a great area but now is even better. We were able to visit our old building and the doorman let us go up on the roof and see the recently renovated sun deck. WOW! I’m not sure there even was a sundeck when I lived there and the view is spectacular!

Lake and city views! I wish I could afford to live there again.

We had lunch at a great authentic Italian restaurant that has been there for years. Topo Gigio! Right on Wells just barely south of Chicago Ave.

Robin showed me some of the newer spots including a great bakery for a little dessert.

Frosted sugar cookie - one of my favorites.

We finished the day by meeting up with some of our sorority sisters that live in the Chicago area. Thanks for organizing that Robin and thanks to everyone who came for dinner. Theta for a lifetime is for real! So great to get together and catch up.

Left to right - Marysue, Robin, Susan, Peggy, Claudia, me and Cindy. Looking great ladies❤️

I also got together one night with a couple of my original work friends when we were all just getting out of college - quite a few years ago for sure. But we forgot to take a picture! So great to see you Margaret and Nikki!

I still have a few more days in Chicago to write about - the things to do in Chicago are endless! Check back soon!

#jumpwhileyoucan