That's me and J in the middle, with someone random behind us.
We also walked around...a lot. I would've wanted to go to the art museum because they were featuring works of Roy Lichtenstein (one of my favorites!), but being the frugal folks that we are, we decided on going to a free concert instead. Apparently they do this a lot, hold free concerts in Millennium Park, in an area where people can bring their own food and drink and chairs and relax. We weren't as prepared as some of the people there (a couple had wine in glasses, a table, and fancy takeout from some Italian restaurant), but it was okay....we laid on the grass and drank our beer in cans. It was great. The concert? It was Haydn's The Seasons, and the entire time we had no idea what season was being performed. We were so confused we decided to leave during intermission.
We also visited the Lincoln Park/Zoo (is this what Linkin Park is named after?), which was awesome, despite not being able to see any bears. We also had a bunch of good food (ribs = my fave = always good)...didn't get a chance to try deep dish pizza though. I know, tourist fail.
Our stint in Chicago ended with a night out with some of Jason's college friends. We drank and barely had time to sleep off our hangover before we had to head to the airport for our next leg. Traveler tip:if you plan to get shitfaced before a flight...DON'T DO IT. It does not feel good.
Utah/Idaho
This was the last stop in our very long trip, and I was very excited to see it (Idaho especially) since J refers to it as one of his most favorite places he has lived in. It was just bad luck that I had a hangover and that we had to go through a lot of bull to rent a car from the Salt Lake City airport (read: modus operandi where they say they don't have your reservation, but they have a more expensive rental for you...nevah mind!), but that didn't stop us from having a good time. Not even the fact that we had to stay in a Motel 6 for a night..tired people are not choosy people, I've learned. And it was okay after that anyway... We saw a little bit more of Utah and checked out the Mormon towns, which are impeccable. Never mind the fact that they have weird beliefs in magic underwear, they sure know how to keep a neat and orderly lifestyle! I also found out that Mormons are required to keep a year's supply of food and other amenities in their household for, ya know, in case life as we now know it collapses (this idea I actually support, seems like a good idea to be prepared for an apocalypse). And yes, I met up with my MrazWomen friend Whitney. :)
We also ended up staying at J's former workmate's parents' mansion house, where there were 4 dogs and 9 horses free to roam about. It was scary at first, but it didn't take me long to love it and wish I had a horse of my own (or wish that I knew how to ride one on my own, without assistance).
Our last few days were spent with Jason's old boss/mentor and his wife, and we also had drinks with some of his other former workmates from back when he was an intern at the national laboratory. One of his workmates, Randy, had a garden full of tomatoes, peppers, and other herbs, and visiting them made me want to have my own garden of eatables so badly. It further solidified my resolve that one day, small town life will be ours, J's and mine. If not here, then maybe the Philippines.
