tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18167798998304950732024-03-13T00:17:17.249-05:00Where is Brandy?Hi there, I'm a elementary teacher who LOVES to travel as much as possible! My journeys have led me to some unbelievable experiences. In fact, I've had so many I maxed this blog out and have started on Part 2-Where is Brandy AGAIN?!? Head over to http://whereisbrandypart2.blogspot.com to keep up with what I'm doing now!Brandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12189690390784629887noreply@blogger.comBlogger196125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816779899830495073.post-70320970812587089682012-10-08T00:05:00.000-05:002012-10-08T00:05:10.319-05:00New Orleans Day 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The first morning we were there was a late morning. I think I got in the shower around 10-11am. But that's kinda how Heather and I roll. If I remember correctly we ended up watching Alvin and the Chipmunks... and it was pretty funny, lol. </div>
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Having been obsessed with 1000 Things to See Before You Die I begged Heather to go eat at <a href="http://www.galatoires.com/">Galatoires</a>. It ended up just being 100 feet from the hotel on Bourbon St. Supposedly Fridays lunch crowd is super fun. I wasn't sure if that would be the case on the Friday after Thanksgiving but it was pretty happening. I only wish I hadn't worn jeans. Lol everyone else was dressed in sports coat or for ladies, dress, heals, etc.</div>
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The inside was very cute. It was pretty small but had a fun, lively environment...</div>
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I went with the recommendations from 100 Things and went with the Shrimp Remoulade and the Crabmeat Maison. It was absolutely delicious!</div>
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And, they had a Brandy Alexander on the menu so I couldn't pass one up. :)</div>
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After Galatoire's we just kind of wandered around... I had never seen the court buildings. I loved the statue in front of it. Justice is served here, people! Lol<br />
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The street performers were very authentic New Orleans. Yes, that man will fit through a TENNIS RACKET...<br />
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That right there earned him my money. If my hips could fit through a tennis racket I'm pretty sure I'd cry of pure joy!<br />
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Then we strolled along the mighty Mississippi River... Never gets old... Never.<br />
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Then it was time for one of my most favorite New Orleans traditions...BEIGNETS from <a href="http://cafedumonde.com/">Cafe Du Monde</a>!!!!</div>
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The line was REALLY, REALLY annoying. People were totally being disrespectful and just stealing a seat. No one at Cafe du Monde seemed to care for a second because they were too busy delivering the tasty pieces of sugared heaven. But Heather and I minded all social norms and politeness and WAITED in the line for our table. <br />
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And right before my drool was going to creep out my mouth they brought me my iced cafe au lait and beignets and all was right in the world. All the noise and the huff and puff of watching people steal seats melted away. Sure my pants got dirty from the shower of powdered sugar...who cares. It's like wearing a New Orleans Louis Vouitton around...a symbol saying, "Yes, I ate beignets today, I rock, be jealous!"<br />
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Beside Cafe du Monde was a very busy crowd watching the performer in the far bottom/right hand corner of the picture. I just wanted a good picture of the Christmas tree with the fleur de lis on top. I wish it was just a shade darker so you could see the lights better!<br />
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I took, of course, 400 pictures of Jackson Square but none really came out. You can see the blurriness at the bottom of the page. But pictures don't describe the reality of being there to me...I love Jackson Square.<br />
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Then we passed the National Parks Jean Lafittee location so I begged Heather to stop and see what it was all about. Basically it was this...<br />
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with the outside looking like this... Yea, not impressed. The park rangers were more excited by the middle-aged woman that was giving them attention. There wasn't a lot of exhibits there... Just some property that the NPS had acquired of the French Quarter, really. I was really disappointed. Maybe because it was 15 minutes before closing? I dunno, just kinda confused because I go to NPS locations when I travel always.<br />
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So Plan A) Go back to the hotel room and watch tv for a little bit til Rock N Bowl got started around 9.<br />
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Heather: "Well, we can go back to the hotel room, or we can have a drink, your pick."<br />
Brandy: "Ummm, I guess we can have drink. Pat O'Briens looks quiet and we can have the signature hurricane-since last night we had the signature grenade."<br />
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4 Hurricanes Later...<br />
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Plan B) Stumble to hotel. Sleep...in boots and all. Get sick in the bathroom. Sleep...boots off. Get sick in the bathroom. Feel sick the next day til about 7pm.<br />
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Sure......let's go with Plan B!<br />
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The last picture of the night...... My arch nemesis. The HURRICANE. Heather and I can't really repeat (online) the extent of our 2.5 hour stop at Pat O'Briens. Believe me, we still laugh about it...regularly. But let's just say the Bartenders made our night. We learned a LOT from and about the locals. I felt like Norm on my bar stool of 10 years. And those hurricanes snuck up on me. I don't remember feeling any sort of incapacitated until it was time to go rock and bowl. I remember thinking the bed was so comfy at the hotel...and I'm sad to say, Heather spent the rest of the night alone wandering Boubon Street...while I...shameful as can be...slept off my hurricanes.</div>
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I publically apologize to you, Heather!!!!!!! :) You're the best travel partner E.V.E.R. if you still go places with me after all of my "oops" travel moments. Lol </div>
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Let's just say there won't be TOO much to show you on Day 2. L.O.L.</div>
Brandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12189690390784629887noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816779899830495073.post-47903725298159087512012-09-23T12:19:00.002-05:002012-09-23T12:21:04.809-05:00Happy Thanksgiving and New Orleans!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Oh, my! I'm approaching the realization that I am almost TEN MONTHS behind in my blog! But I have to admit I've started a few other blogs (my 1001 movies, my classroom blog and my teachers blog). But, trust me, travel is still my #1. I just have sooooo many other things going on including: school, getting into UT, and an extra job. But, let me share my travels with you!</div>
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Thanksgiving 2011 started at the scrapbook retreat house with my friend Kristi but then I came back into Houston to eat the traditional meal with my family (dad, mom, aunt and Heather).</div>
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The last few years my family has eaten Thanksgiving dinner at Landry's Seafood in the Woodlands. It's got a good buffet of seafood and traditional Thanksgiving food. Last year, though, we had to have a table of 5 and waited for almost 2 hours. And that's with being a "select member". Might not go back this year if we have enough time to research a better place.<br />
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After dinner Heather and I headed out to NEW ORLEANS!!!! The Texas/Texas A&M game was on and was really tight. So about 30-45 minutes outside of New Orleans we went ahead and pulled over so I could watch the 4th quarter. It was a shadddddddddddddy sports bar with crappy tvs and shadddddddddy people hitting on us but it was an AWESOME, HISTORICAL victory over A&M that they won't get to play for again. A&M leaving for the SEC was their choice. Good luck to them (not really). It was an awesome win! Just wish I had been in Texas to watch it, because the skanky LA friends were more worried about finding their ride home. <br />
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The shady sports bar...but hey, ladies drank free :) Can't beat that...<br />
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Then Heather and I headed into New Orleans, in the French Quarter and got to our room at the <a href="http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/crowneplaza/hotels/us/en/new-orleans/msyla/hoteldetail?cm_mmc=mdpr-_-MSN-_-bf-_-cp_msyla">Crowne Plaza</a> around 10pm. It was a nice room and I'm pretty sure I slept on the other bed to the left. This appears to be the only picture I took-probably more for Trip Advisor purposes. The bed was super comfy!!<br />
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Once we put our luggage and car up we walked up and down Bourbon street. It was a pretty mild crowd but oh, Bourbon Street, how I had missed you! Lol, it was still the same as it always had been...years later. I think we had a grenade to welcome ourselves back to the NOLA. But it was a mild night with not much going on so we went ahead and headed back after walking up and down. Tomorrow the real exploring began.Brandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12189690390784629887noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816779899830495073.post-73546699441164748332012-09-03T23:44:00.002-05:002012-09-03T23:44:33.043-05:00Scrapbook Retreat-Thanksgiving 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, last year I got the WHOLE WEEK of Thanksgiving off and decided to go on two little trips. This would be trip 1:</div>
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I went to the Scrapbook Retreat House in Rockport, Texas which is pretty close to Corpus Christi. It's got a very beachy, small-town vibe. The house is about 5 minutes from the actual city.</div>
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We mostly stay at the house and scrapbook (and ok, surf the internet) when we're there. But my friend Kristi and I LOVE books so we checked out the local book store. Love the name-Lori's Book Nook. I love supporting local bookstores so I think I found a book or two.<br />
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The reason we went into town was to visit Enchantments, a scrapbook store. They offered a coupon on Groupon and I wanted to get my money's worth. The coupon had actually expired but they gave me the credit for it. Loved it! A bit pricey, and not a huge selection but still a nice scrapbook store for such a small town.<br />
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Rockport's little "downtown" area... I wanted to look more around but it didn't seem to be on the agenda.<br />
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Then we headed to Panjo's. Kristi and her mom love their pizza. <br />
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Doesn't it just look delicious?? And it was!!!! It was so good, I ate that pizza for the next 2-3 meals. :)<br />
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These were some of the scrapbooking pages I made while I was at the retreat house from my England trip.<br />
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Kristi and I found these while we were at the Walmart getting some groceries. They're $2 and sooooo worth it! So good! At the scrapbook house we stay up til the wee hours of the morning scrappin, laughin, drinkin, etc. It's such a cool getaway!<br />
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And another page...<br />
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Not bad, huh? Thought of that one on my own...as I do most of these. This was a seafood restaurant Kristi and I ate at in Boston from 1000 Places to See Before You Die (the name of my scrapbook, too).<br />
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I really got a lot of pages done...geez!<br />
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And this is the backyard of the Retreat House. It's huge! <br />
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And the view of the little lake from our scrapbook room. I went back in March and I think I took some extra pictures that I'll have to post. This scrapbook stay was such a nice getaway for the busy holiday season came! I went home for Thanksgiving dinner with my family and friend after this... Then Heather and I took off for NEW ORLEANS!! And that's what you'll see next time....... :) Safe travels!!Brandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12189690390784629887noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816779899830495073.post-63830006237452401862012-08-19T15:42:00.001-05:002012-08-19T15:42:09.712-05:00October 15, 2011 Texas Book Festival!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One of my favorite weekends of the year is the annual <a href="http://www.texasbookfestival.org/">Texas Book Festival</a>!! They bring in SUCH AMAZING authors! Now, I'm a huge fan of children's literature. One day I'll write a book or two but for now, it's just on the Bucket List. However, I love children's books, always have. Every October they bring in about 20-30 huge authors in the field in Austin, on the capital grounds. It's a FREE event! Only they ask you to buy books from their Barnes and Noble tents, as a fundraiser. Now, I have to be honest with you, I bring probably 40-50 of my own personal books. But I am beyond author-stalking here. I mean I love, LOVE a few of the authors you're going to see here...so I hope they know it's not about stiffing them on the money it's about getting my beloved copies signed. I always make sure to spend plenty at the tents but I also get plenty copies for free. :) Last year (2010) I went with my friend Deborah, but this year (2011) I had about 40 books in a backpack and about 15 others in a book bag and lugged myself all over the children's area going from line to line getting my signatures. </div>
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The first author I had the COMPLETE pleasure to meet with <a href="http://www.louissachar.com/">Louis Sachar</a>. I got in line pretty early on so I only had to wait about 3-4 people. As soon as he showed up I was literally shaking, kind of like some people would be for Brad Pitt or President Obama. But you have to understand I've read his books for 20 years! I love every single one of them. I read them in my classroom constantly! I see my 8 year old boys hate reading when they walk in to my room and walk out of my class with a book in their face, bumping into the wall with his books. He wasn't very talkative but I got my OWN copy of Wayside School signed so I was flying high with adrenaline and excitement!<br />
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As I was waiting for the next signing I saw <a href="http://philbildner.com/">Phil Bildner</a> hanging out. He came to my school two years ago to talk to the kids. He writes a lot of stories that my third grade boys loved! A lot about sports and historical fiction. I wanted to go introduce myself but so many other women were and I didn't want to lose my place in line, lol. For the record, though, he is a great presenter and wonderful for author visits!<br />
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I didn't have time to go listen to him speak but was excited to see <a href="http://www.kadirnelson.com/Books.html">Kadir Nelson</a> and get his autograph on a few of my classroom books. <i>Henry's Freedom Box</i> is one of my favorite historical fiction books for kids. His illustrations are AMAZING. If you click on the link you will not be disappointed! Although not very friendly, he just kind of held his hands out for my books...it was great to get his autographs on all the copies of his books that I had in my classroom. Next time I hit Half Priced Books I need to look for more of his books. I hope he returns because I have more books I'd like to get signed. :)<br />
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As I was walking away from Kadir Nelson's table I saw Louis Sachar again signing books. I was so pumped!!! <br />
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Then I saw <a href="http://bobshea.com/">Bob Shea</a> signing copies of his new book. He writes for younger children but I found a copy of <i>Big Plans</i> that he illustrated with Lane Smith, the first author/illustrator I ever met. This book is really inspirational to me and my students and talks about all the big plans we make in life and never to let anyone tell you they are too big. Can I just say he was a SUPER nice guy, so humble to know my kids love his book. I really enjoyed talking to him.<br />
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One of the other authors I most enjoyed meeting was <a href="http://www.barneysaltzberg.com/">Barney Saltzberg</a>. I purchased <i>Crazy Hair Day</i> at the Barnes and Noble tent beside the tables. He was such a blast to meet. We talked about teaching young kids and ended up giving me around 100 bookmarks to take back to my classroom. I absolutely love the book and have a fun time with crazy hair days in the classroom. :) Loved him and hope to see him again to get some other books signed. <br />
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Then I got to meet Marla Frazee who is both an author and illustrator. I brought my copy of <i>Clementine</i> that I got signed the year before by Sara Pennypacker. Ms. Frazee illustrated it so I got her to sign my book as well. She has written a few books but I didn't have them with me. Since they're all $15 to purchase I had to go a bit easy and didn't purchase any of her picture books. But she was still very nice and willing to sign my book.<br />
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Then I looked at my schedule to see who was signing before my most anticipated signing in the afternoon. I saw that <a href="http://www.nancytillman.com/main/">Nancy Tillman</a> was signing. She writes picture books that are great for reading to children before bed. I went to the Barnes and Noble side of the tent and found <i>The Crown on Your Head.</i> It was so touching I had to get a copy. She was really sweet and left handed!! :)<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">THEN MY FAVORITE TIME OF THE WHOLE WEEKEND!!!</span></div>
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I was trying to listen to the volunteers and organizers make the line for Doreen Cronin and made sure to get in the front of the line. I was probably about the 7th-8th person in line (in the worst company ever, people surrounding me were idiots). I brought EVERY Doreen Cronin book I owned (either 7 or 9, I can't be sure). Now, you have to understand, the authors are signing "TO MISS ALEXANDER"S CLASS" so it takes a lot of writing. She signed ALL of them!!!! We talked about her daughter who was in 2nd grade and I told her how much we enjoy her books. She was SO nice and it was probably the highlight of the entire weekend!!!</div>
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After Doreen Cronin I got to meet the esteemed <a href="http://www.rosemarywells.com/">Rosemary Wells</a>. I know her best for her Mrs. Bindergarten's Kindergarten books...and from watching Max and Ruby with my nephews. She was nice...not very engaging or talkative. <br />
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She really writes for all ages. I also had her sign a copy of one of the books in my classroom.<br />
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Then I went to get a classroom book signed by <a href="http://www.michelleknudsen.com/">Michelle Knudsen</a>. She writes a variety of books for young children and teens. I love <i>The Library Lion</i> and had just got it (for Free) from Scholastic Book Clubs and she was nice enough to sign it even though it wasn't purchased from the tent.<br />
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As I was leaving the Capitol grounds I saw this protest yelling and hollering to stop executions. Lol, sorry but in Texas? They got their work cut out for them!! However, as someone who wants to revolutionize the way of politics in this country I was proud to see people using their First Amendment rights to voice their opinions.<br />
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The view of the Texas State Capitol never gets old...<br />
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Love it peaking over the tall trees when you walk up to it from the Capitol parking garage.<br />
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Zoomed a bit more...<br />
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After I took some more pictures I left. And, in true Brandy fashion, I hit up Half Priced Books to get some more books for Sunday's line up. I spent way too much money but I was in book heaven all day, so I was pumped. I had booked a room at the Hampton Inn outside of Austin and just read books and blogged all night (it was fabulous). The next day I had more authors to stalk!<br />
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I tried to take this picture as my "title picture" for my other blog. It showcases the book festival tents in front of the Capitol Building.<br />
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I hung around for Sunday because of this wonderful woman, <a href="http://www.katedicamillo.com/">Kate DiCamillo</a>!! I had got some of her books the night before at Half Priced Books to save some money, lol. She was very nice and I loved getting some of her books signed! I read <i>Because of Winn Dixie </i>when I was a kid so it was great to get it signed, along with <i>The Tale of Despereaux</i> which I just love. She creates such great characters!<br />
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It was fun to meet<a href="http://www.davidrdavis.com/"> David Davis</a>. He's a "hoot" as some say. His books are really funny and my kids love them, especially <i>Zeke and the Longhorn</i> which is great to teach Texas' symbols. I've seen him at a lot of author signings...so therefore have many of his books signed. :) That never gets old!<br />
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After I was finished with David Davis I snapped this shot of the long line for Kate DiCamillo. I was probably the 5th person in line. :) Lol, after that I snapped a few shots, went around to the booths one more time and hit the room back to Houston!<br />
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One more of my favorite shots of the capitol......I just does NOT get old to me! (And hopefully my future employer!)<br />
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Seeing as I'm moving to Austin next year I'm hoping to volunteer with the Texas Book Festival, as long as none of my authors are there...because then I will be in line getting signatures. :)<br />
