Signs in Chicago!!!

***Miles travelled today: Once again, we ventured into the city on the train... and did loads of walking!!!

***Total Miles:

***States travelled through: Still in Chicago!!!

Given the number of pics we took yesterday of Every building in Chicago, we set out today looking for the quirky and alternative and decided to focus on signs (although didn't get many as it was raining this afternoon and we'd spent the morning in shops)..... We found the historic marker for the 'starting point' of Route 66 (a trip we'd considered doing but decided against) and an unusual one that 'advertised' the best Chicago Hotdog which Linz had to try (on behalf of me). The vendors and sign-age warned against 'polluting' the 'dawg' with 'ketchup' as a real 'Chicago-dawg' has (in this order): mustard, relish, onions, hot peppers, two tomato wedges on either side of the hotdog to hold it in place, covered in celery salt on a poppy seed bun. Linz reckons, "bring on the ketchup!"

Another sign was taken through the window of 'Garrett's Popcorn Boutique'-where they've perfected the art of popcorn making and sell a combo of cheese-and-caramelised-popcorn (sounds gross but was delicious). It was really strange watching people in this store as they actually queued and waited for about 15min just to be served. Apparently they 'Fedex' out popcorn to anyone who wants....(their almond/cashew caramelised popcorn is the best) and who is desperate enough for it. The final sign for today was the 'Redhead Piano Bar' which we're unfortunately missing.

Right, we know this is a bit of a crazy blog today and we blame the weather for it. We'd hoped to get out on one of the tall ships as they did a trip out but were flummoxed by the rain and cold this afternoon. Although we've only done a few big cities, it's really fascinating to see how they each have their own personality-Boston was 'go-go-go' and very business-like; Washington was steeped in patriotism and Chicago is defined by it's palette of architecture and of course, Al Capone.

.....We're leaving Chicago [oops-did we say that the Padawadi Indians who first inhabited these shores called Chicago by its native name of 'Chicagoo'-meaning 'the land of the smelly onions' because of the wild onions that grew along the banks of the Chicago River? No, we didn't? Well, now you know :) ] first thing in the morning and making our way to a Mall about an hour/so from here. This Mall has the reputation of being one of the largest in the States :) so I'll just have to make sure we have loads of coffee breaks to keep our energies up !!!

We've added another 'handy' website on 'all things' to do with Chicago and will catch up again, after some shopping has been done !

(For some reason, earlier this week there was a problem with publishing to blogger - today there appears to be a problem with uploading photographs... so we will upload today's photos - hopefully - tomorrow!!!)