Day 11 - Chicago - Incredible Locals and the Sights

Day 11 - August 31, 2014

The night at the 7-Eleven was relaxing. I felt safe, the kids were fed, and happy, and we had access to the Dollar Store, Subway, Radio Shack, and 7-Eleven. Isaiah got his fill checking out the electronics, and the children and I went and did a little Dollar Store shopping. My goodness, they have good deals, and so much food. We were able to buy sliced cheese, shredded cheese, sandwich meats, pizza meats, waffles, you name it - all for $1!!  I spent a mere $70 and got bags and bags of groceries!

In the morning we had a bit of a later start, packed up the trailer and then decided to take it down to the train station area and see if we could find a parking spot in one of the  neighbourhoods. It worked out well - I found the Forest Glen community park and there was a large area in front for parking, and I tucked my caravan under a tree, locked up and walked the two short blocks to the station. We were beginning to feel like locals; it was getting easier to just get on the train and head into the city. 

Once on the train, I began trying to figure out why my phone was not sending texts, and Isaiah and Courage got into a conversation with a older Black gentleman wearing a fedora. 

He and his wife were traveling to the city, also. I was kept busy, but near the end of the journey I acknowledged him and he began talking to him. He said to me, “You’re a Pentacost. We’re Roman Catholics, but we all serve the same God.”  This man was truly a different kind. He was educated, well-spoken, and had a lot to share. He thought that teaching our children was a wonderful way of life, and he respected the fact that raising children was a lot of work. He was so genuine, and it is really hard to put into words what it was like being in his presence. It turned out they were going to the Jazz Festival at Millennium Park, and so they took us under their wing and said they would get us to where we were going. He told us that when you visit somewhere it is the people who are the city, and I fully agree. That is what made my Europe trip so special. The encounters with the various locals. 

We exited the train, and he announced that they would walk to the park. Excellent! We had taxied it the day before, and by walking we would be able to see the city! 

They told us they were going shopping at Macy’s on the way to the Jazz Festival. I knew of Macy’s so decided to join the party, since they were inviting. You would have thought this was a fatherly friend of my parent’s the way they acted! Such amazing hosts to the city of Chicago! They arranged to meet us back at the Washington and Main entrance in forty five minutes, and we proceeded to enjoy our time. 

Now, when you can’t afford the price of purses you like because they range from $298 - $350, then what do you do? You have fun being models in the clothes you can’t afford to buy! Lots of fun! 

Then the most interesting thing happened. Isaiah told me that he recognized a girl at the make-up counter as being the one that was at our train stop that morning! She had helped us with information as to whether our caravan would be safe left parked in front of the community park. In the city of Chicago what chance is there of meeting up with the same person twice! Her name was Amelia, and she was from Romania. She came on an educational program to be a doctor, and is working at Macy’s part-time. 

Of course, we had to visit the candy store!

When we met Reggie and his wife back at the front door at the right appointed time, they had a bag of gourmet popcorn for the children. 

From here we walked many blocks through the city and encountered many types. It was so interesting to see what it is like to live in a city when you have a transportation system at your finger-tips. That is the ultimate: to live out in the suburbs and be able to take a train in to the events. Reggie and his wife had packed themselves a picnic lunch, and they said this was a regular part of their life. 

The Famous Bean

Under the Bean

Stunning City

At the Jazz Festival

We parted ways when we got to Millennium Park, and after seeing the park we went to the Jazz Festival for a short while, as everyone sat on the grass and enjoyed the delicious popcorn. 

From there we visited the fountain and then it was off to Buckingham Fountain to view this amazing site. The day was a scorcher with temperatures in the 90s. 

Cooling Off

When I saw this fountain after a long walk, I said with absolute sincerity, "If that's the fountain, it's pretty sad!" Notice the tiny water shooting up?  Ayana laughed as she pointed in the background - the enormous fountain in the distance. We all had a chuckle.

We enjoyed the oversprays!

Walking was a big part of our day and we must have walked miles! 

At one point we decided it would be worthwhile catching a cab to Lincoln Park Zoo. This is an amazing and beautiful zoo that is completely free to visit! 

Our Ethiopian Cabbie

Seriously, Israel, What is Your Finger Doing? That Boy and His Humour!

After a rather quick visit to this we hailed another cab, in the hopes of getting to Navy Pier in time to use our vouchers for the Pepsi Stage concession. These were part of my deal from the day before. 

Our Israeli Cabbie with Our Boy, Israel

Sadly, we discovered the concession was closed and we would have to forfeit the $40 worth of food. From here it was off to Union Station to catch our train for Forest Glen.

One of our children has always been fascinated with Route 66, so when I saw this bus with it's flashing sign, I had to take a picture.

Todays cabbies were as interesting and yesterdays. Each and everyone was incredibly friendly. We had cabbies from Kenya, Sudan, Israel, Mississippi, and Ethiopia. They each had an interesting story to tell and also wanted to hear all about our family and travels. One cabbie called me a ‘tough’. I had to laugh. They were all fascinated that I would take the kids all by myself across the country in a little caravan. One gave me his email address because he wanted me to send him the link to the blog, and the one from Israel took a picture with Briton because Briton’s middle name is Israel. Our cabbies were one of the best parts of our days, as they were so welcoming. 

Once we arrived back at the station I was surprised to see our friends from the morning. I had forgotten they were taking the same Metra back as we were, but even so, they did not need to wait for us, but out of the kindness of their hearts they did! So they escorted us home and even shared with the children the remains of their picnic lunch. We exchanged email addresses, and I hope to send them a Christmas card this year!

Arriving back at our caravan we were happy to see it safe and sound. We decided to drive to our spot from last night, but sadly, no matter how I tried, I could not park in front of 7-Eleven. It was about an hour later that we settled down the road, as close to public lighting as we could. 

As we pulled up at our resting spot, Courage called out, “Hey, Isaiah, you and I can get a haircut, tonight!” As there before us was a $5 salon for men. Parking the caravan, I whipped a quick, but healthy meal. I must say I am getting pretty good at doing this; it does help having a freezer full of precooked meats, though. Then it is simply add beans, sauce, spices, veggies, and cook up some rice. Just two cooking pots and then some paper plates and plastic cutlery and we are good to go.