chicago trip: getting around

Our first full day* in Chicago, I started my morning with a 90 minute massage, compliments of my sister Molly. I know. Amazing: The massage and my generous sister. While my mom and her boss, Erin, spent the morning at their conference, I studied maps and transportation options to get us into the city that afternoon.

* Our flight was scheduled to arrive at O'Hare in the early evening on Wednesday, but we ended up sitting on the tarmac at XNA for over 2 hours before taxiing back to the gate to get out and stretch before our plane was finally cleared to leave at 9:45.  The spring storms made for a turbulent flight. Not my favorite thing.

We stayed at The Westin North Shore, about 25 miles from the dowtown loop, because that is where the conference was located. But getting to the city was no big deal once we discovered how easy it is to hop on the Metra commuter train for a ride to Union Station. And it only cost $4.50. That's a real bargain compared to the $60 cab fare (with surly driver) from O'Hare to the hotel. Yikes!

A short 45 minute train ride later and we were in downtown Chicago.

Here is my favorite thing about visiting Chicago: public transportation. Especially, riding the "L" above the traffic bustling down below.

From Union Station, it was just a short walk to the brown line, which circled the Loop. From there, we could take a number of different bus lines.

And going down to the subway, that was especially exciting.

I know this seems silly, getting so excited about trains and buses, but, remember, I live in Arkansas.

 We don't see a lot of this:

 Or this:

And taking the late train back towards our hotel, along with some inebriated revelers, that only added to the adventure.