Since Clare and Sweden got to me first, I decided that, in lieu of a wedding, a long weekend to the greater Chicagoland area was in order. Kim and my friendship are the best spoils of a failed relationship. I met her when I was dating Dave. She was dating his housemate, Alex, and when things went south with both of these relationships, we were left with each other's friendship. Winning.
Kim is also one of those international school junkies. After long stints in India and Russia, she made her way home to the Midwest, where she got a job teaching science and fell in love with a man who wanted to work his way through the all-you-can-eat sushi menu at the local Japanese place with her. Let me tell you, with the questionable choices on that menu (hello Mexican roll?!), that's true love.
Our few days together were like a great snuggly jumper and a warm pair of socks. There was tv and sushi and Schnapps in the hot chocolate. There was a train ride into Chicago proper and a family new year's eve fondue party. The highlights:
Chicago Town
The crisp, clear blue sky air was a delight.
First stop: Brunch
A cafe famous for the waitress who would self-announce 'Joday's back!' that Paul, Jeff and Catey and I went to years ago and I never blogged because my computer died)
Onto: The View from Cindy's
Cocktails and views of the Bean by Anish Kapoor (its pretentious name: Cloud Gate). Side note: if you like rivalry or seeing pretentious tossers get their comeuppance, read how Anish Kapoor got taken down a peg by Stuart Semple. It involves Blackest Black and Pinkest Pink and I promise it's fantastic.
Millennium Park
The Bean up close and personal and the festivities in preparation for the Winter Classic, a hockey lover's dream of nostalgic uniforms and outdoor football stadiums turned into hockey rinks.
Views from Around:
Fondue
Kim's family host an annual NYE fondue party with their neighbours. And you've not done fondue until you've dipped an onion in boiling hot peanut oil and made your own Outback Steakhouse Bloomin' Onion.
On the way out from this very brief stay, I had a journey through Chicago Midway airport. And although this should really not be a highlight, I mean the airport is just that much further away from the far side of town, it did have this:
Chicago for the win! Kim for the win! Kim and Michael Joe for the win!
