Day 2: Taking it all in

We started out day 2 in Chicago with a 8am architecture cruise. They served muffins, coffee, and lemonade on the boat, so we didn’t have to stop for breakfast. This cruise is a little unique in that the early time allows for the boat to go through the locks and out onto Lake Michigan before heading up the Chicago River.

I went on a similar cruise back in 1999 with a school group and really enjoyed it. I was amazed, though not really surprised by how much the skyline has changed since then. It was really nice to be out on the water and see all the new buildings and the old. After the cruise we started down Columbus Ave. toward the Field Museum. We had thought about taking a bus, but after sitting on the boat for so long we wanted to stretch our legs. We stopped at Millennium Park on the way and saw a HUGE zumba class taking place in the amphitheater.  There was a ton of energy and music that we all took in. We then headed over to see Cloud Gate, which was a big highlight of the trip so far. We all were taken in by the reflection and the size of the artwork. We took a ton of pictures, and Jude was running all around the plaza. We took our time here and then set off south again.

En route to the museum, we realized we were very hungry and started to talk about lunch options. Just as we were about to get serious about looking for a place, we came upon a cricket game in the park. It was so cool! We’ve all seen the game on TV, but we’ve never seen it in person. I’m not sure how long we stayed to watch, but to be what looked like a pick up match between friends, it was really exciting. Only peeled away from the action by our rumbling tummies, we headed south again.

Jon and I had seen the Bongo Room described in the ALA dining guide to Chicago (the ALA conference was in Chicago this year), and we wanted to check it out. When we got close, we realized it was closed. A little disappointed, we checked out the restaurant next door, Artist’s Café. We were very happy with our food. Jon ordered a bowl that had scrambled eggs, sausage, gouda, mushrooms, onions, and potatoes. He was a bit disappointed in the ratio, feeling that the potatoes seemed like filler, but the taste was great. I had the fried green tomato sandwich. It was good. The tomatoes were fried nicely, but they weren’t really green enough, so it was missing that fruity flavor green tomatoes have that is the opposing taste of the fried part typically. However, the remoulade brought the whole sandwich back together. Jude had the kid’s grilled cheese, and he reported that it was good. Jude and I both had the housemade Chicago-style chips, which were awesome. They are bigger that the hot chips back home, and were spiced better, as well.

From Artist’s Café we headed back over to the museum campus to go to the field museum. We ended up staying at the museum for the better part of 4 hours, and we still barely cracked the surface. We stopped midway to have some baked goods at the in-house coffee shop and started in again. Nothing tastes better than a maple pecan bar and a big ole whole milk latte when you’re tired and hungry. A little museum tip, if you buy your tickets before you go, do not go in the main entrance, as you will still have to stand in line, and no one will help you to avoid this. Instead, go to the south entrance. Bathrooms are also small on the ground and upper levels. The bathrooms on the lower level are much larger and better for families. The museum was pack, and I never had to wait for the bathroom on the lower level.

Field Museum favorites:
Jon: The animal exhibits and the Hall of Gems
Jude: Learning how the dinosaurs died and the mummy boy in the ancient Egypt exhibit.
Amanda: The early humans exhibit and the Hall of Gems.

We headed back to our neighborhood for dinner, eating at Antique Taco on Milwaukee. They made Jude a quesadilla even though it wasn’t on the menu (lots of points for letting kids order off menu). Jon and I swapped tacos each having one of the carnitas and one of the fish tacos. We also ordered the guacamole and chips appetizer. The two tacos was plenty of food, and the flavors were amazing. I think I liked the fish taco the best, but even as I write this I’m remembering how delicious the bbq pork was. Jon ordered while I was in the bathroom, so was able to surprise me with aqua fresco to drink. I think the flavor was mango, but either was it was delicious and refreshing and had the perfect amount of sweetness.

We walked back to the apartment full and happy and tired once again. With everyone bathed and changed, we headed to bed.