Monday, November 13, 2006

Birmingham to Chicago and Back Again


Where we stayed.


David and I went to Chicago last week for my 30th birthday and for a meeting that happened to coincide. I'm finding 30 hard to deal with. We stayed in Streeterville on the Miracle Mile and it was incredible. We visited River North, Wicker Park, Lincoln Park, Wrigleyville and Chinatown. Mostly, we spent a lot of time on the El and a lot of time walking our little feets off.

David spent a day at the Chicago Board of Trade and at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. I got to tag along to the Merc. Some traders from R.J. O'Brien took us on the floor and in the pits where they trade Eurodollars. (Can you name another girl who has been in the pits at the Merc? I think not.)











The Madness that is the Merc.


We also hit the Field Museum and the Chicago Institute of Art, Millenium Park and the Lincoln Park Zoo. The lions there were incredible because you can get so close. The male looked at me right in the eyes and my animal instinct made me get anxious. The female stood in the outdoor enclosure and ROARED. First time I've heard that. All of the animals there were performing. It was awesome and FREE. Can you believe that?


The Kovler Lion House the Lincoln Park Zoo. (It was built in 1912.)


Chicago is incredible. Really. Way better than New York because it's more accessible and friendlier. New York has nothing on Chi Town. And that's the truth.

My new best friend, the Blue Line El.

6 comments:

ersatz said...

those pictures are awesome. looks like you had a good time. i went to the chicago zoo in december of my 7th grade year. it was snowing and cold and i loved it. and they didn't let me on the floor of the Merc. you win.

susan said...

That sounds awesome. Chicago is magic. Do you think it would still be magic if we actually lived there? It's an important question.

I didn't take these pictures, but they are cool, aren't they? I decided to add one of the Merc.

Su

Anonymous said...

We went to Chicago earlier this year [I had to go for a bit to train, Laura came after my training sessions were complete]. We had a blast, though you pose a good question.

My training was actually in a suburb north of Chicago. It didn't seem as if people went into the city much [which is sad, considering the historical and architectural value the city holds]. I guess it's kind of funny because they become as much of a tourist as we were - kind of.

susan said...

What are the suburbs like? Did you have to take the Metra into the city to get the El?

Su

Anonymous said...

I just wanted to send you a late happy birthay, susan. :) I turned 30 on the 14th and it's a bit different than I expected. I haven't seen/spoken to you in a while...I hope this reaches you smiling.

david gunnells

susan said...

Happy Birthday, David!!!

I hope you are enjoying being 30. I saw the pictures of your beautiful girls. I'm so thrilled to learn that you have a family of your own. It is great to hear from you and I'd love to know how you are doing these days.

I've been married for 3, almost 4 years and I love it. I'm so blessed and grateful for my family. We don't have any children yet, but we're really looking forward to it. You'll have to tell me how that is.

Hope you have a happy turkey and a fantastic christmas.

Su