Hello Chicago!

Believe it or not, we made it! Who’d have thought?!? Definitely not me. But that is beside the point. We’re here now!

Our plane arrived 30 minutes early, and overall it was a very good flight. A few tiny bumps here and there, but taking the Xanax really did help ease the pain. Kevin watched Pulp Fiction while I read and looked out the window watching America below. It was actually really cool, for the first time I could see my house as we flew over. Saw the Lightning’s house and Boca’s too! It was all very small but I could tell exactly what I was looking at.

So, we arrived early, and the airport was packed. Not with travelers, but with a live band and hundreds if not thousands of people waving American flags there to greet troops flying in that evening. It was very patriotic and I got a bit choked up. How could you not. We made it through the crowd, got to baggage, our bags were there (woo hoo!!!) and then grabbed a taxi.

We’re here on a home exchange. I had never talked to Jake (the homeowner) until this evening when I let him know we had landed and would be here in 30 minutes or so. He and his girlfriend Crystal waited for us so they could give us a tour of their place. And what a place it is! We’re in a loft on the top floor of an old brick building in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. These people have amazing taste and the house is nicer than we could have hoped for. And the best part? I’m lying in bed writing this blog while looking at the view of the Chicago Skyline. I think I could be a home exchange spokesperson. Think they’re hiring?

After Jake and Crystal left us with the keys to their place we headed up the street to Pasta Palazzo (they recommended it). Fast, cheap and delicious!!! I can see these blogs turning into more food blogs very quickly, but we’ll TRY to control ourselves.

We headed back to the house for the night so Kevin could get some work done and I could get all of our “to-do” lists organized into one. We decided that tomorrow morning we’re heading downtown to check out the Art Institute and some other sights. Can’t wait!

Ciao!