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I can't wait for another 2 months when I'll be back the last weekend of October!Brandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12189690390784629887noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816779899830495073.post-91763239106998106702012-06-28T14:16:00.000-05:002012-06-28T14:16:54.165-05:00Galveston Walk-About September 15, 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
September 15th I went to Galveston with my friends Brandi and Heather to do the Galveston annual <a href="http://www.cleangalveston.org/events.html">Walk-About</a>. It's a fundraiser to help Clean Up Galveston through all the hurricane repairs. Years later and there's still work needed to be done! My friend Rhianna posted on Facebook the event and I checked out the website. For $25 you walk around 25 different places in the historical Galveston Strand area. In each restaurant or shop you get a playing card in a closed envelope. After getting all 25 you take it back to the pub you start at and 5 cards are player cards which you make into a poker hand. The best poker hand wins. It was a fantastic day, with great weather, and great friends! Check it out...</div>
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After getting a drink at the bar/pub and signing in we headed to the places on our maps. As we were "walking about" the Strand Heather found the old fortune teller, Zoltar! There were no "Big" moments but it was fun. <br />
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After stopping at a few places we ended up on the outskirts of the strand and we were really hungry. The <a href="http://www.galveston.com/apache/">Apache</a> restaurant had a table open in the gorgeous weather outside so we decided to have lunch here. They clearly weren't prepared to be serving a bunch of people, though.<br />
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The food wasn't bad. After waiting 45 minutes for food (which is UNHEARD OF when ordering Mexican food) we ate and strolled out of there.<br />
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Some of the places were decorated really cute, like the drug store. Too bad I wanted to stay for a milkshake or soda fountain drink but I think we were a little rushed to get back in time to turn in all our cards for the Walk-About.<br />
We even stayed at the tequila bar to watch the end of the Longhorns game. I love my friends! They let me watch the game even though they could care less...<br />
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Our second-to-last stop was the Nestle Tollhouse cafe so when I saw the UT cookie I had to get a piece! Lol, ok it was really for Halloween but to each their own! Hook em horns!! After the cookie we hit Carlos Mencia's mexican food restaurant, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Carlos-Mencias-Maggie-Ritas/140001792690535?v=info#!/pages/Carlos-Mencias-Maggie-Ritas/140001792690535">Maggie Rita's</a> and sat out on the 2nd floor balcony overlooking the Strand and having a margarita.<br />
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Around 9pm we didn't have anything to show for our Walk-About prizes and we had plenty to drink but were ready for dinner. We were talking about the more popular restaurants in Galveston and we hadn't yet been to <a href="http://www.fishermanswharfgalveston.com/">Fisherman's Wharf </a>so we headed to the bay to get some seafood.<br />
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I splurged (probably because I had been drinking all day) and got the Fishermans' Wharf Fried Seafood platter with shrimp, fish filet, mini crab cakes, crab-stuffed shrimp and a "shrimp kiss" which is a bacon-wrapped shrimp fried. It was soooooooooo good. I know, you're thinking, PIG! But we really had been walking all day long and it was hot outside and I was having a good time and....and... It was good. LOL<br />
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So, after that, it was probably close to 11pm. And...since no one had thought to tell the hotel we would be arriving late...when we got to the Hilton on the Seawall they had "a water leak" and needed to send us to the San Luis Resort. When they said that I started jumping up and down, getting all excited. The San Luis Resort is BEAUTIFUL!!!! But, little did I know, we would not be staying in a room, we'd be in one of the condos... Maybe one or two people could live in this closet... But they put three people in this little thing where the bed rolled up into the wall. If you can't tell I was MAJORLY disappointed. Again, the bed was nice...if it were just me. But, it was 3 girls...<br />
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Instead of stay in the tiny room and suffocate we decided to hit the patio and see what we saw...<br />
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Our view from the room was great. The white you see at the top of the picture are the waves breaking. It was wonderful to hear the ocean! Since we were expecting the fun Hilton pool we brought our swim suits. So we decided to head to the pool...<br />
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(This is a daytime shot of the previous look that I took in the morning).<br />
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(This is another daytime shot of our balcony and the rest of the San Luis Resort condos and hotel rooms.<br />
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So back to my story (with daytime pictures since I didn't take my camera to the pool with us). The pool area at the San Luis is gorgeous!<br />
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Heather and I swam up to the bar and Heather got the best mojito she's ever concocted (create-your-own) and I think I had a strawberry daiqueri. Hey, did you see the meal I just had? I only had so much stomach capacity left...<br />
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The pool was HEATED and we swam around until 2-3am in the morning.<br />
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There in the background you see the waterfall? Well on top of that is a water slide that was SUPER FUN! I went once to try it for the whole group and the water you fell into was NOT heated. I frozeeeeeee but then I got Heather to do it and I went again. But under the waterfall is a fun hot tub/jacuzzi. The couples were PISSED that we were hogging the waterful but oh well..... Too bad, so sad. I'd love to go back! But it has to be super busy during the summer with all the kids. But totally worth it, especially want one of those cabanas you see up in the previous picture.</div>
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Another great weekend with the best friends a girl could ask for! </div>
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*******Leaving for Ireland tomorrow :) Happy travel girl!!! Wishing you happy summer travels!!!!!</div>
<br />Brandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12189690390784629887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816779899830495073.post-35793071410938100602012-06-13T04:00:00.001-05:002012-06-13T14:20:37.818-05:00Natchez, Mississippi and Oak Alley, Day 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The final day of our trip was wrapping up Natchez, Mississippi and then heading towards New Orleans where we explored Oak Alley in Louisiana. Both parts of the day were wonderful!</div>
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We began the day by taking the tour of Monmouth Plantation after packing up. It came free with the stay. Most of the people taking the tour were those staying at the plantation. The wallpaper in the main hallway was pointed out as similar to the time period. Very interesting...<br />
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General Quitman purchased the property for his wife. There's a long history behind the ownership of the home. And after the destruction of the Civil War the house fell on bad times. Luckily we have some wonderful, proud citizens in the South who helped bring Monmouth Plantation into a beautifully restored inn.</div>
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My aunt had researched for the trip and found <a href="http://www.oakalleyplantation.com/welcome.html">Oak Alley Plantation</a>, one that was used for various movies because of its beauty. I loved it because it was in our 1000 Places book :) It's a bit off the highway but walking up to it from the wide parking area leaves you in great anticipation. Walking up to the plantation tours is just a beautiful walk, and a haven when it's warm out.<br />
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Historical marker! :)<br />
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On the back patio of Oak Alley they were selling mint juleps. I had heard horror stories of these, especially from my family members who had gone to the Kentucky Derby a couple decades ago. But these were actually not bad. Definitely something I could suck down on a warm day. It totally brought us back to the plantation days...at least for me. <br />
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As we were waiting for the next tour we drank our mint juleps and looked at all the historical fliers. There were young women in period costume that added to the dramatic feel of being back in the 1800s.<br />
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As it got closer to our tour time we went to the front porch of the home. Here you could get a beautiful picture of the "Oak alley". <br />
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The front of the Oak Alley Plantation home...with all the tourists waiting for our next tour.<br />
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No pictures were allowed inside the home tour but I did get to take this picture on the upstairs porch. I tried to capture the moment with the mint julep and oak alley. Came out very touristy, lol.<br />
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This was our very sweet and knowledgeable tour guide. She led a great tour for us throughout the home.<br />
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When we were finished with the tour I was surprised to find NO ONE in front of the home. So I took a sequence of photos of the plantation home while walking along the alley.<br />
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And walking....<br />
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And walking...<br />
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And walking... Lol<br />
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Then we went to the side of the home that had a beautifully manicured garden, and the garage with the Ford Model A's. A very neat addition to the history of Oak Alley!<br />
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When walking back to the parking lot we stopped at the gift store to get our souvenirs and some water and a sandwich. I got my usual picture book for the kids, Christmas ornament and patch for the travel bag. Another glorious road trip!!Brandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12189690390784629887noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816779899830495073.post-38473084932017830042012-06-13T02:20:00.001-05:002012-06-13T04:00:32.215-05:00Natchez, Mississippi Day 2 Fall Pilgrimage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The next morning we began with a DELICIOUS breakfast at Monmouth Plantation. We went into the breakfast room across the courtyard from our suite. Then we got started on our plantation tour!</div>
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The breakfast area was so beautiful and the china was so pretty.<br />
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There was a serve-yourself area for fruit, yogurt and granola but I also chose to be served the hot breakfast served that day. It was just as good as it looks!<br />
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When we were walking from the breakfast area to our suite I caught a great picture of some of the garden area of Monmouth. So beautiful and well taken care of!<br />
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Then we headed off to the first plantation on our stop, <a href="http://www.dunleith.com/">Dunleith</a>. This plantation is on the Historical Registrar and offers tour year-round. It's also a plantation home that you can stay at, like Monmouth!</div>
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We were at the back of the plantation home, waiting for the next tour when I was snapping pictures left and right with my pink "point and shoot" camera......when it dropped and busted. Nice, huh? Thank goodness, I'm used to my clumsiness. I quickly got out my more expensive, larger camera and shot the rest of the trip with it... I love being prepared! (But it still stunk...) </div>
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The flowers and bushes at Dunleith were very beautiful, especially for September, after a harsh summer.<br />
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The courtyard where I busted my camera :) Can you imagine the wonderful parties that must have gone on here? Now you can enjoy the courtyard if you stay here (which I would LOVE to do one day!).<br />
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The historical markers 8-) My nerd glasses there for ya... Just love these!<br />
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After the tour (where pictures are not allowed) my aunt and I went out to the front of the house where we took some more pictures of the gorgeous structure.<br />
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Then we headed over to the Natchez Visitor Center to get our tickets for the Fall Pilgrimage of historic antebellum homes. The tickets are pretty pricey, about $40 for 3 tours, so we decided to pick the ones we really wanted to see and do an overall tour in a limo.<br />
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The inside of the visitors center was very nice. There were quite a few exhibits on local information and a gift shop. I got a lot of great books from authors of the area. They had a good selection of children's books that explain the history of the Civil War, too.<br />
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Some wonderful writers from the Natchez area.<br />
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Then we headed to <a href="http://www.rosaliemansion.com/">Rosalie Plantation</a>. We decided not to take the tour (although I would have loved to) but rather toured the outside of the home.<br />
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On the premises they had the bell from the U.S.S. Mississippi.<br />
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The courtyard of Rosalie was very impressive and I LOVED the big oak trees!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgXMKAQMS_uNZjkYaswxwjQcQP49Rtqk78w0dMOnAui9XZTHQ3RcEHwOqkplniLzBwG8mDPIsUMLkNnYRpI3fcK_WEE2tjFOoe0I1X13Lu2YWdM1qN1OLw0SESEI6qv0DgsyInTnz8OA/s1600/DSCF2285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgXMKAQMS_uNZjkYaswxwjQcQP49Rtqk78w0dMOnAui9XZTHQ3RcEHwOqkplniLzBwG8mDPIsUMLkNnYRpI3fcK_WEE2tjFOoe0I1X13Lu2YWdM1qN1OLw0SESEI6qv0DgsyInTnz8OA/s320/DSCF2285.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The National Historic Landmark sign :D </div>
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If you look closely at the door you'll see a woman in period clothing who was waiting to give the next tour. <br />
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I would have loved to live in an area with all these beautiful oak trees! What a savior they must have been before AC was invented...and in the South. <br />
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One of the other notable things to see at Rosalie is the Fort markers where Fort Rosalie stood during the Civil War. Just beyond the trees was the Mississippi River so this area contained a safe-guard fort that protected the city...at least until the Union completely took Natchez off the map, almost. The plantation home was named after the fort.<br />
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Then we decided to take the hour-long tour of historic homes that was an option at the Visitors Center. (Bad freakin' idea!) I was so excited when the limo pulled up, but it actually ended up being a drag. The views in a limo are horrible, there was no top to stand up to and it was really just three rows of regular seats. <br />
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For the record we did drive by a lot of great-looking homes...but we got a brief history, although my aunt didn't hear much because of her hearing.<br />
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The woman was very rude who led the tour and was very derogatory when my aunt said she couldn't hear. We did get our money back for my aunt but I didn't press the issue with my ticket (around $40). But... it was a very unfortunate situation. <br />
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We had really been looking forward to eating lunch at <a href="https://www.fatmamastamales.com/">Fat Mama's Tamales</a> from our <a href="http://www.1000beforeyoudie.com/">1000 Things Before You Die </a>book. It was a really cute set-up and very laid back. I loved the travel posts in the parking lot.<br />
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The Knock-You-Naked margarita was delicious and the tamales were awesome!!! Such a great place to go when in Natchez.<br />
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I have a huge love for the National Park Service so as we were leaving our tamales and heading to more plantation homes my aunt let us stop at the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/natc/historyculture/williamjohnson.htm">William Johnson House</a>.<br />
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William Johnson was an African American barber in Natchez who wrote an amazing journal that chronicled life as an African American in Natchez during a very unfair time in the USA. In the red-bricked building is the National Park exhibit and then you can go upstairs to see his home.<br />
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Then we headed to <a href="http://www.nps.gov/natc/index.htm">Melrose</a>, with only an hour left before they closed. Another National Park Service we were the only ones that were there and had a private tour from a very nice (cute) park ranger. :)<br />
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The house was being worked on from the outside but the inside was decorated very nice. I loved seeing the huge fan in the middle of the table that a slave had to move (with the rope) back and forth during the entire meal. <br />
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The parlor was a very colorful green design. It looked kind of comfy actually but I can't imagine the heat with no AC during the summer!<br />
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The in-tact slave cabins were definitely a historical site to see. Such a big piece of American history and so controversial. I almost wonder if touring these are like walking into Auschwitz or something...<br />
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The front of Melrose in the process of being restored. Still, the columns are beautiful and very prestigious, at least to me.<br />
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After closing down all the historical sites we went back to clean up for a wonderful, fancy dinner at 1818, the restaurant at our plantation home hotel, Monmouth. We had three big courses of shrimp, salmon and a tasty blueberry dessert. It was a great way to end our last night in Natchez!</div>Brandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12189690390784629887noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816779899830495073.post-75278421346468512632012-06-10T21:15:00.001-05:002012-06-11T23:37:23.212-05:00Natchez, Mississippi Day 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, last summer I was supposed to be coming home from England and going straight on a road trip to Natchez, Mississippi. When I was in Detroit, from London, I got a call from a Houston hospital needing me to activate my power of attorney for my father. He went into liver failure and was in a coma for 43 (long) days. When all of that happened I immediately called the (wonderful) people of the Monmouth Plantation in Natchez and asked for our hotel stay to be postponed. At the end of September and beginning of October (of 2011) we finally got to go. It was a nice time, as it was 6 weeks into school and I was ready for a little stress relief.</div>
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My Aunt B and I drove to Mississippi. It's a pretty pleasant drive. We had good weather for the trip. </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I love taking pictures of the state lines!</span></div>
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I also love the large bridges over the many rivers in Louisiana/Mississippi area. </div>
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Soon we were in Mississippi and ready to find <a href="http://www.monmouthplantation.com/">Monmouth Plantation</a> in Natchez.<br />
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When we arrived at the plantation home we were warmly greeted and shown around the common areas. We were shown the restaurant,<i> <a href="http://www.monmouthplantation.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=102&Itemid=62">1818</a></i>. We ended up eating here the following night. It was a wonderful meal with 3 courses. I'll have to see if I have those pictures for you in the next post.<br />
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If you were to come into the "front door" of Monmouth you would see this set-up. We didn't stay in the actual home that was built. We got a suite :)<br />
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All the amazing historical accomplishments of the Monmouth Plantation! Love these!!!<br />
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This would be the courtyard of Monmouth. The check-in area was to the right. The main dining area and original home was directly behind me, as I was taking the picture.<br />
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Our beautiful room! My gracious aunt let me stay in the main 4-poster bed. There was an additional room right to the left of where I was standing to take the picture. It had a full bed that she enjoyed with a private door to close so when I stay up late I wouldn't bother her with the tv.</div>
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The bathroom was HUGE. I loved it... Plenty of room for two people to get all fixed up. :)<br />
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This was our "cabin" that we stayed in. It was really 4-5 rooms/suites. It led right to the parking area and it had the staircase down to a beautiful lake/pond. Such an amazing place to stay. I highly recommend it!</div>
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Outside our rooms were these amazing rocking chairs. I had some mimosas when we arrived and the next morning. It was also really nice to sit out in the early afternoon and listen to the insects starting up, the frogs croaking by the small lake and the birds chirping. Ahhh, such good memories!<br />
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After exploring Monmouth we decided to venture out and get a bite to eat. I used my travel planning resources to find us a cool bar to get a drink at before eating. The bell man at the Monmouth also made a dinner recommendation to us. Because it was all on the mighty Mississippi we decided to head towards that area. We got to see a beautiful sunset on the Mississippi bend in Natchez.<br />
