CHICAGO!

Arrived in Chicago at 4 pm yesterday afternoon and at 5 pm we finally checked into our hotel. It took the taxi – which we would never have taken if we wouldn’t have had that much luggage – almost 20 min to cover the short distance from the railroad station to our hotel close to Trump Tower and Mag Mile. Reason was a street blockage because of Mr. President’s visit to his home town for some fundraiser. They shut down many downtown streets during rush hour. For the first time we had a van taxi driven by a handicapped gentleman.

I had been fantasizing about a bathtub and cheese popcorn - apart from a comfortable bed - and we were positively surprised when we checked in this new boutique hotel „Kinzie“. We got a spacious, nicely designed and furnished room in the top (6th) floor, with a large bathroom and a bathtub, which is not common for boutique hotels anymore. In addition, we got to know that a „cocktail reception“ is about to start and that breakfast is inclusive as well. When we found two tin cans full of Garrett popcorn in the room it was paradise in heaven.

We unpacked, checked emails (finally!!!) and went over to the lounge for a cocktail and appetizers. Then we just walked around the block - and, accidentially happened across two reps from the german IPW delegation - to Trader Joe’s, and noticed that it’s much cooler than we assumed. Had been spoiled in the South and even got some tan which will fade soon in this weather. Lots of emails and work to catch up with, TV is on, already had withdrawal symtoms after so many days without. Unfortunately no Food Network and no History Channel…

Slept very well and just had breakfast in bed from the buffet being set up in each floor's hallway. Heavy thunderstorm this morning and raining out of buckets. Won't make our planned neighborhood checks easy today.