Chicago!!

We've made it to Chicago! For this trip, we decided to shake things up a bit and take the Amtrak (and to avoid any crappy driving due to unexpected snow/rain storms), and other than some confusion on the part of Amtrak customer service reps regarding our departure status (i.e. them not knowing diddly-skiffle about whether our train was actually going to be there), we had a very smooth journey. We're both now big fans of the luxury of traveling via train; the legroom, the freedom of movement, the reasonable rules for luggage. It's totally the way to go! We stretched out and spent most of the journey listening to the Lord of the Rings on CD as narrated, or rather, ACTED, by Rob Ingles. It was wonderfully relaxing!

On the way, we must have seen dozens of birds of prey, a small group of prancing deer among the wood, a wild turkey and even a coyote curled up in the afternoon sun! I kept looking for pheasant and grouse, but none were to be seen. Oh, and I think I may have spotted a fox slinking along, but maybe it was just a big barn cat with a fluffy tail. The trees and river were a joy to behold, sunny skies and a quiet train made for such a relaxing ride. Bluff country in Minnesota has got to be some of my favorite terrain in all the world. There's something beautiful and ancient, yet livable, accessible and humble about it. If ever we have the extra dough, buying a tiny little cabin in the Lake Pepin area would be awesome :)

We were pleasantly shocked to find that our Comfort Suites room on the 14th floor is absolutely amazing!! It looks recently updated, decorated with rich tones, a full kitchen with a nice little bar, a king sized, plush bed and even a washer and dryer!! It seems a shame to only be spending three nights in a room this groovy. Not only is it cheap ($81 per night!), but like all Comfort Inns/Suites, it comes with free brekkies in the morning, free internet and very hospitable service :) HOORAY!

After chilling for a bit in the hotel, we went across the street to a great eatery called Sweetwater Tavern & Grill for supper. John had a Dogfish Head Apricot IPA beer and a turkey, bacon, Swiss and avocado sandwich with tater tots, and I had a Guinness and The Gobbler (turkey burger) also with delectable tater tots. Now we've beached ourselves in front of the TV for the night. The view from our room is awesome, all big-city and lit up. Other than missing our little Vesta kitty, we're having fun :)

Can't wait to report how The Pogues show goes tomorrow night! WOOT!!