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There were a lot of suggestions/talk of the <a href="http://www.underthehillsaloon.com/">Natchez Under the Hill Saloon</a>. We decided to start in this historical building.<br />
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It was very quite inside with just 3-4 locals. But the bartenders were nice and let us sit at a table and just talk. We each had a beer and then continued to dinner.<br />
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The great bell man encouraged us to try the <a href="http://www.magnoliagrill.com/">Magnolia Grill</a> which was a 2 minute walk from the Saloon. <br />
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We started by trying some delicious fried green tomatoes topped with shrimp, crawfish tails in a hollandaise sauce. They were so good!<br />
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Then I got the grilled catfish and a potato. It was really salty but very tasty. I'm pretty sure I ate every bite. The one thing that I was a bit disappointed about were the prices...a bit steep but it's vacation. Whatcha gonna do?<br />
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Across the street from the Magnolia Grill was the <a href="http://natchez.isleofcapricasinos.com/index.aspx">Isle of Capri</a> casino. We walked around and played a few slots. I realllllly wanted to play dice but I didn't have any cash to lay down. It's hard to gamble when you're on the first night of your 4 day vacation. But it was a nice, quaint gambling spot. Quite the climb to walk back up, though! We decided to burn off our dinner, though, and not take the convenient golf cart up. We went back to Monmouth and rested up for a long day of exploring Natchez and the Fall Pilgrimage tour of historical plantation homes.Brandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12189690390784629887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816779899830495073.post-33085485462555758442012-06-10T13:24:00.001-05:002012-06-11T23:37:33.041-05:00Labor Day 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So summer break is off to a great start! I need to finish uploading my school year travels before I leave in 3 weeks for IRELAND! :) </div>
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But for now here's my Labor Day Weekend 2011. After a busy summer and getting school started I decided to save money and stay in town and just try out some new things....</div>
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My mom and I did some running around town. We headed to Spring for a craft fair at the Holy Comforter Episcopal Church. </div>
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It was really wasn't much of a fair. There were about 20 booths. I didn't find much except a bow for my friend Heather's baby shower. <br />
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I had a Groupon (love Groupon!) for a bookstore in Tomball. It was a used bookstore but they sure liked their prices. I didn't end up getting many books for my $20 voucher. But, I know booksellers are struggling. It's hard to compete with Half Priced Books $1 bin! But as a teacher I have to spend my money wisely... But I did like supporting the local bookseller. :)</div>
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The next day my dad took me to Luling City Market over by the Galleria. HOLY COW!!!!!!! <br />
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We went at a time not a lot of people were around. OMG, where do I start? The sauce-amazing! But you definitely pay for it. They are (rightfully) proud of their food but it was about $40 or so for our two meals. But dang, I could eat it like 3-4 meals in a row.<br />
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Texas Brisket......I love being a Texas girl!!! Reason #532 to love living in Texas! In fact, my dad requested Luling's for Father's Day coming soon. And I was happy to oblige. :)<br />
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The next day I decided to meet one of my favorite families for dinner at Smash Burger! They have incredible burgers and their own Smash sauce that I love. I recently read an article where they were voted one of the top 10 milkshakes in Houston, too. I love my dinners with the Franks family! I can hardly go without them now. :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinn0TbFbqPVUvIIV1R3bgud6nkzdDibzYxxNP9ROlUSts46kGuxLL5WZnD3e7alAuV1F7zSIvf0i8cQsPOMy1M22UiF3yHHPeMHtse2ZgZw3qGgUYhKME9_Kt1KhvPkCAGyuONk08oQB8/s1600/DSCF2210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinn0TbFbqPVUvIIV1R3bgud6nkzdDibzYxxNP9ROlUSts46kGuxLL5WZnD3e7alAuV1F7zSIvf0i8cQsPOMy1M22UiF3yHHPeMHtse2ZgZw3qGgUYhKME9_Kt1KhvPkCAGyuONk08oQB8/s320/DSCF2210.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Look at that burger? And on an egg bun, it's sooooo good! Can't wait for our Smash date this week. :)Brandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12189690390784629887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816779899830495073.post-20112375626018374172012-06-02T15:44:00.001-05:002012-06-11T23:37:44.392-05:00Houston Wine Festival<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Back in September, the 25th to be exact, I went to the Houston Wine Festival with a couple friends. They had a Groupon for the event that was a good deal so we met up on a Sunday afternoon.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWCzzRfaEZJoMXNIuhQSHcX7qEoULUUp5atD-VeFrXyB6zy43aYpYqdyHm8IXg9fYRhym7d75KKl3cNWTykyar_oGSiXL0u3ch57CpZlj7RxY7HE5ggWb03Tu_CBXdwvlQ7TD9zyEr-60/s1600/IMG_0623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWCzzRfaEZJoMXNIuhQSHcX7qEoULUUp5atD-VeFrXyB6zy43aYpYqdyHm8IXg9fYRhym7d75KKl3cNWTykyar_oGSiXL0u3ch57CpZlj7RxY7HE5ggWb03Tu_CBXdwvlQ7TD9zyEr-60/s320/IMG_0623.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The event was held right in downtown at Sam Houston Park. The event had lots of different tents of wine to taste from all over the world. The Groupon came with 5-6 tasting tickets. You could buy more but I tasted plenty without having to purchase more.</div>
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Our first stop was the "Winearitas." They were delicious! The free samples were tasty so I ended up buying the Cosmoritas mix which takes a white wine and a blender. I actually made them last weekend at my friend Heather's house. They were pretty tasty. I'd definitely buy another bag of mix if I saw them again.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5eQ1-eQzoecpeGSCvRs6btVXfccrS2SezbL6tvHEgfqvPR2mTztonmfjeZOV9BGgKELmnYgiVjF4nJSORSTrznwpogbMfuLIFNgZkJiBtsbu_B0PX5j3JVGeFy1yDcLwPa7MI8ekoeM4/s1600/IMG_0622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5eQ1-eQzoecpeGSCvRs6btVXfccrS2SezbL6tvHEgfqvPR2mTztonmfjeZOV9BGgKELmnYgiVjF4nJSORSTrznwpogbMfuLIFNgZkJiBtsbu_B0PX5j3JVGeFy1yDcLwPa7MI8ekoeM4/s320/IMG_0622.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I also enjoyed the few vendors they had. There were lots of gifts to buy for wine lovers and then the usual jewelry, etc. I wish they had more vendors :) I love my shopping! Here Heather was trying some wine from a Texas winery. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyeZD0m0Bm6b2MJsuN0oZx-cNF_pPoFAUBjWOs4ZFR9vTWyOBX4hJlPuNOWGPgP8kbJjQKxc94dE-FnkfUy-CnjrXojtqQXDkVN5GwJXfKW-sXJeRg04orqH5DrSFmpfP7UydoZ5G6OTg/s1600/IMG_0625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyeZD0m0Bm6b2MJsuN0oZx-cNF_pPoFAUBjWOs4ZFR9vTWyOBX4hJlPuNOWGPgP8kbJjQKxc94dE-FnkfUy-CnjrXojtqQXDkVN5GwJXfKW-sXJeRg04orqH5DrSFmpfP7UydoZ5G6OTg/s320/IMG_0625.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
One of my favorite wines was from Peru and I loved these volunteers because they practically gave us a glass of wine instead of a tasting. :) Thank you!!<br />
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Saint Arnold is a local Houston beer brewery. Their Weedwacker beer is only seasonal and had a lot of write-ups in the local papers. I wasted, yes wasted, a ticket on it. Yep, it tastes like it sounds...like drinking weed water after a thorough watering. Not my style! But I love a local brewery so I'll have to try something else...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpkWQyxQgwTdim_Bba70hDcPyaq8WqjsHLWtWycinX-tLuNdUAhfbFYioTSl6NplGJuYaKE7fnfcruinS_hR_69aW_XBg-zgJX2mZwX4SnsaGo970EmGxfwkTDO6wGGVmp89wzoRxQw5Q/s1600/IMG_0627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpkWQyxQgwTdim_Bba70hDcPyaq8WqjsHLWtWycinX-tLuNdUAhfbFYioTSl6NplGJuYaKE7fnfcruinS_hR_69aW_XBg-zgJX2mZwX4SnsaGo970EmGxfwkTDO6wGGVmp89wzoRxQw5Q/s320/IMG_0627.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
And I spent my last ticket at the Italy tent and LOVED this wine. In fact, I need to go see if they have it at Spec's, my local liquor store. It was delicious!<br />
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I would definitely attend the Houston Wine Festival again if the price was right. But, I warn you that we went on SUNDAY and not on Saturday. I heard it was PACKED on Saturday which means less wine in your glass for tastings. AND, one more warning, it was HOT. So hot we had to chill under some trees and get a bite to eat from some of the food vendors. We had multiple bottles of water and I still was light headed by the end. So, be prepared with shades, cool clothing and lots of hydration!Brandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12189690390784629887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816779899830495073.post-18464270720021615552012-05-12T17:58:00.000-05:002012-06-11T23:38:35.314-05:00I scream, You scream, We all scream for Menchie's!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHWQqCzfylhniQcnENLSOyG3LKvK2APKZSlyYrAQiRCUjPI7eDRH2uVuBEY7sci232KokOcc18KH1DVssLNWTwLhILXlL4HYjHvKMBqgYrALevrd0aiMhtRhyphenhyphenFBbk9FsA_r88RWpaHQVo/s1600/IMG_0557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHWQqCzfylhniQcnENLSOyG3LKvK2APKZSlyYrAQiRCUjPI7eDRH2uVuBEY7sci232KokOcc18KH1DVssLNWTwLhILXlL4HYjHvKMBqgYrALevrd0aiMhtRhyphenhyphenFBbk9FsA_r88RWpaHQVo/s320/IMG_0557.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
As the summer starts I just have to give out a *HUGE* shout-out to my favorite summer treat, frozen yogurt at Menchie's!! It's such a great place with such ties to the community! Their Facebook page is fabulous! And they are always out promoting Menchie. If you email them they'll even send them to your classroom, school function, sport function, etc. And the ever-changing flavors are amazing!!!!!! If you live around a Menchie's, try it, you won't be sorry. <br />
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Special hint: try some Captain Crunch in the yogurt :) It's good. LolBrandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12189690390784629887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816779899830495073.post-12251437941707814332012-05-12T17:25:00.000-05:002012-05-12T17:25:21.752-05:00Girls Just Wanna Have Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkCYnw2ls9S3iwlcB-RL-voeqQw8SaPLDzIjfBS6kg6zCkUsfMdricCNBC1TlELhMzTJGxTJmpokNrVkGiYpgylfafVdHj8lDIZLIBG4QcZIIceUSmV5dQ1t1gjcBZSkg6dNOYhs9vQM/s1600/IMG_0554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dba="true" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkCYnw2ls9S3iwlcB-RL-voeqQw8SaPLDzIjfBS6kg6zCkUsfMdricCNBC1TlELhMzTJGxTJmpokNrVkGiYpgylfafVdHj8lDIZLIBG4QcZIIceUSmV5dQ1t1gjcBZSkg6dNOYhs9vQM/s320/IMG_0554.JPG" width="320px" /></a> </div>
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After loving Howl at the Moon in Chicago Heather and I got some friends together to try the one in Houston. We went the Sunday of Labor Day because they were having a luau theme and advertised free entrance. Although we had fun, it just wasn't the same. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbYf_YO-mTmHxrdtHMxoWUvteaiffS9ivMpUD2ybAC4BaDYFMDdGr0DXz88V-tBkar4NA1xyTRs6Vpae62GRJ3aPOFNV1On-bMlpNzqLkyHnNsEPGoraJzjdDeE05YbFTJS3I4GxQ0Xk/s1600/IMG_0548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dba="true" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbYf_YO-mTmHxrdtHMxoWUvteaiffS9ivMpUD2ybAC4BaDYFMDdGr0DXz88V-tBkar4NA1xyTRs6Vpae62GRJ3aPOFNV1On-bMlpNzqLkyHnNsEPGoraJzjdDeE05YbFTJS3I4GxQ0Xk/s320/IMG_0548.JPG" width="240px" /></a></div>
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The first night we went was with four of us. One of my friends got up for their Charlie Daniels competition. My friend being a WONDERFUL singer and a huge country fan she ..... won!! She decided to share her "prizes" with the other contestants, who she blew out of the water. (Unfortunately, the second time we came they had the same competition so it wasn't as fun knowing it's a nightly thing.)</div>
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Bucket for the table! Yes, they're overrated and pricey but had to do the cliche while I was with my friends. The straws are too fun anyways and when there are four people it's not so bad. But after a bucket you should be feeling good and you're not so I would consider it a bucket of Kool-aid or grenadine. And the waitresses just swipe it form the table without asking if you want to keep it = #lame.</div>
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After the disappointing time at Howl at the Moon my friends drove us back to the other's house and we went our seperate ways. But my friend driving had to take me to the 24 hours Shipley Do-nuts. I'm not normally a donut fan but having them in the wee hours of the morning is kind of fun. Anything that stays open 24 hours is fun to me since I get to be such a night owl in the summer time when I'm off of teaching! </div>
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For Heather's birthday she wanted to try Howl at the Moon in Houston one more time. Maybe because it was a holiday it was just a bogus night, right? Wrong.... We had a fun time and I was glad so many of her friends came out. But it was basically the same songs, fools dancing, and Charlie Daniels competition. I did, however, pay for her to have a surprise birthday present from this cowboy which I thought was hysterical. If you only knew how innocent Heather and I are you would know how funny this picture really is getting a special birthday drink from Cowboy.</div>
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But, I'm sad to say, it was the last time we'll be back to Howl at the Moon Houston. Chicago, you are great and will be missed til I/we return! Keep rockin' it though!</div>
</div>Brandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12189690390784629887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816779899830495073.post-46011607332258502712012-04-06T23:15:00.004-05:002012-04-07T00:00:29.022-05:00Astros Mania (Happy Opening Day!)As a way to celebrate opening day of the Astros I have to post some pictures from the games last year. Heather, Brandi, Deborah and I made it to a bunch of games last year and each time was great. Although the season wasn't so successful (worst in our division, if not the league) the ballpark is always a fun time.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxt-4ZNMS7dg2myK2ibNj8ueM6S7QOvL8lyh7-rW4NjKP2mLFfMkyTBn8lYwfcz3G_HfmCSXuvzQuqltrE6QpaDTqnkW1U1tocDTPJAa0we3SX8AwpQYBtq0XJpwvTE7MjVp7C-Yvmldo/s1600/IMG_0523.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728508668933736930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxt-4ZNMS7dg2myK2ibNj8ueM6S7QOvL8lyh7-rW4NjKP2mLFfMkyTBn8lYwfcz3G_HfmCSXuvzQuqltrE6QpaDTqnkW1U1tocDTPJAa0we3SX8AwpQYBtq0XJpwvTE7MjVp7C-Yvmldo/s320/IMG_0523.JPG" /></a> Had to take a picture of Carlos Lee because I got my (old) glove signed before the game. (In fact, I could have sworn I took a picture of it but I don't have any on my computer...) But he was super nice and when it was his turn to pitch he totally booked it from the bull pen to the field. Loved that!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3JP5XMB_YYjEIvGU2jdOw-fT8EjyDV_UPACiQO10Gz_rehDOfsw8PGFqdI08aZn8GwMxVNhhb7ofcfn04xFCN0tmYVRLkFuG6RSAIIbN5T0nbO7_qu8RK5kAcrondDbeffw2Nz8Qvqg/s1600/IMG_0524.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728508662720163570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3JP5XMB_YYjEIvGU2jdOw-fT8EjyDV_UPACiQO10Gz_rehDOfsw8PGFqdI08aZn8GwMxVNhhb7ofcfn04xFCN0tmYVRLkFuG6RSAIIbN5T0nbO7_qu8RK5kAcrondDbeffw2Nz8Qvqg/s320/IMG_0524.JPG" /></a> And Deborah and I love coming to the games on Friday nights when the fireworks go off!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZL6VF9RIkvoErurVW1axBnscR8_Fu3h7vWyFv_mis_vBtVjeROlEQwnvhLZ8nNae_bVtGOf9eu3JDCbURac0o8QxZWLTLe8pfCvH4cBfMLE-4nIXt5GziZBCmdiJ4Ai4JWZfbhIWmqA/s1600/IMG_0527.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728508661957257666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZL6VF9RIkvoErurVW1axBnscR8_Fu3h7vWyFv_mis_vBtVjeROlEQwnvhLZ8nNae_bVtGOf9eu3JDCbURac0o8QxZWLTLe8pfCvH4cBfMLE-4nIXt5GziZBCmdiJ4Ai4JWZfbhIWmqA/s320/IMG_0527.JPG" /></a> Yay! So beautiful :) I love fireworks...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPCGlkYr3ez9esvBOcLTYMkUv2nvn0GnHLPGhxmpfSJ5tYz-xW4QS9QGPu0PJwrUG-d2gxbKBlVWIgmL73_mrY2VgVdl1mWMl5RnUn-Jt4uIJHFOekKx_JzenFuBIDfrIIrhLSjXakpc/s1600/IMG_0562.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728508251887064258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPCGlkYr3ez9esvBOcLTYMkUv2nvn0GnHLPGhxmpfSJ5tYz-xW4QS9QGPu0PJwrUG-d2gxbKBlVWIgmL73_mrY2VgVdl1mWMl5RnUn-Jt4uIJHFOekKx_JzenFuBIDfrIIrhLSjXakpc/s320/IMG_0562.JPG" /></a> And Heather, Brandi and I had to go for Heather's birthday to see Hunter Pence, her future husband. Unfortunately, and shockingly, he got traded at the end of the season to the Phillies. He was the only player we had left that got everyone excited that we had some pros on our team. Oh well... the Astros haven't made the best choices lately... not sure this season will be much better. (I'm a huge Rangers fan too so I can always pull for them, lol.)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAx8rUvVDyEdPBEpWHNr8cfYvMMbypaY4UU6nmeUqYjOb9nuGwS_Vx20We015pVci31Y3IO0f0IdFmkpm6cJizrKhgt3jtFqhgnfregFun88P9wsrqrTLWrHiPJYj6GE4ofD4Y2f8lnpk/s1600/IMG_0569.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728508246568741778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAx8rUvVDyEdPBEpWHNr8cfYvMMbypaY4UU6nmeUqYjOb9nuGwS_Vx20We015pVci31Y3IO0f0IdFmkpm6cJizrKhgt3jtFqhgnfregFun88P9wsrqrTLWrHiPJYj6GE4ofD4Y2f8lnpk/s320/IMG_0569.JPG" /></a> Heather worked her magic and got us amazing seats so we could star at Hunter's backside all night. :) <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8RxquvhM570csa9fxHkc9datLBJHWCcmkBxyhyphenhyphenrFBEZbXkKUXex_jXlGrSs9rmlnc4fjAnTLu4vRe9DU4AgAOraE_qp0Ue4aGhywt-M1fHmAl1DFdquucx2NiqjDXWUPN9P4H5897hs/s1600/IMG_0572.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728508238068954498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8RxquvhM570csa9fxHkc9datLBJHWCcmkBxyhyphenhyphenrFBEZbXkKUXex_jXlGrSs9rmlnc4fjAnTLu4vRe9DU4AgAOraE_qp0Ue4aGhywt-M1fHmAl1DFdquucx2NiqjDXWUPN9P4H5897hs/s320/IMG_0572.JPG" /></a> We were what? 10th row? And kept getting closer as the night went on...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4zQrUG2QWY3H1llGemED0bBKMogHslwEK-H9GpBZsIR5pr6YM8wsZYJ790RMyZIoB0SgEjmB5SqhUZhtJzXqt9SYlahcpd5QzQzjZrPjKZRqh3WAktHHLlW-3W3aESd-3UWHlvW_52X0/s1600/IMG_0573.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728508233619889730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4zQrUG2QWY3H1llGemED0bBKMogHslwEK-H9GpBZsIR5pr6YM8wsZYJ790RMyZIoB0SgEjmB5SqhUZhtJzXqt9SYlahcpd5QzQzjZrPjKZRqh3WAktHHLlW-3W3aESd-3UWHlvW_52X0/s320/IMG_0573.JPG" /></a> Heather getting closer and closer :) We should have brought a poster, dang it!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSDOuyfh151_AkZrx-I26tO1QYjwdi5vLFo4dspt-C3gI5GSuvdS94UgacXCqeqa0e6GhfDvv11HXP5zG-HBMTCb7RQ_d1prOSeDMc8h4FyD8stc17w_vNm_KFAdldMty9IZt2h61PNLc/s1600/IMG_0574.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728508227209198978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSDOuyfh151_AkZrx-I26tO1QYjwdi5vLFo4dspt-C3gI5GSuvdS94UgacXCqeqa0e6GhfDvv11HXP5zG-HBMTCb7RQ_d1prOSeDMc8h4FyD8stc17w_vNm_KFAdldMty9IZt2h61PNLc/s320/IMG_0574.JPG" /></a> The night was a success. Not many nights that we went did we get to say we saw a WIN! :) But, like I said, going to the Astros games aren't about the win, they're about the ball park and watching one of America's favorite past times and my favorite sport to play: BASEBALL!Brandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12189690390784629887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816779899830495073.post-73872458196198891402012-04-06T22:09:00.003-05:002012-04-06T22:28:06.446-05:00Ode to Culinary GoodnessSo, I have the flu...Got it at work. It stinks but it can't make a day off bad. Happy Good Friday :) But since I can no longer taste food I thought I'd blog on the next culinary traveling I did after Elgin.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR51Ymgh9eiATFd-9EV2g-p7CM78fAl3GqRBWM2anOu7CA8AJNDKnRnPBON8Anx5dBjOYHNVUuCqbs6TDGQXjADBqUARfg5KBhP6sj76zGDFEUMn_4LWwk6gfbdLv5b_5NCiPMOq8mVwg/s1600/IMG_0486.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728491881265415026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR51Ymgh9eiATFd-9EV2g-p7CM78fAl3GqRBWM2anOu7CA8AJNDKnRnPBON8Anx5dBjOYHNVUuCqbs6TDGQXjADBqUARfg5KBhP6sj76zGDFEUMn_4LWwk6gfbdLv5b_5NCiPMOq8mVwg/s320/IMG_0486.JPG" /></a> First, I took a picture of my first "fried green tomatoes." Not only were these my first try (which I loved) but it was the first meal my dad had outside the hospital! It was really a great night. Had these at Black Eyed Pea, which isn't a highly acclaimed dining establishment, but is a great place in my book as they use food made from locally grown farmers. Thanks for supporting Texas, BEP!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM1faA1atdeAowkdUwey1faC4fDuNpLXqm5FVueKHSDpNHNteN8lVnpGn51n0t7LxqvDtylE0dm2i2gTdazL4Nq2DKfJTSLGoroq1I3dVFYjE4eDByBbwnow7UE9RgwnRSSI3w7-StLRU/s1600/IMG_0546.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728491688246052610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM1faA1atdeAowkdUwey1faC4fDuNpLXqm5FVueKHSDpNHNteN8lVnpGn51n0t7LxqvDtylE0dm2i2gTdazL4Nq2DKfJTSLGoroq1I3dVFYjE4eDByBbwnow7UE9RgwnRSSI3w7-StLRU/s320/IMG_0546.JPG" /></a> Then a few weeks after that my dad was really craving meatloaf (gross) and he remembered they had it at Logan's Roadhouse. I had never (remembered) being here so I decided to take pictures so that I could review it. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7FUPHG9tUnF2boA3XETX2cA98pzdOXC_ye_fMgbqwAZX0vKtoWXkjQxcvbD5KTejZSTwPI0owrlM2HVrCJ5b5lY0jcQiLghqNjgLiLHN5tGaJN_xQ-ZwB83k9zKAcl3z9T3evNin0ahA/s1600/IMG_0542.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728491680216349090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7FUPHG9tUnF2boA3XETX2cA98pzdOXC_ye_fMgbqwAZX0vKtoWXkjQxcvbD5KTejZSTwPI0owrlM2HVrCJ5b5lY0jcQiLghqNjgLiLHN5tGaJN_xQ-ZwB83k9zKAcl3z9T3evNin0ahA/s320/IMG_0542.JPG" /></a> My dad's favorite part is the buckets of peanuts that you can shell and throw on the floor.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1897j3iCqhevB8kZytN9wDbM3K0HOPwuuZkslegIl5dbG2byHkfmtyHbzbqHi2VfG9SYci0mnLqqPdR3nZF74EIO2EUE2UGsz75jch9x-WGbro-U5XOVGlmPgZS7DJ6u-V261CGt6dC8/s1600/IMG_0544.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728491671602421746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1897j3iCqhevB8kZytN9wDbM3K0HOPwuuZkslegIl5dbG2byHkfmtyHbzbqHi2VfG9SYci0mnLqqPdR3nZF74EIO2EUE2UGsz75jch9x-WGbro-U5XOVGlmPgZS7DJ6u-V261CGt6dC8/s320/IMG_0544.JPG" /></a> I ordered the grilled chicken and ribs. The chicken was GREAT and the ribs were ok. I love, love, love tomatoes so it was yummy, yummy, yummy.