We expected a cool reception in Chicago but arrived to both high temperatures and equally high humidity.  It is extremely warm (100 Farenheit forecast again for tomorrow) and, as Carolyn reported, “If the Rainbow finds it hot, it is hot”.  Never let it be said that the intrepid two were going to let a bit of warm weather stop them and the Big Bus to hop on and off provided the very solution for seeing this fabulous city.

I had no idea what to expect on my first ever visit but the buildings and skyline provide an eclectic mix of old(er) and new.  The blend gives a few jaw dropping moments when you turn a corner to find a formal building of early 20th century origin juxtaposed with a glass and steel structure.   I LOVE IT!

A special moment was the Chicago Tribune building which is set with pieces of rock from some of the most famous places in the world, eg the Taj Mahal, Edinburgh Castle,  Westminster Abbey and the Tomb of Abraham Lincoln…..plus many, many more.

Cocktails at the top of the Hancock Tower may have been the day’s height of decadence until we went to the loo. You could sit on the toilet and enjoy Chicago’s beautiful buildings spread before you. I wonder how many ladies have risked leaving open the toilet door to appreciate the spectacle. Did we?  That’s for us to know!!

We then found the official start of our epic journey – the ‘official’, if somewhat battered, sign proclaiming the start of Route 66. Whoooo, we are here, we are ready and tomorrow we pick up the car.  So long in the planning, it is still important to pinch ourselves and believe we are doing this.

Meanwhile, tonight we are off to Buddy Guy’s Legends to enjoy some of the music for which Chicago is famous – a combination of blues and jazz.

Quirky bits…

I’ve committed myself to adding to the sensible parts of our trip’s description with some of the extra bits which, to us, seemed funny, unusual and/or quirky.

Seeing Michael Portillo about to board our plane at Heathrow was a case of… “Is it? Yes. So,…” He had his distinctive gait, brightly coloured blazer and more than slightly aloof air. We then found a hotdog café in Chicago with his name on! Interesting. If it appears in a future TV programme, remember you heard it first here!

Another culinary ‘quirky’ was when we spotted a restaurant called ‘Yolk’ which may have been, I suggested at the time, the ‘Eggs-act’ centre of the city. Ok, they also spell ‘centre’ as ‘center’ or, as we might say, wrongly!

Chicago completed – for now – great city and would love to come back. Buddy Guy was awesome and the city stunning. I can’t let this section go without making mention of what my granddaughter refers to as ‘bottom burps’! The Presidential candidate’s building is loud, garish, in your face and offensive. I’m saying nothing about him as a candidate, of course! #litigationproof