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzW1k5GcTH9sausUBVzvuF1ErqK_V4KYew0yUztXOiojAYT48pJOtoJ8Cr9E4UJISjjjxQVgubFKKmtcNgJ-k2hcCRJ48K7Pf6DTd4KguJn8gHZJLEfhx14WbwmTIx4VlGZGi0cHyubIQ/s1600/IMG_0545.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728491667354288274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzW1k5GcTH9sausUBVzvuF1ErqK_V4KYew0yUztXOiojAYT48pJOtoJ8Cr9E4UJISjjjxQVgubFKKmtcNgJ-k2hcCRJ48K7Pf6DTd4KguJn8gHZJLEfhx14WbwmTIx4VlGZGi0cHyubIQ/s320/IMG_0545.JPG" /></a> Then they had these promotional mini-bucket desserts so my mom and I split a brownie sundae one. It was like 4-5 bites and just enough for us.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYrKJUdGBrnrIGwh-U4wF0DELfYcFY8Br0sDgtaYuSt_ytqA1TaFJWJUVE3PiqyKynCM7tKPkNg2W38ypOlcSmmuVRd4pWQoxux0sjJN1yp9hNbde4nyb88wFndWihR8ZNOZC9sVXozQ/s1600/IMG_0557.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728491649336040050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYrKJUdGBrnrIGwh-U4wF0DELfYcFY8Br0sDgtaYuSt_ytqA1TaFJWJUVE3PiqyKynCM7tKPkNg2W38ypOlcSmmuVRd4pWQoxux0sjJN1yp9hNbde4nyb88wFndWihR8ZNOZC9sVXozQ/s320/IMG_0557.JPG" /></a> And, three cheers for my new frozen yogurt obsession! Menchie's is one of those frozen yogurt places where you serve yourself with dozens of flavors, toppings and then pay by the ounce. I spent like 5-10 nights here with students and family and friends. It was the date of choice! My dad loves it and so does everyone else I know who has tried it. And the company is superb! If you email the company they'll send someone out to classrooms, baseball games, etc. Such a great place!!!<br /><br />And there you have my culinary travels during the first couple of months of school!Brandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12189690390784629887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816779899830495073.post-39334095588074602032012-04-01T22:29:00.006-05:002012-04-06T14:22:28.444-05:00Elgin,TX- one last summer getaway!While my dad was in his final days of recovery in the hospital his family came down so I took the weekend off. I went towards Austin to spend a Groupon for bbq and to see where the road took us.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqoi-Tl0Zmgaz5DSboBdD3OKBtX58CXs9vwpWepueTed0C_DTinYPiDgoBpmT1T4PTKlxtO5drXlMHnj04wBsfbzIcXFLjNpTyHT3we5aZce8iPdChDuCt2nHQJie1C8aEWaMO1b8avu8/s1600/IMG_0495.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726643000003394242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqoi-Tl0Zmgaz5DSboBdD3OKBtX58CXs9vwpWepueTed0C_DTinYPiDgoBpmT1T4PTKlxtO5drXlMHnj04wBsfbzIcXFLjNpTyHT3we5aZce8iPdChDuCt2nHQJie1C8aEWaMO1b8avu8/s320/IMG_0495.JPG" /></a> I got the Groupon from the Austin section since I subscribe to all the cities in Texas, lol. I love Groupon! (Which reminds me I need to look at which ones are expiring soon.) Southside Market is easy to get to, right off 290 from Houston to Austin in Elgin, Texas.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnhZtbt129pIDb4kwVZL84rd6JYGZzwjv4vC93oEdvi-Ur1lOu0O2gjw_2vIhpBM4UnXy7-r93MC6eckFjso0q19J51V0zn63IArvA0Uv8UM9uZ5dfVDv6P7Zxfi-7UrX5ElKOFynn6qg/s1600/IMG_0490.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726642997084296770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnhZtbt129pIDb4kwVZL84rd6JYGZzwjv4vC93oEdvi-Ur1lOu0O2gjw_2vIhpBM4UnXy7-r93MC6eckFjso0q19J51V0zn63IArvA0Uv8UM9uZ5dfVDv6P7Zxfi-7UrX5ElKOFynn6qg/s320/IMG_0490.JPG" /></a> It's a huge place. Very open. When you walk in you go order your food, then find your open seating afterwards.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPM444OKItDQXFYURate7KF9alTKF_WSG8iU5y68CZSBkuFD5TrJikgd0-didyQdD0A8e2-JWfHHHAwlm99JktIOXPhK3pygqUBzPwV-BimOXofCkBHgC9B6JWfgQRxSADhzzXJI9b0Kg/s1600/IMG_0488.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726642379164752802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPM444OKItDQXFYURate7KF9alTKF_WSG8iU5y68CZSBkuFD5TrJikgd0-didyQdD0A8e2-JWfHHHAwlm99JktIOXPhK3pygqUBzPwV-BimOXofCkBHgC9B6JWfgQRxSADhzzXJI9b0Kg/s320/IMG_0488.JPG" /></a> There is plenty of room to sit and even long tables so you can make lots of new friends, lol. I went around 2-3pm so there wasn't a huge crowd, though.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlV4NK3eM_0XoRXBYvusk4w9GsfGQkSQXruNrVMqDXTnJ9U7Zke2z_ix9DsMLbkapyVGr8-jKRPBFmQnnEaRMFipeQuINsUcki8soPFyjywO0Kn37sxUkr90I-sxgHx0IXn3mx-nWCKzw/s1600/IMG_0487.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726642373889026658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlV4NK3eM_0XoRXBYvusk4w9GsfGQkSQXruNrVMqDXTnJ9U7Zke2z_ix9DsMLbkapyVGr8-jKRPBFmQnnEaRMFipeQuINsUcki8soPFyjywO0Kn37sxUkr90I-sxgHx0IXn3mx-nWCKzw/s320/IMG_0487.JPG" /></a> I ordered the sausage because of its recommendation and the sliced brisket because it's my favorite and it's how I measure a bbq place. The sausage was way too chunky. It was really hard to chew and definitely not for me. But the brisket was awesome, and definitely a treat.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoYE9u2tWbRmu_OjPG_lCKa5bJ5LClJt4BI2W8SdQyhEGTI0w2itfPkWbUi2b_Hi0FeFbfOH3YAc9mHdif8KCsQ5XkATWG37BaYkMcdCHTx5uBp52koKMDwssIR10vEvDgs6eDRtaX3Ms/s1600/IMG_0502.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726642370057436626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoYE9u2tWbRmu_OjPG_lCKa5bJ5LClJt4BI2W8SdQyhEGTI0w2itfPkWbUi2b_Hi0FeFbfOH3YAc9mHdif8KCsQ5XkATWG37BaYkMcdCHTx5uBp52koKMDwssIR10vEvDgs6eDRtaX3Ms/s320/IMG_0502.JPG" /></a> So, at Southside Market they had a few flyers of things to do in Elgin. Since I had never explored Elgin I figured I'd do so since I had nothing else going on. One of the flyers was for this Antiques store. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8SoThSQvgLsf_xu2bn5pNrT_S0Jmu7MQxvCZIcxOQWZGl-Jbxng8LA47_kC5cpcOsya51IyN0OJ_seWNEx2auOBR8MXlljdFJtvGonDMl8gHS6xFSPOEZAch1EvvED41Xpd0YttPfB4g/s1600/IMG_0498.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726642357945115138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8SoThSQvgLsf_xu2bn5pNrT_S0Jmu7MQxvCZIcxOQWZGl-Jbxng8LA47_kC5cpcOsya51IyN0OJ_seWNEx2auOBR8MXlljdFJtvGonDMl8gHS6xFSPOEZAch1EvvED41Xpd0YttPfB4g/s320/IMG_0498.JPG" /></a> Reminded me of other antiques stores I had seen in the small Texas towns I've explored.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjinzqkassrShxJ7z0Jya5JzMY2GVkzhyAf6f5UExe56tpxSjX3OdtKCwcWGAs8jMcNxGShPnDzvN8CVsxCyyVzxLZzMFCVXxpdiZyvuHFsZF8MVnQGmamrDGVHPIvtxFgZRvwHQ0D0Qcs/s1600/IMG_0499.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726642353416476178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjinzqkassrShxJ7z0Jya5JzMY2GVkzhyAf6f5UExe56tpxSjX3OdtKCwcWGAs8jMcNxGShPnDzvN8CVsxCyyVzxLZzMFCVXxpdiZyvuHFsZF8MVnQGmamrDGVHPIvtxFgZRvwHQ0D0Qcs/s320/IMG_0499.JPG" /></a> Thank goodness I have a tiny car because I really wanted this old library catalog furniture. :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWV5JaoioCxZo5DZpqnWRuLawNEkeKPD1cAdr0GC4hgATd6qb7DKkLChniwKXenCQkI9A5uyrRQy0gIrVfQqPMceQcg10JKZwdevHkuPKkU1o6ALLtrBCJdqIuUzQVq_T8PYxaYvYDh9k/s1600/IMG_0508.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726641514812657394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWV5JaoioCxZo5DZpqnWRuLawNEkeKPD1cAdr0GC4hgATd6qb7DKkLChniwKXenCQkI9A5uyrRQy0gIrVfQqPMceQcg10JKZwdevHkuPKkU1o6ALLtrBCJdqIuUzQVq_T8PYxaYvYDh9k/s320/IMG_0508.JPG" /></a> Then I headed towards the historical downtown area.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8YwUn8zYQBOQOB7K88_T5ZxB0deuuTU7l2_v2QNnRCzXg8HOxpGuQm7EfzVVFEWH_RaHuFP6kjJJUyBtKATbNvqc-RNuav42qE7nd5CYY9l7kAya-BW_Ra1wE0ywcG7pKfDFM1GKyhA/s1600/IMG_0504.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726641504867531074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8YwUn8zYQBOQOB7K88_T5ZxB0deuuTU7l2_v2QNnRCzXg8HOxpGuQm7EfzVVFEWH_RaHuFP6kjJJUyBtKATbNvqc-RNuav42qE7nd5CYY9l7kAya-BW_Ra1wE0ywcG7pKfDFM1GKyhA/s320/IMG_0504.JPG" /></a> Went into Ramona's Rendezvous... found a brand new game for my GT kiddos for $3 and a few books for .50 cents. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_Ab7lEvzw_SsVLAspNKDI2pSZ423u0Ue_s_XolSLOqinV0qX2l2388mi6vSWTfBHbJtD4Fkhbr7Zby8QivVff3TWkihpcESUEbZ5LA5hi8bSEF9ypvtsYHYlr13D4QO3pgm8Oi5HUGE/s1600/IMG_0506.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726641499894147570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_Ab7lEvzw_SsVLAspNKDI2pSZ423u0Ue_s_XolSLOqinV0qX2l2388mi6vSWTfBHbJtD4Fkhbr7Zby8QivVff3TWkihpcESUEbZ5LA5hi8bSEF9ypvtsYHYlr13D4QO3pgm8Oi5HUGE/s320/IMG_0506.JPG" /></a> Then found a used book store whose profits go towards the Lions Club to buy glasses for children who can't afford them. So I had to load up :) Got some amazing books for next to nothing!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUT2jFZv2ywyjtv6K1wZ3UFJmIn-GPNf0PfLK1HnVKbgf6peUBLXO44HSYcHLP2ZYcuHY24hAFSm5WxNoQKSyWsvO4ojyk8yO6yE7OneoWlLL0Zd3R34GAixcUniUHSRfZlrfjTlwCTeI/s1600/IMG_0516.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726641492334287794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUT2jFZv2ywyjtv6K1wZ3UFJmIn-GPNf0PfLK1HnVKbgf6peUBLXO44HSYcHLP2ZYcuHY24hAFSm5WxNoQKSyWsvO4ojyk8yO6yE7OneoWlLL0Zd3R34GAixcUniUHSRfZlrfjTlwCTeI/s320/IMG_0516.JPG" /></a> Then I headed to Austin to stay at my favorite choice, the Hampton Inn at the Airport. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE32wFL0j1NeQoGMJ-Rd5uQhKNlM-3RmeADt4GqwcevHzykt0InaZDjt2UX2lri7CvYn97e38DRraEJxfqiIcOpf4Ppd0fLUyierv0iffoxVa3_jvwU7Qo2sdBa5_ka2aADFkKsfHhrSc/s1600/IMG_0514.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726641488455754802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE32wFL0j1NeQoGMJ-Rd5uQhKNlM-3RmeADt4GqwcevHzykt0InaZDjt2UX2lri7CvYn97e38DRraEJxfqiIcOpf4Ppd0fLUyierv0iffoxVa3_jvwU7Qo2sdBa5_ka2aADFkKsfHhrSc/s320/IMG_0514.JPG" /></a> Got my favorite dinner to go and stayed in all night blogging and reading my new books. The next morning I decided to head home rather than exploring due to finances and my dad was getting out of the hospital after 43 days! It was a great thing...and still feel so blessed to have him today.<br /><br />Happy Easter yall!!!!!!!!Brandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12189690390784629887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816779899830495073.post-16473001413702129782012-03-14T23:52:00.004-05:002012-03-16T22:06:40.800-05:00Day 5: Goodbye Chicago!It's funny, I'm writing this as it's my last day of Spring Break in Boston (again). In one week I've been to Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont and Canada. And as I write my last day in Chicago I can feel the remorse of finishing a trip double time. Traveling is truly my passion and I can't stop but think how fortunate I am. I'm very lucky to have the capabilities to travel like I do. I have an amazing family who supports my dreams and great friends that make trips worth taking! So, to those who read this, I hope that you take a trip soon and see the world, I think you'll be surprised how "at home" you can feel when your bed is thousands of miles away...Without further ado... the summation of Chicago!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPrRO9j4c_cPZQF3Q3vwDBYSqKLkqRnpUFvhZ-6wO17N82r-DJNCySfpaoOBjK-0acqSw7sts0hKyUMU-ncwOaQ8qDOOyk-zM-t7gQPjcnYIEi2qqxq0V5Qo6aRBHwrmmH79A8lNDNxI/s1600/IMG_0472.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719984178034515106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPrRO9j4c_cPZQF3Q3vwDBYSqKLkqRnpUFvhZ-6wO17N82r-DJNCySfpaoOBjK-0acqSw7sts0hKyUMU-ncwOaQ8qDOOyk-zM-t7gQPjcnYIEi2qqxq0V5Qo6aRBHwrmmH79A8lNDNxI/s320/IMG_0472.JPG" /></a> Our flight was late in the afternoon so we took off to look around Chicago on foot. We walked past the old Marshall Fields shop that is now known as Macys. The company began earlier in the 1800s but bought this particular location after the Great Chicago Fire in 1887! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFYNLKuCgRyugaj_op8Ej_z0Mu-18pAPz6YghukmIa0f2xOvzNoA_zW6idDy3O64uEFj_LbC3eg5uYtvjQjMx9Zey0lWtxwjF8xfY4pAb3-bk3S_q5Xup1A-R2x8Uioa1ipnaG8a_pdpg/s1600/IMG_0474.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719984169986853266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFYNLKuCgRyugaj_op8Ej_z0Mu-18pAPz6YghukmIa0f2xOvzNoA_zW6idDy3O64uEFj_LbC3eg5uYtvjQjMx9Zey0lWtxwjF8xfY4pAb3-bk3S_q5Xup1A-R2x8Uioa1ipnaG8a_pdpg/s320/IMG_0474.JPG" /></a> The lure of Macy's dresses and a century-old shopping area brought me inside and wow, I wasn't expecting 10 stories of heavenly shopping goodness! My suitcase was already full and heavy but it got a BIT more heavier and a BIT more full. :) I got some great clothes though....<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBEiWmip1CN2-8gCAIHxJCTXUJo4ukswBTF4fqt6c2f8q6rrBrF587AKf75MKhkrPaKPULYAXugwnoTjge2hGrAr6GMU8d5NYgkxRac4XhpvqOnCEhoEO8e-hg5PSNvRgotaLK2cVQxCs/s1600/IMG_0475.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719984159853288578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBEiWmip1CN2-8gCAIHxJCTXUJo4ukswBTF4fqt6c2f8q6rrBrF587AKf75MKhkrPaKPULYAXugwnoTjge2hGrAr6GMU8d5NYgkxRac4XhpvqOnCEhoEO8e-hg5PSNvRgotaLK2cVQxCs/s320/IMG_0475.JPG" /></a> We stopped at Macy's on our way to Daley Plaza. This is one of the architectural highlights because of the huge Picasso sculpture there. It's a popular place to take a lunch break and lots of people playing about.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wzoPa3n7P0aDbZSXSS_Vd4rURSioebN0tzetWZS-pm1-VMu9skEj2GDiuaxEdbUHNzG8rD8DNjuO7Ok_ISvI-ZNBptN86qJc3DkhQi9D4RX9I12qdU8G6HGLgN-0AhSPAAMZG5oz4bI/s1600/IMG_0477.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719983505064146530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wzoPa3n7P0aDbZSXSS_Vd4rURSioebN0tzetWZS-pm1-VMu9skEj2GDiuaxEdbUHNzG8rD8DNjuO7Ok_ISvI-ZNBptN86qJc3DkhQi9D4RX9I12qdU8G6HGLgN-0AhSPAAMZG5oz4bI/s320/IMG_0477.JPG" /></a> Chicago is such an artistic city. This piece was around the corner from Daley Plaza in front of the Thompson Center. This sculpture by Jean Dubuffet was really neat.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEityKDMMtZvlp1L1HJaTk-tr0-5W_RV-2mApkmV5D3nCFfYp1rcQ3ugr7YAyzAqH9ZDtC9D9Nn05tGHNMm23FWtYbrrPlVUrVnFfXZwGukvg3OaY_eOa9ybvAKhZZqFKdq0qNjSaIKMNcM/s1600/IMG_0479.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719983499237987554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEityKDMMtZvlp1L1HJaTk-tr0-5W_RV-2mApkmV5D3nCFfYp1rcQ3ugr7YAyzAqH9ZDtC9D9Nn05tGHNMm23FWtYbrrPlVUrVnFfXZwGukvg3OaY_eOa9ybvAKhZZqFKdq0qNjSaIKMNcM/s320/IMG_0479.JPG" /></a> Then we decided we wanted one last taste of Chicago-style pizza so I looked up my suggestions from 101 Chowdown Countdown from the Travel Channel. I had heard of Lou Malnati's from the Travel Channel, in different shows, etc. As we walked there we found this cute little set-up of a farmers market. I got a peach :) I like supporting local businesses... Not that one peach counts but it was something!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSC8oYoNx3KRqdPwfrVxu3eWL5E8IavJWm2fR1W5UKhYy-TEJ7NKaAsB0LyLu9Z8KMd6fEnr4ArmazqoA-IYsWQe9pyzEXyy0aYUNwiWwP2Z-1SC2ysYi850UWFmUlvlJ-bbnckCtTn4/s1600/IMG_0481.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719983487845974306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSC8oYoNx3KRqdPwfrVxu3eWL5E8IavJWm2fR1W5UKhYy-TEJ7NKaAsB0LyLu9Z8KMd6fEnr4ArmazqoA-IYsWQe9pyzEXyy0aYUNwiWwP2Z-1SC2ysYi850UWFmUlvlJ-bbnckCtTn4/s320/IMG_0481.JPG" /></a> Close by we found Lou Malnati's. Deep dish pizza!!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDEDpn4_Pje2E2r0v2i39arxKr2weH6GUzVQFQHMLyAoHMuK6UC38lSIsbck1qNWyDIJGlSGEOYlF1dLl1BnpgRymH2iNK1SRdJJ6HCCZs8PdiT4d-_JV3B-mKgJgXC9QIHckJQ_kZNDU/s1600/IMG_0484.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719983480301114434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDEDpn4_Pje2E2r0v2i39arxKr2weH6GUzVQFQHMLyAoHMuK6UC38lSIsbck1qNWyDIJGlSGEOYlF1dLl1BnpgRymH2iNK1SRdJJ6HCCZs8PdiT4d-_JV3B-mKgJgXC9QIHckJQ_kZNDU/s320/IMG_0484.JPG" /></a> The picture actually doesn't do any justice to how good the pizza was. I LOVE tomatoes so I loved it but I can see how others might not. The crunchy crust was sooo good. (I think we definitely voted Giordano's our favorite though...)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinY4Lb0FaTHvdfH5XKh1Jqlv5OHboE1pOb3dXoRZI0bB6zdXBpSSLqwX0MhmKZBLbs-Ymo34EIRdIDkW-uDICkpUJWbsljiiB8g4hXyj2HXU-ggxpeW4HLVt39wjI9URh8m1hidf7xlXc/s1600/IMG_0485.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719983472723941698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinY4Lb0FaTHvdfH5XKh1Jqlv5OHboE1pOb3dXoRZI0bB6zdXBpSSLqwX0MhmKZBLbs-Ymo34EIRdIDkW-uDICkpUJWbsljiiB8g4hXyj2HXU-ggxpeW4HLVt39wjI9URh8m1hidf7xlXc/s320/IMG_0485.JPG" /></a> And we walked back to our hotel that was holding our bags. Got on our flight (with ease) back to Houston and were soon home. My last trip for the summer was super fun. So glad Heather and I went!!Brandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12189690390784629887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816779899830495073.post-5797780388773143002012-03-13T21:46:00.007-05:002012-03-13T23:48:32.918-05:00Chicago: Day 4Day 4 was Museum Day! We had admission for free to all three museums with the Go Card. The only problem was that I accidentally left my Go Card in my back pocket of the jeans I had worn the day before. So we ended up taking THREE taxis to get back to the hotel and get the card out of my pants. God bless Heather and her patience with me!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFc2hyphenhyphen1jSld18iQKDRGuJhX-v3-2gYe306_gyVCc5iK3kDgH4vy75DlSs5-mVnhj2sBoi2mZ1bJ61Cl1J9mFUOPEppKD_UbsLOWgvRJezt8J0Zm1ywrS_prIIsJ9Jvs29o9mZCBMIKHbo/s1600/IMG_0302.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719586296418195714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFc2hyphenhyphen1jSld18iQKDRGuJhX-v3-2gYe306_gyVCc5iK3kDgH4vy75DlSs5-mVnhj2sBoi2mZ1bJ61Cl1J9mFUOPEppKD_UbsLOWgvRJezt8J0Zm1ywrS_prIIsJ9Jvs29o9mZCBMIKHbo/s320/IMG_0302.JPG" /></a> We started the day (after sleeping in) outside our hotel for breakfast. I loved eating (again) at the Corner Street Bakery. They had a great breakfast menu. And who can beat the view? The temperature outside was fantastic, too.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC86hO8moOfcLYGK_aQBvKmitV1Ldmr5URQTiwPkouQdiOQ4-PFSn6d8pXxPZkFJHU_9cLx5sbyDT0mgtxSU512ymB_Mji5ADiEZ6qLgA_GI00jroAJ9U9p4am6cPrFHJ08t5Sps0jHqU/s1600/IMG_0305.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719586289883688850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC86hO8moOfcLYGK_aQBvKmitV1Ldmr5URQTiwPkouQdiOQ4-PFSn6d8pXxPZkFJHU_9cLx5sbyDT0mgtxSU512ymB_Mji5ADiEZ6qLgA_GI00jroAJ9U9p4am6cPrFHJ08t5Sps0jHqU/s320/IMG_0305.JPG" /></a> Then we headed to the Shedd Aquarium (twice...) This view was where the taxis drop you...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3RMINo76uZX25Eo4zjSS67V_c91Q1JE4Cx2ZVrUa_b5g4LbdMzxzA7tcsNm0k5sHYoWWc0tm3u1Gz7WwmCywAC2sIOHC0PlBAc8p_eBA38U0sKo-IW1XtweVln4QpqjSiO5Ca2g2V4YI/s1600/IMG_0350.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719585467856347378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3RMINo76uZX25Eo4zjSS67V_c91Q1JE4Cx2ZVrUa_b5g4LbdMzxzA7tcsNm0k5sHYoWWc0tm3u1Gz7WwmCywAC2sIOHC0PlBAc8p_eBA38U0sKo-IW1XtweVln4QpqjSiO5Ca2g2V4YI/s320/IMG_0350.JPG" /></a> This was the front of the Aquarium where the main entrance (and longer lines) was...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqHxVosaumdwSVAY1bJD211spS9o2q03E1Rch9jW63CcAsSqMCyJ8YgNzgXn7NRrIvBPew5P6m_a08Qff6zKIqsWb2oX695DpilQkDctJLqVTl2dr8yzBTc0jfk8hZFIulEedBvNYEac/s1600/IMG_0337.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719585456299403890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqHxVosaumdwSVAY1bJD211spS9o2q03E1Rch9jW63CcAsSqMCyJ8YgNzgXn7NRrIvBPew5P6m_a08Qff6zKIqsWb2oX695DpilQkDctJLqVTl2dr8yzBTc0jfk8hZFIulEedBvNYEac/s320/IMG_0337.JPG" /></a> The Aquarium was disappointing that you had to pay extra for the dolphin/marine life show. But it looked like an amazing set-up. The tanks and animals were great but I didn't get very many good pictures. The place was PACKED!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu5Q94IoZvnBQC39QB5cLqXFF1T7tYMFiI6DOg7NG3jyqnuqQw2q53mS_gTg9E6vmvX3bga0UPJDKNAtJutK2CMg3X4xmge1ip0nKWXfSjCLlypJaOMIMleylvDUC_ztRUrdbVfx5vZlU/s1600/IMG_0342.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719585450047749842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu5Q94IoZvnBQC39QB5cLqXFF1T7tYMFiI6DOg7NG3jyqnuqQw2q53mS_gTg9E6vmvX3bga0UPJDKNAtJutK2CMg3X4xmge1ip0nKWXfSjCLlypJaOMIMleylvDUC_ztRUrdbVfx5vZlU/s320/IMG_0342.JPG" /></a> Heather did pay a little extra for us to go to the Jellies exhibit. It was really neat. Jellies are really peaceful to watch...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDf8VxAQrZiV1O_yGDhQDg79nbk-VkeY0irEaWMcpy13WTOzfURGZgY9Q1fB4t-mZkLKal5Vza5gtECUwQ2LP_VdP18fxvpAI1VTtq1A2NGTUBp1XYovsO5U5ba1qbNa4g97017vrBwe4/s1600/IMG_0352.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719585446002632162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDf8VxAQrZiV1O_yGDhQDg79nbk-VkeY0irEaWMcpy13WTOzfURGZgY9Q1fB4t-mZkLKal5Vza5gtECUwQ2LP_VdP18fxvpAI1VTtq1A2NGTUBp1XYovsO5U5ba1qbNa4g97017vrBwe4/s320/IMG_0352.JPG" /></a> When we were walking from the Shedd to the Field Museum we got a great view of the downtown Chicago area...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GRHoxQOhn_S_ZRjhZs9ZuuVBUKHjjHfQJz-nY_m8iGRGtEByXH1TWQCoj22R5TO5TjVEVG5lWWwAAmQrlR-muUzHKe5w5ziZcDHAQ2o6EPV7nD80ulao3rmA2kg4LTsFQVBhYMMmDZM/s1600/IMG_0353.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719585437123523858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GRHoxQOhn_S_ZRjhZs9ZuuVBUKHjjHfQJz-nY_m8iGRGtEByXH1TWQCoj22R5TO5TjVEVG5lWWwAAmQrlR-muUzHKe5w5ziZcDHAQ2o6EPV7nD80ulao3rmA2kg4LTsFQVBhYMMmDZM/s320/IMG_0353.JPG" /></a> We walked almost next door to the Field Museum, Chicago's science/history museum. This was the back of the museum, turns out...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZyxVqnGrUlloalmtll6A8IP_0P9KzyjpvUF4OHN2xJVbnAPxqG2g_G1n4uUU3RzksP1Sbp0tz_yNsXOaYboqzXD-N7U5_biyjqPu0jnDLBXDA7m3kklu8zRCcNsaUlEJojmQQcklSu8/s1600/IMG_0354.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719584007796878434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZyxVqnGrUlloalmtll6A8IP_0P9KzyjpvUF4OHN2xJVbnAPxqG2g_G1n4uUU3RzksP1Sbp0tz_yNsXOaYboqzXD-N7U5_biyjqPu0jnDLBXDA7m3kklu8zRCcNsaUlEJojmQQcklSu8/s320/IMG_0354.JPG" /></a> On the way we saw this baby bunny! Made me miss my girls... (I have two rabbits.)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh0TPTgf-FvSKg7bdxXwIwkIQC4gDdHNkcsR43fPZVA5lHxdkYgtu6zYHDTLxB9KSHHqBxPBe4Rchhy1BWU6_22E2MJZ-fh7MizTymbgcH8SH15fCZ_J8ZBF7IEDCWY3Jue9DRTknkBTI/s1600/IMG_0359.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719583995946347234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh0TPTgf-FvSKg7bdxXwIwkIQC4gDdHNkcsR43fPZVA5lHxdkYgtu6zYHDTLxB9KSHHqBxPBe4Rchhy1BWU6_22E2MJZ-fh7MizTymbgcH8SH15fCZ_J8ZBF7IEDCWY3Jue9DRTknkBTI/s320/IMG_0359.JPG" /></a> We walked around to the front of the Field Museum. Very nice entry. Reminded me of Washington, DC. :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhErYPVoZ1hels5Sr29bJuactrx4ciwlAlZ5fQW4OvSz-PaJCItdeKtWkPcmVl2b4hZknYYLmk45KI361lAZyaZqEaDM4kVm7HC7mR_yOMFRWkCYXBbUf0B7oEUuDQc7WuYYE6kpgRD7R4/s1600/IMG_0362.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719583989981626770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhErYPVoZ1hels5Sr29bJuactrx4ciwlAlZ5fQW4OvSz-PaJCItdeKtWkPcmVl2b4hZknYYLmk45KI361lAZyaZqEaDM4kVm7HC7mR_yOMFRWkCYXBbUf0B7oEUuDQc7WuYYE6kpgRD7R4/s320/IMG_0362.JPG" /></a> The inside was really cool. I loved the giant blue whale hanging from the ceiling. And I loved that Sue, the T-Rex was in the main lobby too!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVydiaTKgGg4b9goznK-HEdpxiJNbRJhf1Vrwk3Td9x02vAtALs5nJK9GwH5EzZ8Z_znh5mMykcqeJs4c1h2Vgr8BxzpG40YGta02DhoRu_Yxi8uiR1YulCAzK7eLFfgHicDKsfgBzGs/s1600/IMG_0364.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719583981384912178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVydiaTKgGg4b9goznK-HEdpxiJNbRJhf1Vrwk3Td9x02vAtALs5nJK9GwH5EzZ8Z_znh5mMykcqeJs4c1h2Vgr8BxzpG40YGta02DhoRu_Yxi8uiR1YulCAzK7eLFfgHicDKsfgBzGs/s320/IMG_0364.JPG" /></a> With our Go Cards we could only get into the permanent exhibits, but they were plenty to see! As soon as we got our ticket I ran to Sue, the T-Rex! <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp6IEPlC9N-8K8BFifNHIBDhHkzQoOaoUgmRuMksl0-CR4zP3-ZdyTqqxbFNZ6fetIq7gJzzkg2TNkRxLrMag_VPSC2sDygylpvQ2EEMPZgrnCIoq7Mx40Qfmnffccd1_7_02LbDsNS0Q/s1600/IMG_0365.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719583972617621666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp6IEPlC9N-8K8BFifNHIBDhHkzQoOaoUgmRuMksl0-CR4zP3-ZdyTqqxbFNZ6fetIq7gJzzkg2TNkRxLrMag_VPSC2sDygylpvQ2EEMPZgrnCIoq7Mx40Qfmnffccd1_7_02LbDsNS0Q/s320/IMG_0365.JPG" /></a> The facts on Sue.... the world's largest, most complete and best preserved T-Rex! And we share the same name :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7o5I-2gafsG_ZB8KVr988uGwLDC52iZhiB8WNev6g7Yjtda574n3c6hhCm_hCe81_lmnhPjRi4wsOHC2j8BYPGSomeLgzZtmUlK0FtumWebaqjrcyyR4ZEYtwxVuzUmR9Yfpth0cotu4/s1600/IMG_0370.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719582712427783170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7o5I-2gafsG_ZB8KVr988uGwLDC52iZhiB8WNev6g7Yjtda574n3c6hhCm_hCe81_lmnhPjRi4wsOHC2j8BYPGSomeLgzZtmUlK0FtumWebaqjrcyyR4ZEYtwxVuzUmR9Yfpth0cotu4/s320/IMG_0370.JPG" /></a> Then we looked at all the animal exhibits.... "Hello!"<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6LlYK_sHD2ItTjlJ1lnuVEv-NR5UYKsHweZCaTkOBJMgH-0o22CXmPebr2U6fJ30Z-zLM9lQO0_CaBLPAUf9ARc5wdg2IbvaLJHDt4HL-OPEHTC3ugv58TIqdvWSkbRFycy9F0RUWwE/s1600/IMG_0376.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719582697066888658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6LlYK_sHD2ItTjlJ1lnuVEv-NR5UYKsHweZCaTkOBJMgH-0o22CXmPebr2U6fJ30Z-zLM9lQO0_CaBLPAUf9ARc5wdg2IbvaLJHDt4HL-OPEHTC3ugv58TIqdvWSkbRFycy9F0RUWwE/s320/IMG_0376.JPG" /></a> "Hello, there" -Pumba ... Hakuna Matada!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxf1LagCkf2iTw5NeXdou17F7EBcPgAFWG0HkTbfF_5MLZkK7gHziPflpLfeEHuITy2z9YA7OyGBBNI71-hwTORZ9lqr8CnM2I3iOYu0vZ4Kb75Q7mkV7XNl6mHqEQMCIszDx-bNe3HC8/s1600/IMG_0378.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719582682514819106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxf1LagCkf2iTw5NeXdou17F7EBcPgAFWG0HkTbfF_5MLZkK7gHziPflpLfeEHuITy2z9YA7OyGBBNI71-hwTORZ9lqr8CnM2I3iOYu0vZ4Kb75Q7mkV7XNl6mHqEQMCIszDx-bNe3HC8/s320/IMG_0378.JPG" /></a> The man-eating Tigers from Tsavo! The ACTUAL skulls are to the left. Amazing...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9adgu9tkQegMwQRAPTMYvla55kIqwuqhrL5vbS1CLTj-xbctD_-FgMwVrYJYCfx91EhKiPdmfSSV3fLO4s3WZuXOMEVLN4qh0T1FmmjtQmeH9J8nkQ3pdZ8U2Iz7vl96KDLkY1OroymQ/s1600/IMG_0388.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719582673185501762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9adgu9tkQegMwQRAPTMYvla55kIqwuqhrL5vbS1CLTj-xbctD_-FgMwVrYJYCfx91EhKiPdmfSSV3fLO4s3WZuXOMEVLN4qh0T1FmmjtQmeH9J8nkQ3pdZ8U2Iz7vl96KDLkY1OroymQ/s320/IMG_0388.JPG" /></a> Then there was an Egyptian mummy exhibit. You actually climb into and around a pyramid while looking at real mummies and tumbs. Very interesting!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgak9pTaYHYrxaBwZDgwpMqMRFB7x6xNxBGSUqSm4A3TQIdmpx0ScN2HIAhXy_VtZaU8x5hqIDgV3CLw1PNRmgIJpqElwNbmZFRsAfKgjo03GcLSHKfYDNJw9C8U1r9wO3Z4iTxgtNw1mc/s1600/IMG_0407.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719582664833566178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgak9pTaYHYrxaBwZDgwpMqMRFB7x6xNxBGSUqSm4A3TQIdmpx0ScN2HIAhXy_VtZaU8x5hqIDgV3CLw1PNRmgIJpqElwNbmZFRsAfKgjo03GcLSHKfYDNJw9C8U1r9wO3Z4iTxgtNw1mc/s320/IMG_0407.JPG" /></a> Then we headed upstairs to the History of Earth exhibit. During the middle of it they have a wonderful assortment of dinosaur fossils and casts. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXYRbupxDWe4TdywgHdxYuN9F5jQGoH74WeS7DW2TDapt37q3QDK5CUkIBSCsYmWH3wXUk265c-AEdibMo3wn1MHkI-LYzfo-ueM9Ocu96ACReUbstGz4TpVRj3pPj9ev-AJ4EYefASs/s1600/IMG_0414.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719581599914787218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXYRbupxDWe4TdywgHdxYuN9F5jQGoH74WeS7DW2TDapt37q3QDK5CUkIBSCsYmWH3wXUk265c-AEdibMo3wn1MHkI-LYzfo-ueM9Ocu96ACReUbstGz4TpVRj3pPj9ev-AJ4EYefASs/s320/IMG_0414.JPG" /></a> In the exhibit they give you the history of life on Earth. So there are about 5-6 Mass Extinction areas where it talks about species that were removed from the earth permanently (how upsetting!). Then towards the end of the exhibit it had this display which was really moving and sad...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1JTz5wiPpueY5LHqnPNEe6rM_HkE6_o6H3jjE0FbWDjaYX3vE8YGKkpjOU-H2NAhgqfHxZPyL598arQz_LUFqRT7zgVRzXSziSNGicXZS3aKNupYaBWPVcHjRA9GGhJGH4wCY4arTTs/s1600/IMG_0415.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719581590858170162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1JTz5wiPpueY5LHqnPNEe6rM_HkE6_o6H3jjE0FbWDjaYX3vE8YGKkpjOU-H2NAhgqfHxZPyL598arQz_LUFqRT7zgVRzXSziSNGicXZS3aKNupYaBWPVcHjRA9GGhJGH4wCY4arTTs/s320/IMG_0415.JPG" /></a> Loved this display of some of the precious animals that have existed on earth with the Charles Darwin quote in the middle...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh90DEl0_Nkpxypk95vB1GtNIta1ZRUWPIIMAM_QlSC6wdnJg4ZjsWQrQZkXpO4syBEib1Z69f2l5l28ejpg79mgonWhXElZyGXbmkW1YCWWuFcEYwFiMzNqNq5kUhmPPup3lDpj38Zraw/s1600/IMG_0423.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719581583745357794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh90DEl0_Nkpxypk95vB1GtNIta1ZRUWPIIMAM_QlSC6wdnJg4ZjsWQrQZkXpO4syBEib1Z69f2l5l28ejpg79mgonWhXElZyGXbmkW1YCWWuFcEYwFiMzNqNq5kUhmPPup3lDpj38Zraw/s320/IMG_0423.JPG" /></a> From upstairs I got this great picture of the main lobby of the Field Museum.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiiVSuu9tMS_4L7QhCU7cuEXUu_MYBBBFx104-iTXoF6kFY8eWnGh37_BwvFW_NH8TuwZCRs0L8W_IUhqYrl_Is2Qh7gG9mCaa-DvddSUWRsusvzbUg76Jbhyphenhyphen09fhgv5kwmNlMkqWnj6Q/s1600/IMG_0425.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719581573882132770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiiVSuu9tMS_4L7QhCU7cuEXUu_MYBBBFx104-iTXoF6kFY8eWnGh37_BwvFW_NH8TuwZCRs0L8W_IUhqYrl_Is2Qh7gG9mCaa-DvddSUWRsusvzbUg76Jbhyphenhyphen09fhgv5kwmNlMkqWnj6Q/s320/IMG_0425.JPG" /></a> Then we walked about 1/4 mile to the Adler Planetarium....<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKwB9dDjLgu63zAChScFgHof4OSfDx1N3Xysd2Yc5dSB7hkOzlWApD0UJr6pQTLJIe4sTv-z8iHHSb7QjqKRNIU3wME6QthkMtUez7xzw1XZIRKNpZ9CLudHd55_nBshyphenhyphendftyYNzo_sq4/s1600/IMG_0427.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719581564883037922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKwB9dDjLgu63zAChScFgHof4OSfDx1N3Xysd2Yc5dSB7hkOzlWApD0UJr6pQTLJIe4sTv-z8iHHSb7QjqKRNIU3wME6QthkMtUez7xzw1XZIRKNpZ9CLudHd55_nBshyphenhyphendftyYNzo_sq4/s320/IMG_0427.JPG" /></a> The far way picture of the entrance with the whole complex...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn_W0UvwwZ8MjQdA2eMSTbwKyq0yUyy8ELtQchr2y3WOciUnybpxTzypFQcqndNvwoSqemggYcbFn8grPjpRt4kXA_POgSfbS62wqstBcQ2AT8-gLWArdbpWsqQkhOifgxSuLfZdeDl30/s1600/IMG_0430.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719579872314232258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn_W0UvwwZ8MjQdA2eMSTbwKyq0yUyy8ELtQchr2y3WOciUnybpxTzypFQcqndNvwoSqemggYcbFn8grPjpRt4kXA_POgSfbS62wqstBcQ2AT8-gLWArdbpWsqQkhOifgxSuLfZdeDl30/s320/IMG_0430.JPG" /></a> National Historic Landmark!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia6uo3VPc4YSikRi2BebfqpxBEr1KZgZq0xH5f0rJqOJqAl2voRagxMplADEd2AievqhwTWIDuP7FqVcEbdaXuBJwuIMbpBmy4Lfmk7O39k7DS4B6OJQd7XLJS_VrWrYB_7IaNtsBS0Z4/s1600/IMG_0431.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719579865108666018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia6uo3VPc4YSikRi2BebfqpxBEr1KZgZq0xH5f0rJqOJqAl2voRagxMplADEd2AievqhwTWIDuP7FqVcEbdaXuBJwuIMbpBmy4Lfmk7O39k7DS4B6OJQd7XLJS_VrWrYB_7IaNtsBS0Z4/s320/IMG_0431.JPG" /></a> The Atwood Sphere was probably the coolest part, but took about 30-45 minutes to wait for. It's from the 1920s and takes you into the sphere to look at constellations. It only holds about 5-10 people at a time. It was very cool because of the history, though!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzm8BcdYSUhsoILEZpRJnVD5Wmv4BYwLIrhb1f4yqBk0yccsPX97JP85MezqoA4FF0kyPZCBVaitoV2wgKJ79zc9xmkiTsmYjh_JVimr7koD96ekczsH8WuR6Ft0K9XRu2CexuXLt4nY0/s1600/IMG_0436.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719579858653979058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzm8BcdYSUhsoILEZpRJnVD5Wmv4BYwLIrhb1f4yqBk0yccsPX97JP85MezqoA4FF0kyPZCBVaitoV2wgKJ79zc9xmkiTsmYjh_JVimr7koD96ekczsH8WuR6Ft0K9XRu2CexuXLt4nY0/s320/IMG_0436.JPG" /></a> Then we headed back for a bit until it was time for our Chicago-based band concert. The venue was right beside Wrigley Field!!! Paul McCartney was playing, though, so people were EVERYWHERE. It was crazy, super busy.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuuoOP80lIA1NKMOx3JV2En5fHx1lkavUZ3HiD8OpevhUyZ_dazDCanjJVW0BnR3WbC2I6HXhH2EarTJY7fM6UalY9O1vUw8RUcGsrAADRrlkWNBUsN7qbG1Yw37F-OEsZ3gIcZxH6VQY/s1600/IMG_0438.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719579849513761570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuuoOP80lIA1NKMOx3JV2En5fHx1lkavUZ3HiD8OpevhUyZ_dazDCanjJVW0BnR3WbC2I6HXhH2EarTJY7fM6UalY9O1vUw8RUcGsrAADRrlkWNBUsN7qbG1Yw37F-OEsZ3gIcZxH6VQY/s320/IMG_0438.JPG" /></a> The venue... We stopped in beside the place and had a great sandwich before going in. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfbsQuxNaHvfXg9AHHTIvMpexRsA8HlE9ARePmm4pq8BeIRpz9ScWFFWNkK0A6RqRlnEZLnNNZRCyO_ubTtbxFjj__dGM1_Eooo8slCfuQaehgYMvF9WlzE-C7qI87M3_iaPKV1QXuSVw/s1600/IMG_0441.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719579840985869090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfbsQuxNaHvfXg9AHHTIvMpexRsA8HlE9ARePmm4pq8BeIRpz9ScWFFWNkK0A6RqRlnEZLnNNZRCyO_ubTtbxFjj__dGM1_Eooo8slCfuQaehgYMvF9WlzE-C7qI87M3_iaPKV1QXuSVw/s320/IMG_0441.JPG" /></a> Alkaline Trio was a great band. Heather LOVES them and I enjoyed watching them in such a small venue. After the show we stayed next door for a drink and to get some water. Unfortunately, as we were leaving so was everyone from the Paul McCartney concert. The train station was right beside it. It was INSANE getting on our train. We even saw a man/woman get arrested right in front of me. It was scary.... But another great day in Chicago, and seeing a legendary Chicago band really made the end of the trip!Brandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12189690390784629887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816779899830495073.post-26585221027975585952012-02-25T23:22:00.009-06:002012-03-12T23:01:02.214-05:00Chicago: Day 3***So, I have become so far behind on my blog! School is out of control this year with being busy and then last week I was in Vegas. I'm writing you from my spring break trip in New Hampshire! So, I hope to get up-to-date in the next month or two. I should be able to but for now enjoy Chicago Day 3! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbjdq-z1tIjGBIRNGkV7WWENc6CWXv46ZvrBSavJOQG_cw3Cxt7PGUqP0OCg6T6x_axycVGEEOTAWrbj6zShKiQiu6AnkQScMXbQCo3QBTkNh2eaLFRwLor2VA9M3kMgeaVDB29IxkfRQ/s1600/IMG_0160.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713318867040574338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbjdq-z1tIjGBIRNGkV7WWENc6CWXv46ZvrBSavJOQG_cw3Cxt7PGUqP0OCg6T6x_axycVGEEOTAWrbj6zShKiQiu6AnkQScMXbQCo3QBTkNh2eaLFRwLor2VA9M3kMgeaVDB29IxkfRQ/s320/IMG_0160.JPG" /></a> We began day 3 by going on a (very full) architecture tour with our Go Card. We headed to the Navy Pier and got our tickets. Turns out the tours are a block or two away.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidiv1QH8sNXoOCDC8Ob_4sKIMfDsDlfJshwdwqDMF9KI7CsW57rs0I1n0vNATXLN_mVqbGIt5QUYCir_kNwADrv7mWQvMANFZ8MgzhFxM1xvAq3yJObZTJXrOW4tLyqSnbQiap4eCNB_c/s1600/IMG_0156.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713318857758353810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidiv1QH8sNXoOCDC8Ob_4sKIMfDsDlfJshwdwqDMF9KI7CsW57rs0I1n0vNATXLN_mVqbGIt5QUYCir_kNwADrv7mWQvMANFZ8MgzhFxM1xvAq3yJObZTJXrOW4tLyqSnbQiap4eCNB_c/s320/IMG_0156.JPG" /></a> It was so hot outside so Heather saw the Creamsicles. I decided to get one too and how glad I am! We were sitting on that tour boat for 2 hours in direct sunlight. I'm pretty sure everyone on that tour was looking at our Creamsicles like they were a T-Rex looking at a chicken.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjkW4BZcexsuxSX6ggrA0GaBA8YavpoB1kVGEXT_TvXhga15ISMdelnXGR2f6gzblX8AL9zfEwRlTQ1RLYaSVKp1KaZVgKIP4XhyphenhyphenIe3qmmo6tRSlGOH2GVMMp79bc8lBc1o5_inQeRCg/s1600/IMG_0161.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713318155044508066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjkW4BZcexsuxSX6ggrA0GaBA8YavpoB1kVGEXT_TvXhga15ISMdelnXGR2f6gzblX8AL9zfEwRlTQ1RLYaSVKp1KaZVgKIP4XhyphenhyphenIe3qmmo6tRSlGOH2GVMMp79bc8lBc1o5_inQeRCg/s320/IMG_0161.JPG" /></a> The first building they showcased was this amazing hotel/apartment/business building. The balconies are all different. One of the purposes, other than looking like waves, is to help deter the wind. I saw this hotel on Groupon Getaways a while back, too and it sold out in a day or two. Very neat...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiITH08WNW5y_yB0TwWsjXJdkSbRPNtlqVA4yMczLvECtzK-b239JZBdR7hsFSeH3uMPG-H8NElK2fGyXXOjgV9UcPlPT_83DlDiVYsLznOv8YXtCMMTEx8fOggjgITi_iCnm3qB0ioVrg/s1600/IMG_0163.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713318151133472082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiITH08WNW5y_yB0TwWsjXJdkSbRPNtlqVA4yMczLvECtzK-b239JZBdR7hsFSeH3uMPG-H8NElK2fGyXXOjgV9UcPlPT_83DlDiVYsLznOv8YXtCMMTEx8fOggjgITi_iCnm3qB0ioVrg/s320/IMG_0163.JPG" /></a> Got a great view of the Trump Tower in Chicago. A very beautiful color and one of the more expensive hotels in the area.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOZpYxXqkTO0kAGx8ctZbT-anvOxt9uiM4hzj77gyu5SLypDFZYohneP_uju5DdnBGlSN3DLi784srDpOvHkywc3T_5iRdIKzafZSRN6yirDXgaP9CqOggbVJPJVCqSKIBbduDwMwdss/s1600/IMG_0172.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713318138912677602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOZpYxXqkTO0kAGx8ctZbT-anvOxt9uiM4hzj77gyu5SLypDFZYohneP_uju5DdnBGlSN3DLi784srDpOvHkywc3T_5iRdIKzafZSRN6yirDXgaP9CqOggbVJPJVCqSKIBbduDwMwdss/s320/IMG_0172.JPG" /></a> Another picture of our Hotel :) Hotel 71<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLqACcu6jpro0dx-XbB_fTWigymRk5onp2C8FjteWt_H4NP6lzhlwlkxt3rDi99PMRf-eyCf2IgJ4tIZFGRyIk_9qeFcqp8jZmw7OAZ-bhWYjU7mp-yZi2wBPRLm-31cManjBby_8-Wl0/s1600/IMG_0174.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713318123647816082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLqACcu6jpro0dx-XbB_fTWigymRk5onp2C8FjteWt_H4NP6lzhlwlkxt3rDi99PMRf-eyCf2IgJ4tIZFGRyIk_9qeFcqp8jZmw7OAZ-bhWYjU7mp-yZi2wBPRLm-31cManjBby_8-Wl0/s320/IMG_0174.JPG" /></a> Got a shot of the old retractable bridge, where the tour turned around.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHAwhRblIjAA9z9hH8FVwgSojv-0tayJqHvt4oa9mmWHwdipQqbbrC7Ki_s5_iyG9uXy6XXzQUUydfhYcESSpvKSfpT-siPtzdOtLAwMr9KSWQBPSktx8nnaw3AzuoZNLxDrRJjbQONy0/s1600/IMG_0180.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713317085850164466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHAwhRblIjAA9z9hH8FVwgSojv-0tayJqHvt4oa9mmWHwdipQqbbrC7Ki_s5_iyG9uXy6XXzQUUydfhYcESSpvKSfpT-siPtzdOtLAwMr9KSWQBPSktx8nnaw3AzuoZNLxDrRJjbQONy0/s320/IMG_0180.JPG" /></a> The old bridge with the Willis Tower behind it. :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzGfXWsk6Qi6_2WCiPFPk2NHAVxFHHTyf58houFhmWSWJpoMRKi7kaAg-9OLLEzAfZPuo1VJFeFmwgJMZ93v86iBoYvLt7sOmMQD2Za2QWjh5XqqlJN3xMQoSFR37cEtzQfAqKVa3es0/s1600/IMG_0182.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713317081651505490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzGfXWsk6Qi6_2WCiPFPk2NHAVxFHHTyf58houFhmWSWJpoMRKi7kaAg-9OLLEzAfZPuo1VJFeFmwgJMZ93v86iBoYvLt7sOmMQD2Za2QWjh5XqqlJN3xMQoSFR37cEtzQfAqKVa3es0/s320/IMG_0182.JPG" /></a> Then we went through a few more waterways and turned around. Got a great shot of Willis/Sears Tower and the rest of the city.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlyx8BJU6jh7J_J8RcXjVIwnqD3gd1jBGqp4PHeN6so0fj-n2wVFQxC-oJCZ3zI7G8YqDWfMIi2ZRlpD9m_wYOCzHKxqi2FHfvHmQuEAdsKFvbXKyu-9chCCUB1R08VyPo6NuSYUoS8t4/s1600/IMG_0185.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713317072840324402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlyx8BJU6jh7J_J8RcXjVIwnqD3gd1jBGqp4PHeN6so0fj-n2wVFQxC-oJCZ3zI7G8YqDWfMIi2ZRlpD9m_wYOCzHKxqi2FHfvHmQuEAdsKFvbXKyu-9chCCUB1R08VyPo6NuSYUoS8t4/s320/IMG_0185.JPG" /></a> This is the Fashion/Interior Design Building that used to be an old factory. It's HUGE!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiamfFyS052Ppgvq4AVIKxwf89uk_-UHwM6L00pDeruapKaaWpUOnbDzgY2VPuzET_QjPRbTI561qx_3Tkoi0_SjzXcq0lWbamrLIBJpwR4t_htNwret3BDtEqYPAughYiK7CCEyTRUHZM/s1600/IMG_0187.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713317060370624258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiamfFyS052Ppgvq4AVIKxwf89uk_-UHwM6L00pDeruapKaaWpUOnbDzgY2VPuzET_QjPRbTI561qx_3Tkoi0_SjzXcq0lWbamrLIBJpwR4t_htNwret3BDtEqYPAughYiK7CCEyTRUHZM/s320/IMG_0187.JPG" /></a> Another one of the older factories that have been turned into chic apartment buildings...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzNL2CUsXvnkD3JhdsBAyuI2AQZoiqn2P0uCUG8KI4OjEJgqkygQnAO0Pk-eda-iujmXUWr0TJtgtQCMzt70zoNpcsgmSJTExRBedS2f4fmNuW1JMWdWVwSwl-2H12964vhyk70Z2z54s/s1600/IMG_0189.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713317053230004002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzNL2CUsXvnkD3JhdsBAyuI2AQZoiqn2P0uCUG8KI4OjEJgqkygQnAO0Pk-eda-iujmXUWr0TJtgtQCMzt70zoNpcsgmSJTExRBedS2f4fmNuW1JMWdWVwSwl-2H12964vhyk70Z2z54s/s320/IMG_0189.JPG" /></a> It was such a beautiful day...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU9JvGmwVAQTbJMUhAvEMQJRk9J_3gbD8eR7ZllBq3emqQct5kXyNV_sCoMZGoIo2sCj1k-4LE1rxGJVfNdJznYJfDjZwuuMfLCdWpTjWKIxG-LPiQESFopSAx9NBy59io9Pv2dhi3WMM/s1600/IMG_0196.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713315385248821906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU9JvGmwVAQTbJMUhAvEMQJRk9J_3gbD8eR7ZllBq3emqQct5kXyNV_sCoMZGoIo2sCj1k-4LE1rxGJVfNdJznYJfDjZwuuMfLCdWpTjWKIxG-LPiQESFopSAx9NBy59io9Pv2dhi3WMM/s320/IMG_0196.JPG" /></a> A shot of the SkyDeck which Heather and I got to stand on. 103 stories off the face of the Earth :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbS2PCyYUkfMBNm-fdD0lbDsLvkUB6jU2rqX5FUJneLaqmNgC1agQGtFQlbHwF0Id4yr_bIGjF7mtgnt6HnY9Oe9axcp0CZa0XfVa-mf0X3Rj1zOr_uLujbPbwNKqbSQnZyOvKrFptrU/s1600/IMG_0202.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713315380135170866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbS2PCyYUkfMBNm-fdD0lbDsLvkUB6jU2rqX5FUJneLaqmNgC1agQGtFQlbHwF0Id4yr_bIGjF7mtgnt6HnY9Oe9axcp0CZa0XfVa-mf0X3Rj1zOr_uLujbPbwNKqbSQnZyOvKrFptrU/s320/IMG_0202.JPG" /></a> This building was coined the Champagne Building and I believe is the Hard Rock's hotel and restaurant if I remember correctly from my tour. The architecture was pretty amazing and I enjoyed the tour. Just wish it hadn't been so hot!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGzbh5XPo_Wnkka-7IkOoDrjndKcnoVv0QWTdu2ZbZS_BOkDAl_e714ag6VYjClUYSuPDrAihEIL_wwAkhm7PZY76Q4DYqQMKk_PMc7KBgn7q_GAFBVywrzp9rymX-64Cw43XUUpg-o5U/s1600/IMG_0208.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713315371071024706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGzbh5XPo_Wnkka-7IkOoDrjndKcnoVv0QWTdu2ZbZS_BOkDAl_e714ag6VYjClUYSuPDrAihEIL_wwAkhm7PZY76Q4DYqQMKk_PMc7KBgn7q_GAFBVywrzp9rymX-64Cw43XUUpg-o5U/s320/IMG_0208.JPG" /></a> Then Heather and I went to use our Go Chicago cards for the Ferris Wheel. It was pretty big and a nice ride. It goes continuously slow and you only get to go once around. But it does afford nice views of Chicago and the line constantly moves, so it's a fun time.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2PB2hjWtoeWunJSqqj4a8Gx78z2CYr8hhav4jTT3Q-KZ19NSS_lRKZlnuebaMFoC7i8yGHqK9OUBm9V41Bn6ZXdwi9T_E1u1IKZ7L2r_Pxx0-22wBs1WXrp81I8krSteGOLvejGlC-YY/s1600/IMG_0210.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713315366407425154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2PB2hjWtoeWunJSqqj4a8Gx78z2CYr8hhav4jTT3Q-KZ19NSS_lRKZlnuebaMFoC7i8yGHqK9OUBm9V41Bn6ZXdwi9T_E1u1IKZ7L2r_Pxx0-22wBs1WXrp81I8krSteGOLvejGlC-YY/s320/IMG_0210.JPG" /></a> One of the photos I took while on the Ferris Wheel.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZg-DmS_2pFGKc5ljnWNoSKDN0orqSUUCuIaXDAiYJ-tSAD_-Pwgki0o_1Kb8iisFXafX81FQijyp1DnSrADm0mnNmN3zt4OIQQBynhPqR3JOdqhjE5DuK8pCdFsatyl7icLblq2dvDc/s1600/IMG_0222.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713315361856224594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZg-DmS_2pFGKc5ljnWNoSKDN0orqSUUCuIaXDAiYJ-tSAD_-Pwgki0o_1Kb8iisFXafX81FQijyp1DnSrADm0mnNmN3zt4OIQQBynhPqR3JOdqhjE5DuK8pCdFsatyl7icLblq2dvDc/s320/IMG_0222.JPG" /></a> Then we walked through the gardens at Navy Pier. It was nice inside...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqw8GmoFDM8EJGBZ76SVbJaM-7tTVVgM6ZQewou66_Tm5CcpPqLJROtHK_jjol1GCv5tPZtXwicWstr7WVg5GviYMBR2q2gCRcz7JIK2-oFiHn8GP4T358RKjf7lsapOzAqvKynVlhHs/s1600/DSCF1993.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713314471192742354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqw8GmoFDM8EJGBZ76SVbJaM-7tTVVgM6ZQewou66_Tm5CcpPqLJROtHK_jjol1GCv5tPZtXwicWstr7WVg5GviYMBR2q2gCRcz7JIK2-oFiHn8GP4T358RKjf7lsapOzAqvKynVlhHs/s320/DSCF1993.JPG" /></a> Then we headed back on the trolley tour looking for lunch at Heather's favorite place. We passed by the Hancock Center/Tower which you'll see later in the blog.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Y4AQ1hgjOjao-9244mI5_X7YDJqgp80PXTnPe9hlr6PcQBrwtvwDnd6SA_XBsQtEe88IWpBix6F6GcIFM6qNMxktcykCBg4kfS8qhOzCVhyphenhyphen3CRQCNcVdxn9nTjwIy7y7YJVN3Vh3220/s1600/DSCF1997.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713314463326030322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Y4AQ1hgjOjao-9244mI5_X7YDJqgp80PXTnPe9hlr6PcQBrwtvwDnd6SA_XBsQtEe88IWpBix6F6GcIFM6qNMxktcykCBg4kfS8qhOzCVhyphenhyphen3CRQCNcVdxn9nTjwIy7y7YJVN3Vh3220/s320/DSCF1997.JPG" /></a> We passed by the old Chicago Water Tower and I got a better shot... Nice detail...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXccxrRINOSswHr8Fk0w53TeYxKgWMgquv0JUbSkF-ja6L85SorCFbfJnH_1SWCr0F0RFFtZwmep7gLyEx_5HjbY3pdhyphenhyphenAl-2jQteRGnnVqkdS1towIqgQXsfzVLrbie3dTyhiwmZOjKc/s1600/DSCF2001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713314456317766178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXccxrRINOSswHr8Fk0w53TeYxKgWMgquv0JUbSkF-ja6L85SorCFbfJnH_1SWCr0F0RFFtZwmep7gLyEx_5HjbY3pdhyphenhyphenAl-2jQteRGnnVqkdS1towIqgQXsfzVLrbie3dTyhiwmZOjKc/s320/DSCF2001.JPG" /></a> We passed by the Magnificent Mile but contained ourselves...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1iInLl_W8gb6fkbba2enLQyCMAcMgt-IF4N1qDGB17wlK8oqT0yX5qx84qxo7UqGeO2RzNnqZb2z8_u2ToCJOzfxHj57SrFoFTI4zprMZDr6LzTGUi_Js4B6zj_nmcLTWHySToUpRZnU/s1600/DSCF2007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713314454241200946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1iInLl_W8gb6fkbba2enLQyCMAcMgt-IF4N1qDGB17wlK8oqT0yX5qx84qxo7UqGeO2RzNnqZb2z8_u2ToCJOzfxHj57SrFoFTI4zprMZDr6LzTGUi_Js4B6zj_nmcLTWHySToUpRZnU/s320/DSCF2007.JPG" /></a> Mmmmmmmmmmm I really had to show some constraint but one day I'll be INSIDE Cartier :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwxgLW-D3g7nkh-mag0x5y1Fnlw6BCZIFndadma87dL7U4nCUN1ExBL7R493H-tKOiVVKUnRQqcm8nn6dQM3wTfx2J6GU-LyfuA7Ke-QRtoTsUwNp_Z-xOwJesSLdcEFrDUoqohlIwivU/s1600/IMG_0231.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713313555622551778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwxgLW-D3g7nkh-mag0x5y1Fnlw6BCZIFndadma87dL7U4nCUN1ExBL7R493H-tKOiVVKUnRQqcm8nn6dQM3wTfx2J6GU-LyfuA7Ke-QRtoTsUwNp_Z-xOwJesSLdcEFrDUoqohlIwivU/s320/IMG_0231.JPG" /></a> Finally, we made it to Porillo's on the Restaurant Mile...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhExfzKnSAedSq_e-o2nhcsw0VqKtS-JfatCw5BvtvHik5yfyaaZLfpebKmr2SUDIEhC88DTEyeZ4r7FofUXXYBjWbjeSIo3EPCWHQOOFGJ78r_qoGQjoeBduySMyaLKE4oLF1i4miehDc/s1600/IMG_0232.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713313551058581682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhExfzKnSAedSq_e-o2nhcsw0VqKtS-JfatCw5BvtvHik5yfyaaZLfpebKmr2SUDIEhC88DTEyeZ4r7FofUXXYBjWbjeSIo3EPCWHQOOFGJ78r_qoGQjoeBduySMyaLKE4oLF1i4miehDc/s320/IMG_0232.JPG" /></a> Cute vibe inside... Lots of seating and lots of choices!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiftrq0OecOA1Iv4bDOuubw4DoyEA2KT1laoTu34VZZ_7Lh6-ssEvbTudgH8C44wEp7hnwY4j3uMIvrzIJlg4ZGA0W215L_VmhpR9FA_vQDBb8sqeg5Y4YbG78UYIh9SjEtYiNODFqYdaM/s1600/IMG_0233.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713313541559752322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiftrq0OecOA1Iv4bDOuubw4DoyEA2KT1laoTu34VZZ_7Lh6-ssEvbTudgH8C44wEp7hnwY4j3uMIvrzIJlg4ZGA0W215L_VmhpR9FA_vQDBb8sqeg5Y4YbG78UYIh9SjEtYiNODFqYdaM/s320/IMG_0233.JPG" /></a> I got the beef sandwich with peppers. The meat was dipped but not the sandwich. It was amazingly good!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lNpDj2AEpju7hdfVhVSZHRVPCyRAHV_mNYhQ9T6l5CxKvcIzAhKC8M6-zEKTuy2so3_YV8SntEgEbNYMWlgCRPZ_11J89aERaXz3U0CeqVz1-rgSDfHX-DSTs7-ex53JddwpZF51Xs0/s1600/IMG_0235.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713313538684811026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lNpDj2AEpju7hdfVhVSZHRVPCyRAHV_mNYhQ9T6l5CxKvcIzAhKC8M6-zEKTuy2so3_YV8SntEgEbNYMWlgCRPZ_11J89aERaXz3U0CeqVz1-rgSDfHX-DSTs7-ex53JddwpZF51Xs0/s320/IMG_0235.JPG" /></a> Then Heather got a chocolate cake milkshake. I had one taste and went up to get one too. Lol it was dang good but definitely couldn't finish it.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDmdAP8BIgHCr2rqdpeEOCH0vRpifo4hm6_pjXMnoExkR-fMLeckZMhmRuEAgY2uoaAl-slbTNV2pmu6PKVzOEYmNd79jkROgxLHZ6jcHkctuXmmxSuMY2tiuTraCD_ee0f9MlZQ8jVA/s1600/IMG_0239.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713313534072481650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDmdAP8BIgHCr2rqdpeEOCH0vRpifo4hm6_pjXMnoExkR-fMLeckZMhmRuEAgY2uoaAl-slbTNV2pmu6PKVzOEYmNd79jkROgxLHZ6jcHkctuXmmxSuMY2tiuTraCD_ee0f9MlZQ8jVA/s320/IMG_0239.JPG" /></a> Then we (slowly) walked back to the Hancock Tower. We had the Go Card and got to go up to see some great views. You could really see the beaches and Lake from up here. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWL5mX2W1O6jKQFq6CuqTQdmN5rcafVKGbbqR3sHjNfEwcSaftJbju0UQv54NXnN-bL5_ZQPMVxT_0Lt6alrQRMjnTOcPuM8eabiiQSawvJbK6XILXUKOyAJzwfG5r5u0cLXcZlgsgJI/s1600/IMG_0240.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713312416300858562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWL5mX2W1O6jKQFq6CuqTQdmN5rcafVKGbbqR3sHjNfEwcSaftJbju0UQv54NXnN-bL5_ZQPMVxT_0Lt6alrQRMjnTOcPuM8eabiiQSawvJbK6XILXUKOyAJzwfG5r5u0cLXcZlgsgJI/s320/IMG_0240.JPG" /></a> The great shot of Navy Pier from the Hancock Skywalk!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDceFIGBF5qp4RtUoiQRT9HxV667wGnYWvjXNVvTD_ivBFwLsnhEUJxTv7w7PHAy1Tn1ECou-UA_PaqzMpooBZD7hjNdKdvkpVUuKVMdmYGs4yoy3dsxm6KnajY_rUCF9RLUMRhmhAHAE/s1600/IMG_0243.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713312408495573122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDceFIGBF5qp4RtUoiQRT9HxV667wGnYWvjXNVvTD_ivBFwLsnhEUJxTv7w7PHAy1Tn1ECou-UA_PaqzMpooBZD7hjNdKdvkpVUuKVMdmYGs4yoy3dsxm6KnajY_rUCF9RLUMRhmhAHAE/s320/IMG_0243.JPG" /></a> Chicago :) <3<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kQi4DEeiZadrudvadKXSk1Ycmcq87FspsFFwhGriTDiYHSDY22xaLZ9Xm84STBw_EF5sXjamDFpLOxXLKUoGxv98s8Dje8snXeOCvbV0GiFNxEraVWsNT0Takwjo-xrcw8HYmzUKHrY/s1600/IMG_0244.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713312402825982562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kQi4DEeiZadrudvadKXSk1Ycmcq87FspsFFwhGriTDiYHSDY22xaLZ9Xm84STBw_EF5sXjamDFpLOxXLKUoGxv98s8Dje8snXeOCvbV0GiFNxEraVWsNT0Takwjo-xrcw8HYmzUKHrY/s320/IMG_0244.JPG" /></a> The actual "Skywalk" they talk about is an open-air walk on one side of the building. There is a screen up so you can't really see over the edge or anything but it is weird to be walking along, feeling the heat (or cold in the winter) and hearing the honking and noises of the city. A nice, touristy thing to do...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVrk7DbdhVqZRrn2WlzI6E0bFCEMHe38qaQ-TtLjniRPUTBfCZ4IEY9lOFr_B2ZjeeTy6CfFwdXRLV8GsRZKYHvLzq-WSwqJpq5lC6Ia3PpytXgAaY4HuncccxNr_ej87WonaNcYDSNw/s1600/IMG_0245.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713312394386431474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVrk7DbdhVqZRrn2WlzI6E0bFCEMHe38qaQ-TtLjniRPUTBfCZ4IEY9lOFr_B2ZjeeTy6CfFwdXRLV8GsRZKYHvLzq-WSwqJpq5lC6Ia3PpytXgAaY4HuncccxNr_ej87WonaNcYDSNw/s320/IMG_0245.JPG" /></a> While walking on the Skywalk... This is kind of your view through the screen. Definitely not as thrilling at the Skydeck at the Sears/Willis Tower but a nice touch to peak your interest.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqiPJ72tdle2VllRcY2LeXXkC3__s280aVjz7Be6JUIhUWvhAfSD4Dg25mNxWumL43u2YmkZiG_8MDwdm_ojm9rCRcEYYiFjs5EnVx3R2-BJh-o7v4ae3dKZ8ZJNXrdZAXJWcFceRs1Hg/s1600/IMG_0250.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713312391186587650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqiPJ72tdle2VllRcY2LeXXkC3__s280aVjz7Be6JUIhUWvhAfSD4Dg25mNxWumL43u2YmkZiG_8MDwdm_ojm9rCRcEYYiFjs5EnVx3R2-BJh-o7v4ae3dKZ8ZJNXrdZAXJWcFceRs1Hg/s320/IMG_0250.JPG" /></a> That's a lonnnnnggggggg way down!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqEjmDl6wIBDScuIOcAZHTcAbHcz_wXxHeo5MJwNtaKo1Mu1p_KkWD1IrRdnrbU7qZ39iYpHIhTxJfTeqrWZwOL71COEgArGzK1cj0G25VAGi4LBc4CnrXqO7tk6CZRfeJtPTAmVdp_8/s1600/IMG_0253.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713311257927719794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqEjmDl6wIBDScuIOcAZHTcAbHcz_wXxHeo5MJwNtaKo1Mu1p_KkWD1IrRdnrbU7qZ39iYpHIhTxJfTeqrWZwOL71COEgArGzK1cj0G25VAGi4LBc4CnrXqO7tk6CZRfeJtPTAmVdp_8/s320/IMG_0253.JPG" /></a> And a nice view of the beach... If we had more time we would have definitely hit that. Next time!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk8K3y6kMLkIJRl5LfmzwxLHQADrXI5vYsf-cWSkJhhQsxNqYkkoBhRIi4-FZFBLz7YbE-NjgBo4ruieUnOGP-s0J2RseIWlme2ILbi0xzNKDC06VX4H7-x6vpLFeGO8772lm8PwTlPDw/s1600/IMG_0273.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713311250782802546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk8K3y6kMLkIJRl5LfmzwxLHQADrXI5vYsf-cWSkJhhQsxNqYkkoBhRIi4-FZFBLz7YbE-NjgBo4ruieUnOGP-s0J2RseIWlme2ILbi0xzNKDC06VX4H7-x6vpLFeGO8772lm8PwTlPDw/s320/IMG_0273.JPG" /></a> Heather had heard a lot about a dueling piano bar called Howl at the Moon. They have all these kitchey drinks but the live entertainment is really awesome. After going to the Houston and New Orleans one a few times I think this is definitely the best. They were really nice and fantastic performers who could almost play any song on the spot!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBw3i0V_l7AV-0L89zLNwPqHJttIG0i5jx6JNM8MBq3uKrF7lN2B1IDVy7t2wr3j1i6DQfQGuEOmdxtHE5csioMFpu55uHn4q0t-Jvm5GWUJhMVJh8lz60yL-TCuQSOaf75KRBSysd0o/s1600/IMG_0289.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713311235008883026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBw3i0V_l7AV-0L89zLNwPqHJttIG0i5jx6JNM8MBq3uKrF7lN2B1IDVy7t2wr3j1i6DQfQGuEOmdxtHE5csioMFpu55uHn4q0t-Jvm5GWUJhMVJh8lz60yL-TCuQSOaf75KRBSysd0o/s320/IMG_0289.JPG" /></a> Buckets and towers....<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbDdjzSgbTkbgwkX6c78yGqdzd51UDS5BzdgdNP_JuKC9lyOmBU6YwTXbjWq8qqF1CMHu4EIxUAp2eMvBpr_TGjxoVQHNrNpDyn7sp0phgVV2NTQRaDWglTkO6mdSVWSm0Pkjx4e-JiN0/s1600/IMG_0291.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713311227461185602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbDdjzSgbTkbgwkX6c78yGqdzd51UDS5BzdgdNP_JuKC9lyOmBU6YwTXbjWq8qqF1CMHu4EIxUAp2eMvBpr_TGjxoVQHNrNpDyn7sp0phgVV2NTQRaDWglTkO6mdSVWSm0Pkjx4e-JiN0/s320/IMG_0291.JPG" /></a> Giganto buckets :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LkFJB4lHSPQRoxhUCJTeCFprv6ve0Y28tqH4Cvr2-sCF9UuRaakaeH80FGcXGhhclwR6uRFrc9XSEK8VOdYqguSlT4keud7FiszPoBxOZsqrLYxWXN5RBu2KWtfLStqARJ0gEprNLo4/s1600/IMG_0300.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713311221504004498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LkFJB4lHSPQRoxhUCJTeCFprv6ve0Y28tqH4Cvr2-sCF9UuRaakaeH80FGcXGhhclwR6uRFrc9XSEK8VOdYqguSlT4keud7FiszPoBxOZsqrLYxWXN5RBu2KWtfLStqARJ0gEprNLo4/s320/IMG_0300.JPG" /></a> We ended the night rocking out at Howl at the Moon. The guys were great, each trading places behind each instrument. Definitely recommended if you go to Chicago!Brandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12189690390784629887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816779899830495073.post-17625666479670218172012-02-08T21:27:00.014-06:002012-02-11T20:01:43.207-06:00Chicago: Day 2Day 2 started off unexpectedly, but by the end of the trip it was a given. The night before Heather and I had these lavish plans of waking up early and getting a great start and.....we slept in. Alarms went off all the time. And we just kept rolling over in our beds; it was hilarious!<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDyTnCA5cjBILlvG5J5BlrVvDgZXhxGrRrKCsuTQNR9fJuaoZHIB5C3yn4zX9_HnRMSFgR28ugPTqnLUiWcF5BjENhFx1Ok3KMNKyvKyPhpNTbKqGYufEOPKdm6boFCDfwVckpnFmD_8/s1600/DSCF1989.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706985542479461090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDyTnCA5cjBILlvG5J5BlrVvDgZXhxGrRrKCsuTQNR9fJuaoZHIB5C3yn4zX9_HnRMSFgR28ugPTqnLUiWcF5BjENhFx1Ok3KMNKyvKyPhpNTbKqGYufEOPKdm6boFCDfwVckpnFmD_8/s320/DSCF1989.JPG" /></a> Still, it was nice waking up to such a nice view when we opened up the curtains :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL-LNzWv3GArbd3r7YShDpC-JMHjKcESr78WvdQGFh7EmkUQ037SYDq0x4CSxvIabpWQ-RRemfGSphZn2fQXileZPShPtAlcw-XQ9oO9HBhrhP_tDl2_aQMH8fAZz9RoOcsoP_O1_GdUM/s1600/IMG_0013.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706985536016970162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL-LNzWv3GArbd3r7YShDpC-JMHjKcESr78WvdQGFh7EmkUQ037SYDq0x4CSxvIabpWQ-RRemfGSphZn2fQXileZPShPtAlcw-XQ9oO9HBhrhP_tDl2_aQMH8fAZz9RoOcsoP_O1_GdUM/s320/IMG_0013.JPG" /></a> We took off from the hotel and just kind of wandered... We were a bit early for picking up our Go Chicago cards. Across the street was this neat-looking area.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gEr0Dpb0ZmtwOUpQsytIw52uGrQOsMi_D9X5du4pft43a8iM3EmiWt8KYJ1HwUr5dEYRXElHa-Y3YUrHNi_FcC6C5Beu0X6ZQq3GQUlmL2t_HPgNtg8BO_6u7ssqHjAiJWMr4vv32xw/s1600/IMG_0014.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706985079042380610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gEr0Dpb0ZmtwOUpQsytIw52uGrQOsMi_D9X5du4pft43a8iM3EmiWt8KYJ1HwUr5dEYRXElHa-Y3YUrHNi_FcC6C5Beu0X6ZQq3GQUlmL2t_HPgNtg8BO_6u7ssqHjAiJWMr4vv32xw/s320/IMG_0014.JPG" /></a> I loved the views of the buildings from a lower level, especially with the bridges above.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ZfTFPK1o-DGW10umHEV91pqgCgJNLx0X3HSSMNWTdYl0sjwh0KRmgipTY9lX-hoMN551oaJ0z3bx74l4wnKeK82GaYl4JWJTl-vz9ww7juRlgCsAaUdP1idh1eoyEiWqg00HikfhLgE/s1600/IMG_0012.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706985071162000466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ZfTFPK1o-DGW10umHEV91pqgCgJNLx0X3HSSMNWTdYl0sjwh0KRmgipTY9lX-hoMN551oaJ0z3bx74l4wnKeK82GaYl4JWJTl-vz9ww7juRlgCsAaUdP1idh1eoyEiWqg00HikfhLgE/s320/IMG_0012.JPG" /></a> In the same area they had a nice World War II memorial for our brave heroes and servicemen (and women)!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiysbpaLGX3DjYsJgcGGmb3QY-FdorZzZNGsHJHrlNRpKJG-nRasWLmAnzTQDzYFdmElp8gH_MNk04QQpeorRoszA9VubHjBCPlcxSsCiWoVCkbBF7S8D2QXrgm9l8fcyhEwTIhsjFNFaE/s1600/IMG_0018.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706985064203332802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiysbpaLGX3DjYsJgcGGmb3QY-FdorZzZNGsHJHrlNRpKJG-nRasWLmAnzTQDzYFdmElp8gH_MNk04QQpeorRoszA9VubHjBCPlcxSsCiWoVCkbBF7S8D2QXrgm9l8fcyhEwTIhsjFNFaE/s320/IMG_0018.JPG" /></a> This was the view of the area with our hotel behind it. :) Not a bad shot, huh?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdNKNZlksH1tJwbVAs_tYsxUkHhTiWGGb-_NpuunYRsY6n5dzblD6J72KgNBIBhWtDDD6BGOip33JA6tKs3R6fr1FK78cV2Vy7AR-2NgIF1QZA1eLbyAKfs1u_1sIFdZT-uIwaz4R8E64/s1600/IMG_0020.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706985056084052066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdNKNZlksH1tJwbVAs_tYsxUkHhTiWGGb-_NpuunYRsY6n5dzblD6J72KgNBIBhWtDDD6BGOip33JA6tKs3R6fr1FK78cV2Vy7AR-2NgIF1QZA1eLbyAKfs1u_1sIFdZT-uIwaz4R8E64/s320/IMG_0020.JPG" /></a> Then we headed towards the mall area to get our Go Chicago cards. Passed the old Chicago Theatre built in 1921! I wish we had found a show there...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHufzsLcAtTNd_sJ1fivbECaEVhR0vTzcqWAZfaN7MaGwag0xs0wx4_IA0bYLaT9kas14qqD6P4WOFo3gPuNKvbwTKKKLPqVoaFGZR2sUpe1JRhBV9E4stym4YGhO78tqwhbZwK7Tggo/s1600/IMG_0023.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706985048710510466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHufzsLcAtTNd_sJ1fivbECaEVhR0vTzcqWAZfaN7MaGwag0xs0wx4_IA0bYLaT9kas14qqD6P4WOFo3gPuNKvbwTKKKLPqVoaFGZR2sUpe1JRhBV9E4stym4YGhO78tqwhbZwK7Tggo/s320/IMG_0023.JPG" /></a> After waiting for a LATE Go Card rep and then being out of cards....We ran over a few blocks to another hotel, then were yelled at for being upset that the company wasn't prepared. We were LIVID!! But, since it was late in the morning/early afternoon we decided to get a bite to eat.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFdDw9gh0diRXBrXRrOjBFx8q5E1zQSCx3kSN3lfNyLJtxE9umtLHR3tdgfLsjA80pSLrIZXAbREdrDtwP0VYYGMbWdvqCFvDTVyIAAgJq7t7mKJLuTY5qZEwN3QYSF3jLcKQPdS-bfw/s1600/IMG_0026.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706982928333020482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFdDw9gh0diRXBrXRrOjBFx8q5E1zQSCx3kSN3lfNyLJtxE9umtLHR3tdgfLsjA80pSLrIZXAbREdrDtwP0VYYGMbWdvqCFvDTVyIAAgJq7t7mKJLuTY5qZEwN3QYSF3jLcKQPdS-bfw/s320/IMG_0026.JPG" /></a> By that time, I needed to go to the bathroom but they were locked, lol. You had to wait in line for a restroom "token". Hahahaha I can understand it...but just funny.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVswK8L5fz81Afssoy4jDWApDbp70PM5GyTcxxM-0iE7mdyaQRcpwZ-n7NIC2qDHwEf4sJ1Aa0RiqHi4q5pDPhZCAgcoeZjDiX1AR_cqOwysFRBfcGNZ-uxNkltUW9xXvs4m5n0Ubthpo/s1600/IMG_0030.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706982920152723010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVswK8L5fz81Afssoy4jDWApDbp70PM5GyTcxxM-0iE7mdyaQRcpwZ-n7NIC2qDHwEf4sJ1Aa0RiqHi4q5pDPhZCAgcoeZjDiX1AR_cqOwysFRBfcGNZ-uxNkltUW9xXvs4m5n0Ubthpo/s320/IMG_0030.JPG" /></a> Then we headed over to Millineum Park to see the Bean! Very cool...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmywHJMHnO07fBeA1ThU5jbmPliaMsiHZexhMPW16JWp3v7BrxwFf1Ny4NQMi5p7UMuJsPJ8xszV1T_pjFU7qq-dJ1Q6aruCSN0gkAJux9q6AZd6Qkn8X6qIkhxAooNu9jX-mn0xsZ_NY/s1600/IMG_0043.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706982917081553074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmywHJMHnO07fBeA1ThU5jbmPliaMsiHZexhMPW16JWp3v7BrxwFf1Ny4NQMi5p7UMuJsPJ8xszV1T_pjFU7qq-dJ1Q6aruCSN0gkAJux9q6AZd6Qkn8X6qIkhxAooNu9jX-mn0xsZ_NY/s320/IMG_0043.JPG" /></a> It was fun... Took way too many goofy pics, along with the other tourists there.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR1QpOHwlENbIvJupC-ufSkFp6EMauWSAxvP1QegQ3ze5c11q2J9RIKvzzl5LBsJ9RbS_Ng-JYKJZbEGqvmdBN2O2N_SP_shMjJMqciZVzUbe0297ULHFNJi7cbajGVfl4b2g7GLFUrbc/s1600/IMG_0046.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706982905627974658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR1QpOHwlENbIvJupC-ufSkFp6EMauWSAxvP1QegQ3ze5c11q2J9RIKvzzl5LBsJ9RbS_Ng-JYKJZbEGqvmdBN2O2N_SP_shMjJMqciZVzUbe0297ULHFNJi7cbajGVfl4b2g7GLFUrbc/s320/IMG_0046.JPG" /></a> Right beside was the amphitheater which had a crazy cool set-up. They were JUST ENDING a free performance too, I was so disappointed! But I'll have to come back when they are doing an event. It looks amazing... (and probably 3-4 times bigger than the shot shows).<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYEJXS6sV2QXnDgpx_LGv3_XqKvBNkdKBumw0EshZiersj4pdKO6CwCQ9aBkhC6NUOsfr056drI2mtMZKsA3lHNHCM5ah0g7CguJsHKp-PfzEQQJPy_zlE5y5LlSwZk7pA5zow8uEO4ng/s1600/IMG_0049.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706982901175559746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYEJXS6sV2QXnDgpx_LGv3_XqKvBNkdKBumw0EshZiersj4pdKO6CwCQ9aBkhC6NUOsfr056drI2mtMZKsA3lHNHCM5ah0g7CguJsHKp-PfzEQQJPy_zlE5y5LlSwZk7pA5zow8uEO4ng/s320/IMG_0049.JPG" /></a> The Bean with the city of Chicago behind it :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjneX9xWy-Y5Qs7_xSi4HMq9JGYXy6SkpHZVGn1ZuJ8NE2sgu7Q_fulfsBpKxa01hoFRaRc0n2YMd3m_GjFnIMdTrCsKSmpiGE7vngAJ-RxFdxIkiaxEB7fBvbFwGBxCbOn8Lgkk8NDojg/s1600/IMG_0050.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706980267055331250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjneX9xWy-Y5Qs7_xSi4HMq9JGYXy6SkpHZVGn1ZuJ8NE2sgu7Q_fulfsBpKxa01hoFRaRc0n2YMd3m_GjFnIMdTrCsKSmpiGE7vngAJ-RxFdxIkiaxEB7fBvbFwGBxCbOn8Lgkk8NDojg/s320/IMG_0050.JPG" /></a> The water fountains in Millinium Park were really cool too. The graphics changed to all sorts of ordinary people.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjOYsVPmOxsEDX_ZI7fQNFvjqqLNky3AuJwwUC2RKlS5b0zU74PNH1UXtpKr4ZMCZU1H_yMZcCNCWQKBh5rsIELLoQWIgOr4uu_xWs2bwVoPysx14jT5BbCbuBvNN_oDuOfeOkEb8rVGw/s1600/IMG_0055.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706980254947871170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjOYsVPmOxsEDX_ZI7fQNFvjqqLNky3AuJwwUC2RKlS5b0zU74PNH1UXtpKr4ZMCZU1H_yMZcCNCWQKBh5rsIELLoQWIgOr4uu_xWs2bwVoPysx14jT5BbCbuBvNN_oDuOfeOkEb8rVGw/s320/IMG_0055.JPG" /></a> Then we decided to hit the Sears/Willis Tower. We decided to take the L train... But it was kind of out of the way, and very confusing to figure out. It's clear they made the L design and tracks first before the touristy parts were built and confirmed.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcooBGXoDdMESyz2Sa6klHP0y4s4XP0Adt3id-skoHxOwisxHiGwrXcLunYKwqdlt3aJ3lygSLGkXzmBvCuRghgqJVC0K3sxA1rNr3Ma3lKCxeIjVfXI4tO5CodUJpWXcwgQNfy6A3PY0/s1600/IMG_0056.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706980253533256722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcooBGXoDdMESyz2Sa6klHP0y4s4XP0Adt3id-skoHxOwisxHiGwrXcLunYKwqdlt3aJ3lygSLGkXzmBvCuRghgqJVC0K3sxA1rNr3Ma3lKCxeIjVfXI4tO5CodUJpWXcwgQNfy6A3PY0/s320/IMG_0056.JPG" /></a> Finally, walked upon this grand entrance! There was NO ONE there, I was so excited!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0mAH6X4rPGB-qskr8xPUHU5TlbCdVsSynZtjYLFzPsr3luy62GMmiNFNoAJW60vNsWggyR9imDKCs60gNxessCr1r3eLDD9CAFTnG4WK568lTYU3pJA3XLfz0skedEPXpE2WGfiz0y18/s1600/IMG_0057.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706980245592172898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0mAH6X4rPGB-qskr8xPUHU5TlbCdVsSynZtjYLFzPsr3luy62GMmiNFNoAJW60vNsWggyR9imDKCs60gNxessCr1r3eLDD9CAFTnG4WK568lTYU3pJA3XLfz0skedEPXpE2WGfiz0y18/s320/IMG_0057.JPG" /></a> And what a BEAUTIFUL wall inside... "Ma'am, if you're looking for the Skywalk, the entrance is around the corner." Yep....that's just for the businesses. Walk around the corner? Ohhhhh a 45 minute line just to get in the door. :) That sounded more realistic!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc99pinR0wu9Kv5WB7Fv_1s4W7BhBHPxv4v9Sx-lb9q0L6pCR5xsI1JAR-tGcMsyIQbOOvt_2o5F2cIh-1CS5UU0OduG8xUL1EO-F17OhI26ue50LRY6SMC3VrzqGSvJ5Q-n-IjVa6zqM/s1600/IMG_0060.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706980237904734402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc99pinR0wu9Kv5WB7Fv_1s4W7BhBHPxv4v9Sx-lb9q0L6pCR5xsI1JAR-tGcMsyIQbOOvt_2o5F2cIh-1CS5UU0OduG8xUL1EO-F17OhI26ue50LRY6SMC3VrzqGSvJ5Q-n-IjVa6zqM/s320/IMG_0060.JPG" /></a> You mean, we're going to walk on a piece of glass up THERE?!?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDkoQAStt4w0YN-9PCmDG0BQvaK5336CwO1pRFnqepyXbNkY1I3LM4XMs772ZynZ0a3a-LDOBoPOuJs_AUeVlKQLSpixxqZMuQJKAkmnK-fkM0ebA1H_gqRy-VpkQtlQu9F5ZQNUA3cKQ/s1600/IMG_0065.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706979128075193586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDkoQAStt4w0YN-9PCmDG0BQvaK5336CwO1pRFnqepyXbNkY1I3LM4XMs772ZynZ0a3a-LDOBoPOuJs_AUeVlKQLSpixxqZMuQJKAkmnK-fkM0ebA1H_gqRy-VpkQtlQu9F5ZQNUA3cKQ/s320/IMG_0065.JPG" /></a> When we finally did get up to the top, 103 stories in the air, it was a pretty beautiful view... It took a bit to walk up to the window, though.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4mtyo6qwmaRqdeJo-4cWva3motyIkoJUgRW94sF51GGapYobovVrydqkGtgtp79n-BMPcuAZI8seWOZ1fJz-QUCLBApR_dHmzuVnSpekIaZszpLAUvVrcUAOfEa5N1DEZbHq18P4GiCI/s1600/IMG_0067.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706979124893250354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4mtyo6qwmaRqdeJo-4cWva3motyIkoJUgRW94sF51GGapYobovVrydqkGtgtp79n-BMPcuAZI8seWOZ1fJz-QUCLBApR_dHmzuVnSpekIaZszpLAUvVrcUAOfEa5N1DEZbHq18P4GiCI/s320/IMG_0067.JPG" /></a> One of the highest gift shops I've been to :) I bought a TON of souvenirs! I hadn't bought any at all before that but I found all sorts of stuff! Lol<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH14dR-_uoriDOQzDnsjxh_aepxrfOHj-Y0YOnmLmgyb2cJO5l83go0HTgscB3n-tJyFHWFKjiqNe8pEQ8I8rZO-DIuPmBHX9O8D6cDXsXR8YR_OMaQ0lS2SyHLu6zDy8PS5v61vB7vTY/s1600/IMG_0070.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706979113946767682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH14dR-_uoriDOQzDnsjxh_aepxrfOHj-Y0YOnmLmgyb2cJO5l83go0HTgscB3n-tJyFHWFKjiqNe8pEQ8I8rZO-DIuPmBHX9O8D6cDXsXR8YR_OMaQ0lS2SyHLu6zDy8PS5v61vB7vTY/s320/IMG_0070.JPG" /></a> Some great views ..... truly. And such a beautiful day!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGSHhobLQuv95op26ptI162Qwe6qtiucJs8Y5hHqlfqWDnxXlQKfYOzANhClAOiqhOLCFxyJpIhnVe_1H-y76_7mytaf2MDkkyaeEut04CT2AmWmIwesj22ggdpq-OUC6qYT7KK4CBUqY/s1600/IMG_0071.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706979105152134274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGSHhobLQuv95op26ptI162Qwe6qtiucJs8Y5hHqlfqWDnxXlQKfYOzANhClAOiqhOLCFxyJpIhnVe_1H-y76_7mytaf2MDkkyaeEut04CT2AmWmIwesj22ggdpq-OUC6qYT7KK4CBUqY/s320/IMG_0071.JPG" /></a> And a great view of the Hancock Tower... (which you'll see later in the trip) :) <br />And I'm proud to admit that I DID finally make it onto the Ledge. It took everything within me to walk on a piece of glass that was holding me up 103 stories. It was insane! Heather and I took lots of funny pictures and then we had one taken sitting on it... (ok, I was kneeling, I know, I'm a chicken).<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifpUBejHhl6BZe3fW4K3054XQnsvptb8Ws8S8d68cgKS1wCMJOz4xhX4rcqztrkXOGTSG9mGI6lLZK4OnnJG9Y0iJ5-vLIylY-balSvXCAwAvMtsfZR_QqVunvCjEkCrrwWnAEaNxqKEU/s1600/IMG_0081.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706979096807434146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifpUBejHhl6BZe3fW4K3054XQnsvptb8Ws8S8d68cgKS1wCMJOz4xhX4rcqztrkXOGTSG9mGI6lLZK4OnnJG9Y0iJ5-vLIylY-balSvXCAwAvMtsfZR_QqVunvCjEkCrrwWnAEaNxqKEU/s320/IMG_0081.JPG" /></a> When we finally decided to leave Willis Tower (aww I still like calling it Sears Tower) we headed to the water. As we were walking we were seeing all these people gathered and the street roped off. Ends up they were shooting a tv show. That was pretty cool. :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiskbyD7l3Xo9GMLfhzPceBBPqbc9fGQiBzBc5G_JnsR5f1x3DdFbDiA9UHvoH5wlUvgf7bwst9ObxCGYrH9VxnpuG4YUiXhkc3PWFakM-eYCa_5P1xUMSeTMqyxDxLt41k7D9t_Pz4-AU/s1600/IMG_0084.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706976258213437650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiskbyD7l3Xo9GMLfhzPceBBPqbc9fGQiBzBc5G_JnsR5f1x3DdFbDiA9UHvoH5wlUvgf7bwst9ObxCGYrH9VxnpuG4YUiXhkc3PWFakM-eYCa_5P1xUMSeTMqyxDxLt41k7D9t_Pz4-AU/s320/IMG_0084.JPG" /></a> Then we headed to Navy Pier for the night! We ended up taking the bus there, which Heather navigated very well, lol. We both work on our navigation skills continuously.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kCGZQTv-OGmAJ9rUvLNI1gmCOL1MYha-4nRFzr8QdSbhmgdb_6-tyPxuRrP5vhckdZ0qJh01C-AppxaxhHojYn0ZnCCZNqTDZ3VdiLezPqqZjoislZ5CP2QqU7IqtPqmrSsOZ6V21Rg/s1600/IMG_0085.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706976247720367138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kCGZQTv-OGmAJ9rUvLNI1gmCOL1MYha-4nRFzr8QdSbhmgdb_6-tyPxuRrP5vhckdZ0qJh01C-AppxaxhHojYn0ZnCCZNqTDZ3VdiLezPqqZjoislZ5CP2QqU7IqtPqmrSsOZ6V21Rg/s320/IMG_0085.JPG" /></a> When we got there (later in the afternoon) there were TONS of people!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vLd16LLPvOVwOSFqX4O0K_NY80mSH4UbInaIZgnDx0tof8nKB-RZL0R_kQXD2cNgiK8xpwgWXTNiaiObPLDKUtUuPI27ENUrFDBOv5Feblzm2wTOQXAZhg0hnmTXBmpJUQsskKhkwNU/s1600/IMG_0093.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706976238893552722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vLd16LLPvOVwOSFqX4O0K_NY80mSH4UbInaIZgnDx0tof8nKB-RZL0R_kQXD2cNgiK8xpwgWXTNiaiObPLDKUtUuPI27ENUrFDBOv5Feblzm2wTOQXAZhg0hnmTXBmpJUQsskKhkwNU/s320/IMG_0093.JPG" /></a> We went to the Stain Glass Museum. It was really pretty.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2LPEnZiUsu5LxORFHnCofBSKWFNVizxfs7Kr1ZICSRv2R7EzLxk6wJQOeTqvOjkjudRRFBX2zgz4aefsJiECiyWUlV_qZG3I_9F2fjXiOlnoBNqkRCu71SLnKCTNescVJPzoCrgHq4VU/s1600/IMG_0097.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706976237890867314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2LPEnZiUsu5LxORFHnCofBSKWFNVizxfs7Kr1ZICSRv2R7EzLxk6wJQOeTqvOjkjudRRFBX2zgz4aefsJiECiyWUlV_qZG3I_9F2fjXiOlnoBNqkRCu71SLnKCTNescVJPzoCrgHq4VU/s320/IMG_0097.JPG" /></a> There was a good variety of pieces. I loved the historical ones, of course. :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTxsfQ3AZVcBBPukjvVdgPgM1JpcWrz9fbpzqlXbtA1DXyFiRcsr80nZkWYrWKEGVXrey1fCG2aRVyrsXU8SlmMpXPIOFpc8d2SoRtGFAw7mdIfqLOXcXj0kAni4kzMUarZYJVW2uUvOw/s1600/IMG_0098.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706976226103598994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTxsfQ3AZVcBBPukjvVdgPgM1JpcWrz9fbpzqlXbtA1DXyFiRcsr80nZkWYrWKEGVXrey1fCG2aRVyrsXU8SlmMpXPIOFpc8d2SoRtGFAw7mdIfqLOXcXj0kAni4kzMUarZYJVW2uUvOw/s320/IMG_0098.JPG" /></a> The religious pieces were, of course, very special.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmduAv2vAia5Z7nCYG-NJ2H2n7PcFzhyphenhyphenrWQwaXrO86k1JEk7W8SYIsRJq9Kz7qhBqcYXtiyuetFNYVHyi-fLA-uxxBLK3t9S_PbYTiClmqF_CmiCsLzPovGv2gDbQa0HblR76e1ifOxe8/s1600/IMG_0100.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706975384497543442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmduAv2vAia5Z7nCYG-NJ2H2n7PcFzhyphenhyphenrWQwaXrO86k1JEk7W8SYIsRJq9Kz7qhBqcYXtiyuetFNYVHyi-fLA-uxxBLK3t9S_PbYTiClmqF_CmiCsLzPovGv2gDbQa0HblR76e1ifOxe8/s320/IMG_0100.JPG" /></a> I loved this one! Can I buy you, please?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw7dn8bTS9sO3-UOZRQtwp1UZNEQV4OKQmZLoeuE3doTPDBOO6LhV1zD4UdTpanOFrs0w2OycLKHbgeTpgoAbzkw0D95MBTK_if26GVPpJnyRDNp7GNcLYZAds6MihJKsaosusoCVe8OE/s1600/IMG_0101.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706975382909971986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw7dn8bTS9sO3-UOZRQtwp1UZNEQV4OKQmZLoeuE3doTPDBOO6LhV1zD4UdTpanOFrs0w2OycLKHbgeTpgoAbzkw0D95MBTK_if26GVPpJnyRDNp7GNcLYZAds6MihJKsaosusoCVe8OE/s320/IMG_0101.JPG" /></a> And to all our brave men and women over sees, and all our brave men and women still with us fighting for our freedom on the home front! And to the victims of such a horrible tragedy. Love you USA! Love my fellow Americans and those that are peaceful friends!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodKkaELU7xxNGruz6G75na6dqf7E7UuTc6KvO52s2zP-X67lhaYiHUMWTM540YkPWX4v7OdiTQliZrLyeK2hDCIpDT2KRMD6MGc5I9rNP2E48Q06C_m0PbrtUaguMjFzAG2NodhyMtVk/s1600/IMG_0103.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706975374453245858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodKkaELU7xxNGruz6G75na6dqf7E7UuTc6KvO52s2zP-X67lhaYiHUMWTM540YkPWX4v7OdiTQliZrLyeK2hDCIpDT2KRMD6MGc5I9rNP2E48Q06C_m0PbrtUaguMjFzAG2NodhyMtVk/s320/IMG_0103.JPG" /></a> At the end of the museum they had this small exhibit that I really loved for its symbolism. They took concrete with cracks and glued these pretty jewels inside the cracks. Made it very meaningful how we can all glorify our shortcomings and use them for good and beauty.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIuV-rSrTgccOOWfeZ1YcAHC4d3uyZ7VzKuS6j9cOidNTONy-i14lZWxNpFE3wQd7B3aAKgMcGxZvSlUB4jMzqBG8wRgm6Oqv7cjfXaMscMwoMQDpc2pUMIWDAj2R8ImRUQdMJX2sSCuc/s1600/IMG_0108.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706975370628779266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIuV-rSrTgccOOWfeZ1YcAHC4d3uyZ7VzKuS6j9cOidNTONy-i14lZWxNpFE3wQd7B3aAKgMcGxZvSlUB4jMzqBG8wRgm6Oqv7cjfXaMscMwoMQDpc2pUMIWDAj2R8ImRUQdMJX2sSCuc/s320/IMG_0108.JPG" /></a> After the Stained Glass Museum we found a bench towards the parking garage where we charged our phones, lol. They were basically dead. When we came out into he night air of the Navy Pier we had such a beautiful view of the city of Chicago!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_f-BTD_vZoTv78nesvw-PDLHQbmbFVyE5wRFc8wSUcNwaP200IWDEUQrJo9iedK6co15_ZxpTQGh1pJZ1VQ9dA63X9-sH2KGqwZJ6FfzCnidYXbZhfybXgpsYalPphusGCR8BXCAfrmk/s1600/IMG_0111.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706975359749968642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_f-BTD_vZoTv78nesvw-PDLHQbmbFVyE5wRFc8wSUcNwaP200IWDEUQrJo9iedK6co15_ZxpTQGh1pJZ1VQ9dA63X9-sH2KGqwZJ6FfzCnidYXbZhfybXgpsYalPphusGCR8BXCAfrmk/s320/IMG_0111.JPG" /></a> Along the pier were these travel markers. Thought it was really cool, especially since I love London so much :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4_01oRn72YiTouf0ECvR9cNYjmwYp6M4BGeW6Am9bLXB78S5X92xdm64lQd10vCrTfVzsohla9mR0tF0jnij5KVgY_ufcaB7fpSXJRt6Cmi94O5E2bSEMpg65FIAbOaccuBooCMSPz3g/s1600/IMG_0122.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706973907299497474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4_01oRn72YiTouf0ECvR9cNYjmwYp6M4BGeW6Am9bLXB78S5X92xdm64lQd10vCrTfVzsohla9mR0tF0jnij5KVgY_ufcaB7fpSXJRt6Cmi94O5E2bSEMpg65FIAbOaccuBooCMSPz3g/s320/IMG_0122.JPG" /></a> They had a Margaritaville on the Pier so I suggested we go there. Well: not such a good idea. It was like July 27 and my birthday was July 24. And my lisence expired on the 24th. It was valid ID for everyone else but noooooo, I was unable to be served. Therefore, I was not allowed to be served. So, after my jaw hit the floor (being 28 and not served in a bar) we left. Which, of course, ended up being the best decision of the night....look below.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGv0x97Swy22X57xQI7-nP2bpKZH7dYnKY7jYZsGYdYyozVK9cvNoFXrck2SSBu0hVlavcCuw82K_iv8DIrgM7Yyro3usgKMlyFRi6gF-5cRIaaNzcaURpol1wKOa6LlVuXhd5eE46ZDk/s1600/IMG_0125.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706973905583916738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGv0x97Swy22X57xQI7-nP2bpKZH7dYnKY7jYZsGYdYyozVK9cvNoFXrck2SSBu0hVlavcCuw82K_iv8DIrgM7Yyro3usgKMlyFRi6gF-5cRIaaNzcaURpol1wKOa6LlVuXhd5eE46ZDk/s320/IMG_0125.JPG" /></a> Next door was the Billy Goat Tavern and Grill. It had a cute menu so we went with a Horny Goat which was a mix of cranberry juice and Sprite and something fun. Since I was traumatized at Margaritaville I can't tell you how better the night got. And the coolest part was...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Zn6UhIfPrCbh7JFsSAalmmfDqoniVg9_5449LJzachZwODuKc8_Z91-I42TqkuqIzUjyhjqrMfeysalclPhULjGB3vq3vzy1V5HZphyphenhyphen10X0bXYIK9ySgzZVUX3zbziTKClgGIo5ggbw/s1600/IMG_0126.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706973897737556290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Zn6UhIfPrCbh7JFsSAalmmfDqoniVg9_5449LJzachZwODuKc8_Z91-I42TqkuqIzUjyhjqrMfeysalclPhULjGB3vq3vzy1V5HZphyphenhyphen10X0bXYIK9ySgzZVUX3zbziTKClgGIo5ggbw/s320/IMG_0126.JPG" /></a> We had great seats on the pier for the firework show!! Heather had checked the schedule and we loved the show. In fact, I think Heather said it was her first firework show. How cool is that!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyUHnxehrppxP_mCagejxbjJBrZ0RwH03cQOLZGCUOpDUYOET9DdMS_VQ41g9AARzfEgOJKbrmrR8uplRzMNMpNySraopntBUrNbJcMNZrVyy4Hxuf_vYdO-Zn8Dqcb_obaCfXwTVrsIw/s1600/IMG_0134.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706973892516043458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyUHnxehrppxP_mCagejxbjJBrZ0RwH03cQOLZGCUOpDUYOET9DdMS_VQ41g9AARzfEgOJKbrmrR8uplRzMNMpNySraopntBUrNbJcMNZrVyy4Hxuf_vYdO-Zn8Dqcb_obaCfXwTVrsIw/s320/IMG_0134.JPG" /></a> Just some of my favorite shots from the show.... Thought that was pretty, although I can see how some others may see it as a bit Apocalyptic.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJDmWRXBQizCMMzpmWIiZZYJRlIpq2h7Q0JCfgwmjXUuaZG9OLrcq_ky1fbrZMQI3GJkI8sQbX0eMVfqgCbqIaisaxCGfu5-Zdw4PuTIKqRIHfgT3Z_IXcOOa-ieZs-S2kjRdcqXZ3BfI/s1600/IMG_0135.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706973131674776194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJDmWRXBQizCMMzpmWIiZZYJRlIpq2h7Q0JCfgwmjXUuaZG9OLrcq_ky1fbrZMQI3GJkI8sQbX0eMVfqgCbqIaisaxCGfu5-Zdw4PuTIKqRIHfgT3Z_IXcOOa-ieZs-S2kjRdcqXZ3BfI/s320/IMG_0135.JPG" /></a> Yay! Another great shot... I spent most of the show working on my camera settings. :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVdF7TXSrcupZzVBuoQEtkl1jxlve6C8dfl5-0uR5jwb-qQjZfC7Kz4aFkNImTctpkKNRwv4CRGyNPkIhhrjWx07wKNey9SVvZW1N2FuCX_mm78XT7JLYnA1RJRuAqvGJDgC3eE53vSf0/s1600/IMG_0141.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706973127914524098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVdF7TXSrcupZzVBuoQEtkl1jxlve6C8dfl5-0uR5jwb-qQjZfC7Kz4aFkNImTctpkKNRwv4CRGyNPkIhhrjWx07wKNey9SVvZW1N2FuCX_mm78XT7JLYnA1RJRuAqvGJDgC3eE53vSf0/s320/IMG_0141.JPG" /></a> Then we headed back to the Billy Goat for some "Cheezborger"s. Named after the Saturday Night Live skit with John Belushi.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSROuNm76YHRYb7hFM7_VlVqtXqlpPMjz2and0_bxCH2DykienkmkC7Gs08_U4VdO_5gkG7ntWlp8E1gZ8zUGFFoRosfzBIDyybh_dm2Xb8TX6mbecyEtRiSPEHHvUfwbBmTbCgERa06w/s1600/IMG_0144.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706973116472728674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSROuNm76YHRYb7hFM7_VlVqtXqlpPMjz2and0_bxCH2DykienkmkC7Gs08_U4VdO_5gkG7ntWlp8E1gZ8zUGFFoRosfzBIDyybh_dm2Xb8TX6mbecyEtRiSPEHHvUfwbBmTbCgERa06w/s320/IMG_0144.JPG" /></a> The cheeseburgers were actually really good! We stayed there at the Billy Goat til about 11:30 meeting people on the pier and sitting at the bar. But little did we know that the buses stop running at 11:00pm from the area. So, basically it was get into a cab or walk. My lovely friend Heather was like, it's a piece of cake, we can do this (with all sorts of strange people out and about on the streets) lol. So we end up lost as all get out, walking all over Chicago, for like an hour. Lol that's not what you need after being at the Billy Goat for 2 hours. But we finally walked all the way back to our hotel. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglFratO7wfxXjPfF2F7YzDUbMAExor2-WO0TlP6w7FRAX3ctK1EHDUT3yvVRyI7tmsygdDQtEhxAL8O1ULZfUFLJxeIyzrqx9FEviU_vjbRF81kxJ2wrQ3YIota1qa6qS2UU41DYTCwbc/s1600/IMG_0150.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706973108681641234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglFratO7wfxXjPfF2F7YzDUbMAExor2-WO0TlP6w7FRAX3ctK1EHDUT3yvVRyI7tmsygdDQtEhxAL8O1ULZfUFLJxeIyzrqx9FEviU_vjbRF81kxJ2wrQ3YIota1qa6qS2UU41DYTCwbc/s320/IMG_0150.JPG" /></a> The plus of that situation? Some amazing pictures of the city at night, LOL. Our hotel is the second building on the left, by the way.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfA5wQusB-X8jfnpuAuwjoYoXYCgpWSgQpjWIim7cJ_MXOyAlnSlFiTxepTUr6i73FRLPEABQV4hmSoRDt620-Fucws1ScP09x7PQMVIkVcaq7JeVqfloYqvmjjeZoQw6CFBFA8QS0dr4/s1600/IMG_0152.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706973103915677858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfA5wQusB-X8jfnpuAuwjoYoXYCgpWSgQpjWIim7cJ_MXOyAlnSlFiTxepTUr6i73FRLPEABQV4hmSoRDt620-Fucws1ScP09x7PQMVIkVcaq7JeVqfloYqvmjjeZoQw6CFBFA8QS0dr4/s320/IMG_0152.JPG" /></a></p><br />And since we were laughing our bottoms off about the whole situation we ended up back at the hotel's bar until shutting it down watching some older women hitting on this young hotel manager. It was funny, though you may have needed to be there. Still, a fun way to end the night/day.Brandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12189690390784629887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816779899830495073.post-57813554000473056812012-02-07T20:40:00.005-06:002012-02-07T21:31:29.651-06:00Chicago: Day 1So, my friend Heather and I met on Facebook through mutual friends and we found out, through posts, that we are both in love with traveling. After getting together a few times for musicals, and cirque du soleil we decided to take a trip. I had always wanted to see Chicago and she loved her short trips so we decided to go. We left town at the end of July. My dad was still in his medicated coma but it was a nice time away from the stress that everything was causing. My gracious family decided to come stay with my dad and I took the chance to catch a breath.<br /><br />Unfortunately, the trip started with a few hiccups. For the lower airfare we had to leave at the crack of dawn...but Heather's alarm didn't go off and I was too silly not to text her early so we missed our flight. Technically, we didn't! But since we checked in 15 minutes before it left, and hadn't gone through security there was no way... So, we ended up on standby for a few hours. Not fun, but definitely worth it once we got there! We took the train into the city and, with the help of a nice gentleman, we found ourselves just a few blocks from our hotel.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVqlvIlG_7l0vi2Hy9JSi-YzhtqmQ3ABJ5eOHQO7SUQsR1uNKBcW4QnltzWFr1yP4FHnKxmmB6viUfscGmwlW91C46cwt_siRsSsnSWokWS6wIEUEeyqwhFGA-YMcI8GFVmVvkvxJTkrc/s1600/DSCF1969.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706595230029261954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVqlvIlG_7l0vi2Hy9JSi-YzhtqmQ3ABJ5eOHQO7SUQsR1uNKBcW4QnltzWFr1yP4FHnKxmmB6viUfscGmwlW91C46cwt_siRsSsnSWokWS6wIEUEeyqwhFGA-YMcI8GFVmVvkvxJTkrc/s320/DSCF1969.JPG" /></a> Just a view of our hotel, Hotel 71. Heather did some great research and found a cute, chic place to stay just on the water! It was great and the room was so spacious!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisKnopP5yAnmJtOz45VzJ0Z2oI2dl_mXZq48hbA2eVaJtzaApKh6L8Hf2jziHPaVhdXZtLSVTB2aTkrkbHq-y0oLCwKu2-eir5XtRBs3z1XUrUpRnFg8YeSQj2-Jdz7HUkeDrj-tb20lc/s1600/DSCF1927.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706595222339880306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisKnopP5yAnmJtOz45VzJ0Z2oI2dl_mXZq48hbA2eVaJtzaApKh6L8Hf2jziHPaVhdXZtLSVTB2aTkrkbHq-y0oLCwKu2-eir5XtRBs3z1XUrUpRnFg8YeSQj2-Jdz7HUkeDrj-tb20lc/s320/DSCF1927.JPG" /></a> The beds were great and there was a huge sitting/office area where I was standing when taking the picture. And the view was amazing...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpG17vkPGqEPV0uRfxvC_4c8RzJCbOsH_yU5skTRxfaP_ry9A7LMzS-Ld0NoTzSh56Xqvd-XJTw2-jeEjHZNrAjgabDmoyH8_NjXQSy9KFHei8gsVrwifez89wYMuN5bQ-xeLWYju-NbY/s1600/DSCF1932.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706595218049830322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpG17vkPGqEPV0uRfxvC_4c8RzJCbOsH_yU5skTRxfaP_ry9A7LMzS-Ld0NoTzSh56Xqvd-XJTw2-jeEjHZNrAjgabDmoyH8_NjXQSy9KFHei8gsVrwifez89wYMuN5bQ-xeLWYju-NbY/s320/DSCF1932.JPG" /></a> Standing at our hotel window was this view :) I know, right, be jealous!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggU0wu7RSw_f6bPjzhGcVLsUVm_0GQhi25lgcCWPXkzJ5p8JXPICxPIJlwvRcf_HcF2R5boFZUc75nD4YCyalh2oIUP5dWu6TDQX2M9s19tIZxV158YZu1cjH44G0DU4FFaJcOz77DNh8/s1600/DSCF1937.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706594013133498690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggU0wu7RSw_f6bPjzhGcVLsUVm_0GQhi25lgcCWPXkzJ5p8JXPICxPIJlwvRcf_HcF2R5boFZUc75nD4YCyalh2oIUP5dWu6TDQX2M9s19tIZxV158YZu1cjH44G0DU4FFaJcOz77DNh8/s320/DSCF1937.JPG" /></a> Since we hadn't eaten yet we decided our first Chicago attraction to hit was Chicago-Style Pizza! So, after looking on my travel sites and books we chose Giordano's. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnzHUUGcjFaKgGPXmK49ZVntPm587D1L5X-sy-nB8VIbbiSWhhmjKzh_NoxKA6G2CrK9OOfP5yUhzn2X8284DdLhcAswftyf_-XXLjOfoYutQyoDzz1957SgWF5RUmmyKAR2h1iq4R_0/s1600/DSCF1938.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706594011030351202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnzHUUGcjFaKgGPXmK49ZVntPm587D1L5X-sy-nB8VIbbiSWhhmjKzh_NoxKA6G2CrK9OOfP5yUhzn2X8284DdLhcAswftyf_-XXLjOfoYutQyoDzz1957SgWF5RUmmyKAR2h1iq4R_0/s320/DSCF1938.JPG" /></a> Who couldn't love a place that has the 11th Commandment posted??<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTHXuKLTI9j2gHpIbmjszgxVpLicnDaBk2_cLRJhqdLHNVEGO6HYBBEqCbQMfQlMVJczZ3KL8uMF85NNzbKXywad2tz7nvkkl3KN4bgNOmg1ML54XpMDdQrKM4ZIw3u0ekBlFKqdWf8WU/s1600/DSCF1940.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706594000368718850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTHXuKLTI9j2gHpIbmjszgxVpLicnDaBk2_cLRJhqdLHNVEGO6HYBBEqCbQMfQlMVJczZ3KL8uMF85NNzbKXywad2tz7nvkkl3KN4bgNOmg1ML54XpMDdQrKM4ZIw3u0ekBlFKqdWf8WU/s320/DSCF1940.JPG" /></a> Little did I know we were in Pizza Heaven o:) I'm so glad we ordered the small because our eyes were much bigger than our stomachs and one slice of Chicago-style deep dish is equal to 3-4 of regular Pizza Hut. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2FqL5FSzcRJRMUKcQkSD6651UprU1wD6Nb75nO5sXMXl5HBdJwl_w8k3kUzLuD1POEAiFu2lc1WsNhD_eXscBje3ZEWYwyz9stuWG-b-s-RAVyf3mq5yOcocxGFwyNLBoH_075DcWM4/s1600/DSCF1941.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706593993194578450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2FqL5FSzcRJRMUKcQkSD6651UprU1wD6Nb75nO5sXMXl5HBdJwl_w8k3kUzLuD1POEAiFu2lc1WsNhD_eXscBje3ZEWYwyz9stuWG-b-s-RAVyf3mq5yOcocxGFwyNLBoH_075DcWM4/s320/DSCF1941.JPG" /></a> Oh, Cheese, how I love thee. If only you were as healthy as celery.... I'd eat you forever. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhNtVNxPXyA-IEsMe40hH1yvkkv1yS8k8D_56IxV0714fDagl9bvEACMi16VeqWBEip1aPzTtd0nLPG7QlSaIAV2kd5456JCDXtUxLCzL6-0gYCXOv-y6VYqWDLQ96sUeT_F9Ph7hnrOM/s1600/DSCF1948.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706593987628880098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhNtVNxPXyA-IEsMe40hH1yvkkv1yS8k8D_56IxV0714fDagl9bvEACMi16VeqWBEip1aPzTtd0nLPG7QlSaIAV2kd5456JCDXtUxLCzL6-0gYCXOv-y6VYqWDLQ96sUeT_F9Ph7hnrOM/s320/DSCF1948.JPG" /></a> After our heavenly pizza assault we decided to walk it off and explore downtown Chicago. The buildings were amazing. I could just get lost in them....and we did....often. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJbvC3EoJWIhEfmg1Jonu7MoaOKfQoUYXafP8FJOLCDvZ8fv_hcjDz904RhnpJGUdB_0eaTNBu-WIyBFnS0z3YWOkcQjbL-7YW_uGmSWozsn4wKuS6xmReGXP4N_c4gksMEjAtwpBbD_E/s1600/DSCF1951.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706592555022534098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJbvC3EoJWIhEfmg1Jonu7MoaOKfQoUYXafP8FJOLCDvZ8fv_hcjDz904RhnpJGUdB_0eaTNBu-WIyBFnS0z3YWOkcQjbL-7YW_uGmSWozsn4wKuS6xmReGXP4N_c4gksMEjAtwpBbD_E/s320/DSCF1951.JPG" /></a> We went back towards our hotel to the waterway. The Wrigley Building was really spectacular. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgC11nzCNJ8Rga3MtGe4x4f4FAl26ICVPyOK8rbbPlDq44i2Vkxc703mvvalJL_ew63CBP-iSagg64N0SzQXfzSs1bQYdkXfc0egfXgF82BdMsxmrupTl-nCst0iqrzNcEZWJBVs580_4/s1600/DSCF1955.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706592547647230562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgC11nzCNJ8Rga3MtGe4x4f4FAl26ICVPyOK8rbbPlDq44i2Vkxc703mvvalJL_ew63CBP-iSagg64N0SzQXfzSs1bQYdkXfc0egfXgF82BdMsxmrupTl-nCst0iqrzNcEZWJBVs580_4/s320/DSCF1955.JPG" /></a> And I loved the Chicago Tribune building! Lol, it was like a kid in a candy store... I was so excited to see all the newspapers. Hello, anyone hiring travel journalists in there?!? <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf4xAsD1lOldqQgevVoVdTAzSaezmOvM2pbhYCaf-mzxt7PSKzgOtNKAUgQg3nWwbrB9wF9pRHkh9SCClMXW4Lnseu-w2dT1HUmWNTwUdzRBV-IWF1-SKS0NfDBXPJffseQObDL6Kn_ww/s1600/DSCF1961.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706592535936600082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf4xAsD1lOldqQgevVoVdTAzSaezmOvM2pbhYCaf-mzxt7PSKzgOtNKAUgQg3nWwbrB9wF9pRHkh9SCClMXW4Lnseu-w2dT1HUmWNTwUdzRBV-IWF1-SKS0NfDBXPJffseQObDL6Kn_ww/s320/DSCF1961.JPG" /></a> As we approached the Tribune building we saw this .... controversial Marilyn Monroe statue. Some Chicagoans appreciate the artistic side of it, but others find it distasteful. Any thoughts? I was a little annoyed watching the teenage boys standing under her legs pointing up, I have to admit. Not appropriate!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjavnr3GfCFNWRjqA7Zs2-F9a5I7GWIdNFqdwfYXg44ZqgSDuJx-e_FOcTKQyhm_KHfoHabsq12rDGty9GI-j_gW3t4ypmJNkDXaLsj51jv-x96DPIMlLLL7wONydPpod34x9wjlpInfgU/s1600/DSCF1965.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706592531009335570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjavnr3GfCFNWRjqA7Zs2-F9a5I7GWIdNFqdwfYXg44ZqgSDuJx-e_FOcTKQyhm_KHfoHabsq12rDGty9GI-j_gW3t4ypmJNkDXaLsj51jv-x96DPIMlLLL7wONydPpod34x9wjlpInfgU/s320/DSCF1965.JPG" /></a> More of the Chicago skyline from the street.... Lovely!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-d5Ttw8VAU-4UrAcOL2DtoLQgvChkKKVz1D12q-Yn0HD01JR3H27XiPC7CO1FmXCoXuqzPDCs3KvMDHpuxOPngPeiWGGLm6YOvAIuL74zG5WowaGte0Iy6Tb2eb4JCEkQRbgiQ09qHA/s1600/DSCF1970.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706592529251443826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-d5Ttw8VAU-4UrAcOL2DtoLQgvChkKKVz1D12q-Yn0HD01JR3H27XiPC7CO1FmXCoXuqzPDCs3KvMDHpuxOPngPeiWGGLm6YOvAIuL74zG5WowaGte0Iy6Tb2eb4JCEkQRbgiQ09qHA/s320/DSCF1970.JPG" /></a> And then we walked Magnificent Mile. Ahhhhhhhhhhh, shopping Heaven. The five story Pottery Barn almost did me in. And that was just our first store....<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZbzEEOzMiEpiVgigEnhuxFi5RVQGiWRtpWde6XcOKDP7_zAhP1JMRx1xiF19lxf9Ce5DdpW9E8ZmB7vtkWDSdk-W14xELzTgLIVC-pNb_dAKqf7Xk4nNNH6TOgMK2ZtyHH7PhKV1XiU/s1600/DSCF1976.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706591623602128994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZbzEEOzMiEpiVgigEnhuxFi5RVQGiWRtpWde6XcOKDP7_zAhP1JMRx1xiF19lxf9Ce5DdpW9E8ZmB7vtkWDSdk-W14xELzTgLIVC-pNb_dAKqf7Xk4nNNH6TOgMK2ZtyHH7PhKV1XiU/s320/DSCF1976.JPG" /></a> I got to go explore my first American Doll Store. I had never really been in one. I'm just glad my 12 year old self stayed inside. I would have spent a fortune if she had emerged. :)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixf7tQoPKywB4Wg7VeeGC0RRih8Wts1eJWbL9-nsZpALf9bYBRaVrAl-k8MLjj-5PTTwgEh3_p3lV4jxttb1udfKEgsrlxw8OuookvjaUwszYzRDEG6MbgE5Ear7en5pdzLTNdEDY-Jcc/s1600/DSCF1978.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706591613488409378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixf7tQoPKywB4Wg7VeeGC0RRih8Wts1eJWbL9-nsZpALf9bYBRaVrAl-k8MLjj-5PTTwgEh3_p3lV4jxttb1udfKEgsrlxw8OuookvjaUwszYzRDEG6MbgE5Ear7en5pdzLTNdEDY-Jcc/s320/DSCF1978.JPG" /></a> In the same shopping center/mall was the Lego Store. Very cool display! I know a lot of second grade boys who could spend their life savings in that store with one bat of an eye.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQf-49FP1ZUuwCtkKSd476VPw8VhB_RBzifhXdv9y42zWUZuCkm5Bz5cDdMFDbFsiZ2_E-EuR4FLkX4GnC1J-SfOEV0mbtmXoecxcz_GvKqiJ9ip1vYaU2TrrXXxWb7Xthut1Bv-8SPo/s1600/DSCF1982.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706591609310337426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQf-49FP1ZUuwCtkKSd476VPw8VhB_RBzifhXdv9y42zWUZuCkm5Bz5cDdMFDbFsiZ2_E-EuR4FLkX4GnC1J-SfOEV0mbtmXoecxcz_GvKqiJ9ip1vYaU2TrrXXxWb7Xthut1Bv-8SPo/s320/DSCF1982.JPG" /></a> The Chicago Water Tower is right in the middle of the Magnificent Mile. It's the second oldest water tower in the US. Amazing and very beautiful...especially at dusk.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU8Be3FPItDFKEuqim6RjSG01fFkY7wlf_g5GSGB4Mc9ktM24Ay2HjLOOMs_vMPOrNuWNcJ6cxjDbLIlMw5uaGgLu9CTFYWXWrvsTPPTwpssEUOQEHx3D-HvFjtKCgANZe9L-JHH9YNyA/s1600/DSCF1987.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706591599484519138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU8Be3FPItDFKEuqim6RjSG01fFkY7wlf_g5GSGB4Mc9ktM24Ay2HjLOOMs_vMPOrNuWNcJ6cxjDbLIlMw5uaGgLu9CTFYWXWrvsTPPTwpssEUOQEHx3D-HvFjtKCgANZe9L-JHH9YNyA/s320/DSCF1987.JPG" /></a> After walking the Mile and prying Heather away from Tiffany's without spending her life savings we decided to go out for the night. We walked around to House of Blues but it was $20 to see Snoop Dogg and that wasn't really our thing. We eventually ended up at Harry Caray's (whom at the time we had no idea who he was). <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavN72JmsP8f5Py4Qf_rP9kIRotvRhr3Od4iBvdC7TNYgumTAPPZq_87OUg0udzFVleeSog0JoJ4RHu0XLra4jdnPDHW8kbiW3qYwYSFdTmO9c-zzWbEm6rdwXESoYYQH0V4-wr8O0RPg/s1600/IMG_0002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706591592143952322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavN72JmsP8f5Py4Qf_rP9kIRotvRhr3Od4iBvdC7TNYgumTAPPZq_87OUg0udzFVleeSog0JoJ4RHu0XLra4jdnPDHW8kbiW3qYwYSFdTmO9c-zzWbEm6rdwXESoYYQH0V4-wr8O0RPg/s320/IMG_0002.JPG" /></a> It was pretty busy. We stayed in the bar area and had a few drinks and just people watched. Same people who go out in Houston, go out in Chicago :) I was most excited about the National Register of Historic Places designation. It claims it due to its building (not the wonderful reputation of the steak house, though). Then we headed back to get some rest for a busy day ahead!Brandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12189690390784629887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816779899830495073.post-69977836519003629942012-02-01T23:37:00.002-06:002012-02-01T23:44:28.596-06:00Home to Houston: The Great Delta Debackle(sp)So, we wanted cheaper airfare and thus, had to have a very early flight home. Yes, a flight at 7am. Which meant we were getting up at 4am and getting over to the airport. As the sun was coming up we were boarding our flight and looking forward to lunch with our families. But as we were about to leave the gate the pilot came on saying they had a error message going off and couldn't fly the plane. Thirty more minutes later our flight was cancelled and we were put on standby. We ended up being flown to Atlanta (if I remember correctly) and then having to wait on a plane to Houston. Finally, around 10pm we were in Houston. Needless to say, it was a long day. Full of $6 meal vouchers and grumpy travelers. But the fact that I slept in my own bed that night was nice... and we returned from a great, long trip just as happy as can be!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lmqBQLLtCCS868jwgrcD-kdA54qqzkTFUH7E_DjtgYQeRzm1-8f7yNhzbvnfPlaGhELYKAN4cS6GREOWdDvQyfXlxrxBAD3ybrUVGhvodtD1Ag8_ll2nPckTb9ktGoQoitGlzCluQhg/s1600/FINAL.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704408804801397874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lmqBQLLtCCS868jwgrcD-kdA54qqzkTFUH7E_DjtgYQeRzm1-8f7yNhzbvnfPlaGhELYKAN4cS6GREOWdDvQyfXlxrxBAD3ybrUVGhvodtD1Ag8_ll2nPckTb9ktGoQoitGlzCluQhg/s320/FINAL.jpg" /></a> When we were finally on our way home on the last flight it gave me time to start working on my Smash book, a funky, journal-style scrapbook that Kristi and I love. As you can see I had my gluestick, markers and Taco Bell so I was good to go. Lol, next up Chicago!<br /><br /><div></div>Brandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12189690390784629887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816779899830495073.post-24390565237938021412012-01-14T11:18:00.007-06:002012-01-17T00:23:10.282-06:00Day 7: Last Days of BostonI was really, really excited about this day because we were going to be starting with a 2-4 hour whale tour! Unfortunately, the seas were too rough and we had to return. It was a good thing, though, because the motion sickness was really setting in and I took my dramomine(spelling?) way too late in the game!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib1qgq2kfbmWj6a0oRj4IQz4FMzrEr4Dl_iwnxAXtzYbSlhEslMLt-pWoFHBQ5c4XamyCjt9L3kb57n6GC2IqEw_4vMsm66Ev_UTbn15iZxh00A0DLTOqFoz8-XIxlE8xtD10n2eLliXA/s1600/1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698473946698143138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib1qgq2kfbmWj6a0oRj4IQz4FMzrEr4Dl_iwnxAXtzYbSlhEslMLt-pWoFHBQ5c4XamyCjt9L3kb57n6GC2IqEw_4vMsm66Ev_UTbn15iZxh00A0DLTOqFoz8-XIxlE8xtD10n2eLliXA/s320/1.jpg" /></a> I can't tell you how much I would love to see a whale... One day, I guess.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXPYS0zwNEgV0tI1MiyqtIy3EcztQ2P2AGO43aaRqWtwRF0nwvVniqzTYl_cAQVH6sNLvStU1cyc7Rh39zSk9JLiJjZPCFyr11ydFxfQ0ka5ANayqsCzm2Q9_-dhh8AGq9Ik0jRMYug8/s1600/2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698473938817303666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXPYS0zwNEgV0tI1MiyqtIy3EcztQ2P2AGO43aaRqWtwRF0nwvVniqzTYl_cAQVH6sNLvStU1cyc7Rh39zSk9JLiJjZPCFyr11ydFxfQ0ka5ANayqsCzm2Q9_-dhh8AGq9Ik0jRMYug8/s320/2.jpg" /></a> So, instead we used our Go, Boston cards and headed to the Aquarium right beside the dock.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKlxbyAxL5izBCAX3SiEfbA3-MXXIeuap_8ZSaNRtRY57_bo0GLhTnSQ3oaQEQxrqj-6HSHHynKYlWzyH1URPHW2PLmNYf-OpB9H0ffIB-mRT7rKcuB8Go1XPHCmkYlFG4A-fJLSsiuRs/s1600/3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698473936182557986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKlxbyAxL5izBCAX3SiEfbA3-MXXIeuap_8ZSaNRtRY57_bo0GLhTnSQ3oaQEQxrqj-6HSHHynKYlWzyH1URPHW2PLmNYf-OpB9H0ffIB-mRT7rKcuB8Go1XPHCmkYlFG4A-fJLSsiuRs/s320/3.jpg" /></a> The penguins exhibit was right when you walk in the door. It takes quite a bit to get in. They want you to take your picture and all these different lines are confusing but, it was whatever. The penguins were really cute...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwhl8U1ZijFXJBxESD3m3w-_riZcjnmuHNabgKXUX5hJBi36i1DHNEvur6Le6myCpp4m0evSytun3Obo-4fqzYTYg39FrVO_JMdVPTxaT0kFxzBJeF5HdhWeRP0XiY31w6J5fP_ehdU4/s1600/4.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698473931980525474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwhl8U1ZijFXJBxESD3m3w-_riZcjnmuHNabgKXUX5hJBi36i1DHNEvur6Le6myCpp4m0evSytun3Obo-4fqzYTYg39FrVO_JMdVPTxaT0kFxzBJeF5HdhWeRP0XiY31w6J5fP_ehdU4/s320/4.jpg" /></a> We walked around to the outdoor area where we saw the walrus and seals. There wasn't a show performing but it was fun watching them swim around.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAq-fIpV1mJpWCrUa93Nne-xjqSvKxl3awQhwElCkJFvzHMbQuWmMFmE9eG3QizC8KYPuqfIvzbz-IJ-ZcLjyX7j0ZhaQXjUQvuQnI5g6-h4hJiETq0OYWUydNTLnP6bmogbrOKIKvc00/s1600/5.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698473929818639586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAq-fIpV1mJpWCrUa93Nne-xjqSvKxl3awQhwElCkJFvzHMbQuWmMFmE9eG3QizC8KYPuqfIvzbz-IJ-ZcLjyX7j0ZhaQXjUQvuQnI5g6-h4hJiETq0OYWUydNTLnP6bmogbrOKIKvc00/s320/5.jpg" /></a> In the middle of the aquarium is the huge tank full of different species of fish. The tank is 3 stories tall, so you walk up to the other floors as you watch the fish. As I was walking a shark came along to say hi. "Hi, Sharky!"<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcERMGNjk7n2J-gJhzVUvtxFD7dI1Fc34f9N4FvD-J62KISCkr5g2fHtCPr8Zo1V3ih0dlhuMUEAAENyxuE3zDOzz0tIW5o2sDU4PJvVLZkSireOJUfM-DcMbdaGrjRITFM2zVMgavwAc/s1600/6.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698472740837821842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcERMGNjk7n2J-gJhzVUvtxFD7dI1Fc34f9N4FvD-J62KISCkr5g2fHtCPr8Zo1V3ih0dlhuMUEAAENyxuE3zDOzz0tIW5o2sDU4PJvVLZkSireOJUfM-DcMbdaGrjRITFM2zVMgavwAc/s320/6.jpg" /></a> The big sting ray was cool too!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPqCzwAeN4EXlP8rGC_l_2IjpNmHQMg78bPNN-JurTrQoixOVQKab-UqR4BjMnlwCu7O4JZUorBSSQvb5xwfXTviWNDQcOJECU_q1g-ASzoyhhyphenhyphenOoy4x8qaFvZaHmNqVhz2mwWfN1oC_w/s1600/7.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698472737349298034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPqCzwAeN4EXlP8rGC_l_2IjpNmHQMg78bPNN-JurTrQoixOVQKab-UqR4BjMnlwCu7O4JZUorBSSQvb5xwfXTviWNDQcOJECU_q1g-ASzoyhhyphenhyphenOoy4x8qaFvZaHmNqVhz2mwWfN1oC_w/s320/7.jpg" /></a> After the aquarium we went across the street to Jose McIntire's. The lunch crowd was gone so we had the place almost all to ourselves other than a bunch of men having loud conversations.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieeZMB2R3CzXdUWXbgDPil6tTdv_gkQ0HyMvG_H86rVX6Wl1M2J8wYCoiRl07OCdbdun-6I25gwIh-QZ2gLME0Ka9KEvywn_eXlZNNOxUTlz5CxsB6PLXtfNW_jqpxwxL0FdQ560-xEaw/s1600/8.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698472728322356802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieeZMB2R3CzXdUWXbgDPil6tTdv_gkQ0HyMvG_H86rVX6Wl1M2J8wYCoiRl07OCdbdun-6I25gwIh-QZ2gLME0Ka9KEvywn_eXlZNNOxUTlz5CxsB6PLXtfNW_jqpxwxL0FdQ560-xEaw/s320/8.jpg" /></a> The fajitas were sooooo good and I probably ate them all :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9-UmI541KrSd053e1sLelylJr-sQUpdFgQRiWQWGj1CTz1UNoQpdxnk-5nEJV5Czjm9sXVL4xdp_dz_WT0qbNh5GvdsMsLYCTwYzdIXPZa-DfyF9RWbLeq4-0WSJ8Ea2vugjbXapWqWg/s1600/9.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698472724343915714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9-UmI541KrSd053e1sLelylJr-sQUpdFgQRiWQWGj1CTz1UNoQpdxnk-5nEJV5Czjm9sXVL4xdp_dz_WT0qbNh5GvdsMsLYCTwYzdIXPZa-DfyF9RWbLeq4-0WSJ8Ea2vugjbXapWqWg/s320/9.jpg" /></a> Then we headed back to the pier to catch the trolley to take us to Paul Revere's house. The house is far from the main streets so we got off the stop and followed these concrete sewer tops to find it.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIemtA1DYePV0H3Z_fl-hLl4uaYJ6TYdBiFn-r9AIJw9B4ir_eN0cc9SyubcjDEjkuTt4wcXRVjeTDaCdRFNAX3B8Dp_i-huUcc0RTHOISAR7GWEJEgdBAuejo94aoo_OnsKkAxmKhCWk/s1600/10.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698472722450639410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIemtA1DYePV0H3Z_fl-hLl4uaYJ6TYdBiFn-r9AIJw9B4ir_eN0cc9SyubcjDEjkuTt4wcXRVjeTDaCdRFNAX3B8Dp_i-huUcc0RTHOISAR7GWEJEgdBAuejo94aoo_OnsKkAxmKhCWk/s320/10.jpg" /></a> We came upon the Copp's Hill Burying Ground. It's on the National Historic Register and Casey loves cemeteries so it was a win/win stop to explore.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcS_wuUghZd-BAyT3aNncBgQknAmHX6UwL9-lRE0bbvpVLr7zUktfLAog3qCmp66zs4JVcfGA7CF-A338SFV3K92ZuSxDGf_wGBzUDkAadN7e51QqSShfAGD0u0rxskXi7QMfglp-uuM/s1600/11.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697545112672164946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcS_wuUghZd-BAyT3aNncBgQknAmHX6UwL9-lRE0bbvpVLr7zUktfLAog3qCmp66zs4JVcfGA7CF-A338SFV3K92ZuSxDGf_wGBzUDkAadN7e51QqSShfAGD0u0rxskXi7QMfglp-uuM/s320/11.jpg" /></a>A little information for you on the hill. :) I believe if you click on this the picture should be rather larger...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjnG3KWDwaiqwrXsJEfTRGvJh3Z6RToYcKVA679EVDd37VJoTeKMLxIhjBnwEtaXuPe7rlbcwYmHR0Gl_lDlukLFMIsOi9q_4VLSNHPeMsCLl8i3hAVQ9GUqpeJsc5NYJL-yaS7mr6b4/s1600/12.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697545108099346530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjnG3KWDwaiqwrXsJEfTRGvJh3Z6RToYcKVA679EVDd37VJoTeKMLxIhjBnwEtaXuPe7rlbcwYmHR0Gl_lDlukLFMIsOi9q_4VLSNHPeMsCLl8i3hAVQ9GUqpeJsc5NYJL-yaS7mr6b4/s320/12.jpg" /></a>To think that this headstone is 3 centuries old is simply amazing!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGTSY6KRPFWs43NArX0yJn-w19TyZAdG_BNSutUX4mg3hE3Kxo1LfMKAdDkJ0jBZjES809lsDDEfVLPPEqiZpM6C3BirlnGMXTy0ZFbppQFfEzqTCyxQ5d32NDY3kTXiMd7Emyw0oUCGU/s1600/13.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697545104351688866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGTSY6KRPFWs43NArX0yJn-w19TyZAdG_BNSutUX4mg3hE3Kxo1LfMKAdDkJ0jBZjES809lsDDEfVLPPEqiZpM6C3BirlnGMXTy0ZFbppQFfEzqTCyxQ5d32NDY3kTXiMd7Emyw0oUCGU/s320/13.jpg" /></a>Then we kept following the Freedom Trail and had this beautiful view of the Old North Church while walking up to it.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhysZn0hFnDL9Ngb1JALJo5GobApnfb2WyE_Hd1DkZT1cxRG0M1Y_447DjzzsKQTi44rWU1sbMdWI6B-5k9KSNeUC0NtxWMdou9S9yqclvZe2_U8aypy1CtQLThynzagR43oEeS4nNcxjk/s1600/14.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697545097106233202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhysZn0hFnDL9Ngb1JALJo5GobApnfb2WyE_Hd1DkZT1cxRG0M1Y_447DjzzsKQTi44rWU1sbMdWI6B-5k9KSNeUC0NtxWMdou9S9yqclvZe2_U8aypy1CtQLThynzagR43oEeS4nNcxjk/s320/14.jpg" /></a>We toured the church and got to see where Paul Revere was the bell ringer and helped warn the citizens that the British were on their way!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyBwyHMeohPwJJv1dhPZKftTTk7a86z-IP2aWsxS03X-QR0sre_QeXnMZ2u0fYSUxI_aoShNZemJ4u0QOEsyrSsibAybOIcMKrToqsQak5Y0ybu09STl_rRbOaTTPETXqTObOG_o4uNQ/s1600/15.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697545093717580498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyBwyHMeohPwJJv1dhPZKftTTk7a86z-IP2aWsxS03X-QR0sre_QeXnMZ2u0fYSUxI_aoShNZemJ4u0QOEsyrSsibAybOIcMKrToqsQak5Y0ybu09STl_rRbOaTTPETXqTObOG_o4uNQ/s320/15.jpg" /></a>The family pews were really interesting to explore.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8UVJxacxhw2tYg2BQKkDNIqVtA8_VGYj-FXpDLlZ1Xy6EthljhyZQq7i35OGdhwplhQnpVzsJT0f_ezvm4AdPwMsPIBaTd4W8PXS1ImFo2uJKilPUcRBt6vtBfZK9ToghYDh3_Oeo150/s1600/16.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697544311056664354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8UVJxacxhw2tYg2BQKkDNIqVtA8_VGYj-FXpDLlZ1Xy6EthljhyZQq7i35OGdhwplhQnpVzsJT0f_ezvm4AdPwMsPIBaTd4W8PXS1ImFo2uJKilPUcRBt6vtBfZK9ToghYDh3_Oeo150/s320/16.jpg" /></a>I appreciated the memorial they had representing the men and women who had died in Iraq/Afghanistan. We all offered up our coins to the memorial. They were all set upon the rocks. Thanks to our service members!!!!!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTl116yomPZarBYgtt416p-BdytBeGxYQPpuEWnNMdeHfwOpTQLZDuZnRoJ82Ziq_gJ06Be2cqgKPOu37mKPIvtR-GTqc9YiV__P_FFt1XJZoa9-FJviUD56GiDbJRIWT7_rIbDrFPOMM/s1600/17.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697544309043462146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTl116yomPZarBYgtt416p-BdytBeGxYQPpuEWnNMdeHfwOpTQLZDuZnRoJ82Ziq_gJ06Be2cqgKPOu37mKPIvtR-GTqc9YiV__P_FFt1XJZoa9-FJviUD56GiDbJRIWT7_rIbDrFPOMM/s320/17.jpg" /></a>The gift shop was great and had a lot of book recommendations for me! Instead of buying so many books, now, I take pictures of all the books I want to order on Amazon for cheaper and then I don't have to lug them home. :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy9SjBsflRpfZTYufNfkDxSlZCtl4IIqC39UZpA1bDjeh_e1RuvxLMGf7ny5xF6sgTa39OfD9oSqAhWfQCmne9HcqtL9Ipc1-5B8pH3nD1xkV_prRpbetE9-p-BLGJZ-OTuZenlQqc2Mk/s1600/18.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697544302597445010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy9SjBsflRpfZTYufNfkDxSlZCtl4IIqC39UZpA1bDjeh_e1RuvxLMGf7ny5xF6sgTa39OfD9oSqAhWfQCmne9HcqtL9Ipc1-5B8pH3nD1xkV_prRpbetE9-p-BLGJZ-OTuZenlQqc2Mk/s320/18.jpg" /></a>The Paul Revere statue was in the Paul Revere Mall which was a cobbled-stone street with lots of plaques showcasing important Americans in the American Revolution. At the beginning (or end, from my direction) was this great statue.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6JDz-iZUJM-RfOXIm2-4U3yvVVfJvGOVux1zy1PNXbqulP6CpWkW1TB78eHbBPFGwh5VecrzneXLSYYMW7TZ6A1AEf4QBs1OxlC76yboWg52ii8kpcnUIvwSzcdAFrQUB1wgw7rNmAFA/s1600/19.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697544293214070706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6JDz-iZUJM-RfOXIm2-4U3yvVVfJvGOVux1zy1PNXbqulP6CpWkW1TB78eHbBPFGwh5VecrzneXLSYYMW7TZ6A1AEf4QBs1OxlC76yboWg52ii8kpcnUIvwSzcdAFrQUB1wgw7rNmAFA/s320/19.jpg" /></a>Another shot with the statue and the Church in the background. :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3LJ15ILe8xP4GhoYeLBdQb-GKv9Gk2N4goCIjzmwSCCjAKLv_PPu-NO9rqMPccR6oJMEX4IqwV6z9wlY8F0ncVMHozFzkyAV_t5uumPwGVccQxsSaO_iYD7LS-UEFSPpWt9gIPsm_9ek/s1600/20.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697544292413120786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3LJ15ILe8xP4GhoYeLBdQb-GKv9Gk2N4goCIjzmwSCCjAKLv_PPu-NO9rqMPccR6oJMEX4IqwV6z9wlY8F0ncVMHozFzkyAV_t5uumPwGVccQxsSaO_iYD7LS-UEFSPpWt9gIPsm_9ek/s320/20.jpg" /></a>Then...the HIGHLIGHT of my trip...we arrived at Paul Revere's House!!!!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg409jFi0v8x2ya0iZp2C7CkvZqvnEeR29imhcY1PnisgP1ZmOFBgFovjaqFDYmSh44p0o0Ayc-AVcRZmg3wfJv0sk_w66jhAsMSj5nENSqO_YKOFK0yUFuvLLqZ3KkP1VmzZiwQNAWcnI/s1600/21.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697539228101515426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg409jFi0v8x2ya0iZp2C7CkvZqvnEeR29imhcY1PnisgP1ZmOFBgFovjaqFDYmSh44p0o0Ayc-AVcRZmg3wfJv0sk_w66jhAsMSj5nENSqO_YKOFK0yUFuvLLqZ3KkP1VmzZiwQNAWcnI/s320/21.jpg" /></a>Once you pay your money this is the view of the house where you enter it.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnTRQVP5O311dmcIBWZ-F0qhWtdff1DTy8wg_ZuPVYf73HHEkRYfOQPivIEYkqZ8wAPEzVgIdK6lzZcq1Xwgf-kdeKxGC6j3AueFrWN3G0ki22knvgYgqTpTRpEzk-jXdFKad2IySOlk/s1600/22.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697539217736660178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnTRQVP5O311dmcIBWZ-F0qhWtdff1DTy8wg_ZuPVYf73HHEkRYfOQPivIEYkqZ8wAPEzVgIdK6lzZcq1Xwgf-kdeKxGC6j3AueFrWN3G0ki22knvgYgqTpTRpEzk-jXdFKad2IySOlk/s320/22.jpg" /></a>Of course, no pictures were allowed inside but you got to see the entire house. It looks huge but it really doesn't take but 10-15 minutes to walk through it and look at the plaques. It's so touristy, though, that you're constantly waiting on others to move to see all the details. There's only about 2 rooms to see upstairs (master bedroom and childrens' room) and then the kitchen and kitchen downstairs. It was still AMAZING :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMGErwAfE-oDUd8qrv_cRhnVQhlVURS3rv2XM1WF5VBAB1hnyYS_VeUgEY-5hRoe_WM-jNwHNTkWQ41urVMSIP8H-JEt7cAMbSyHNGgh6S_cjHs4LfaydRLbSStDuJI_phZ6QEd2QpYU/s1600/23.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697539212796957378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMGErwAfE-oDUd8qrv_cRhnVQhlVURS3rv2XM1WF5VBAB1hnyYS_VeUgEY-5hRoe_WM-jNwHNTkWQ41urVMSIP8H-JEt7cAMbSyHNGgh6S_cjHs4LfaydRLbSStDuJI_phZ6QEd2QpYU/s320/23.jpg" /></a>Finally, the Go Card offered a Sunset Cruise on a Schooner that I wanted to go on. Kristi and Casey decided to get something to eat and get a good nights' sleep since our flight was so early. But I wanted to keep stretching my dollars on the card so.... I got my tickets.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacp2VrP9l93CuGtZ1eNdkIto4aRZHgNnECNZbXIQFftkJ7UXuw4VYuRw5qsABtfqAf3izWZGmNUCrByZTgo9xyO5W_Rxo9onpqlgDprfFhSOf3KSZaFGeOfYeCgB3iLgvveep-C7pno8/s1600/24.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697539208050627218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacp2VrP9l93CuGtZ1eNdkIto4aRZHgNnECNZbXIQFftkJ7UXuw4VYuRw5qsABtfqAf3izWZGmNUCrByZTgo9xyO5W_Rxo9onpqlgDprfFhSOf3KSZaFGeOfYeCgB3iLgvveep-C7pno8/s320/24.jpg" /></a>While on the scooner I got to see the Salem's Friendship that I had toured a few days ago! That was really neat...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxOEloA4VRZwIgePntT7x_l_t4cXWmw3pkhZTtv65OJhtLaHBWHmhhAx4ndX-lg6VqnjxEQ9a63ysdPtOvdIfnuOpq0OqfyuZeMumagPZclicq1m6ROg-TCLdXKkuS4WIqDQ25GswGEQ/s1600/25.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697539200205669698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxOEloA4VRZwIgePntT7x_l_t4cXWmw3pkhZTtv65OJhtLaHBWHmhhAx4ndX-lg6VqnjxEQ9a63ysdPtOvdIfnuOpq0OqfyuZeMumagPZclicq1m6ROg-TCLdXKkuS4WIqDQ25GswGEQ/s320/25.jpg" /></a><br />And I got some great pictures of the city and the Harbor. I also met a great couple on the boat who asked for this very website. Maybe they're reading? :) After the cruise I took the train to Cheesecake Factory and then back to the hotel... A great way to end the trip!Brandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12189690390784629887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816779899830495073.post-80468923879798916702011-12-31T22:56:00.007-06:002012-01-02T21:09:03.582-06:00Day 6: Go Boston Card ToursSo, Day 6 was kind of a whirlwind because we were trying to get our money's worth for our $110 Go Boston Cards. It's a fun program but it gets to kind of take over your vacation...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS8P-StxxNaMWE90NDechotr7GJKNcZdAk-_BmVN9XQfn3La3qPx_ezM869uH2QgxLNW76hkzgGcn1_vMwvN1VD38Z5JBzrU7g9J5pEZ5UUwURAqkxGJ9WUPuop6MX0ev2mA-gz7zv3LE/s1600/f11877504.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692536518773423570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS8P-StxxNaMWE90NDechotr7GJKNcZdAk-_BmVN9XQfn3La3qPx_ezM869uH2QgxLNW76hkzgGcn1_vMwvN1VD38Z5JBzrU7g9J5pEZ5UUwURAqkxGJ9WUPuop6MX0ev2mA-gz7zv3LE/s320/f11877504.jpg" /></a> So we started our day by catching the earliest of the Duck Tours that we had tried days prior. The Duck Tours pick up at the Science Museum, which was included in the Go Boston Card so we were hitting two birds with one stone :) (No pun intended)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDtYr2aUQEQ51IMeiuNLaaH-jOHsUyZyipX8Y9WfZUsimV3zy84toEFQR4xSGUSxN-o_PLHBnCLJut74K4xkQwkkbSEbPskX_eVFTXi7LA31sBOMoaUQdpbLu57d8Z3PlJbwO1qKecWX0/s1600/f11904192.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692532565626350466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDtYr2aUQEQ51IMeiuNLaaH-jOHsUyZyipX8Y9WfZUsimV3zy84toEFQR4xSGUSxN-o_PLHBnCLJut74K4xkQwkkbSEbPskX_eVFTXi7LA31sBOMoaUQdpbLu57d8Z3PlJbwO1qKecWX0/s320/f11904192.jpg" /></a> I've seen the duck tours everywhere (even in Galveston, back home) but had never taken one. They're pretty neat in that they travel on land with the wheels and then they "dive" into the water and tour the waterways as well. These old Army Ducks were bought after WWII decommissioned them and the tours begun by the company's CEO.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlH8RcMUSvUTerpZ2VCbGdTGvFj6HrZVF6TliXpib48hvjDHqVpBkPl6dJI8yAe7-zm4-vVC7NyVtcCmaQgSjWYuUrVy5DnLagLVE96ZpcIMAmx48WoYe_Nl6oKRcr8VF1AjfSqt_0pHI/s1600/f11926080.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692532560616861346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlH8RcMUSvUTerpZ2VCbGdTGvFj6HrZVF6TliXpib48hvjDHqVpBkPl6dJI8yAe7-zm4-vVC7NyVtcCmaQgSjWYuUrVy5DnLagLVE96ZpcIMAmx48WoYe_Nl6oKRcr8VF1AjfSqt_0pHI/s320/f11926080.jpg" /></a> One of the museum's most famous attractions is the T-Rex and what a fun place to start the line for our Duck Tour.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55h6_qIlDmtYxP_1ZBd3GGS2-DBkKTs70JOYke4ypQEMJzWaMBwO36IqDgt8V7j0Z1SuqK2JyIy6vMNQHbcloFPl_bKGXU2RfcpNf7OnNykO0x7axo0hk6OLqjIKayG1R_20OKMDaCV0/s1600/f11962240.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692532543749420610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55h6_qIlDmtYxP_1ZBd3GGS2-DBkKTs70JOYke4ypQEMJzWaMBwO36IqDgt8V7j0Z1SuqK2JyIy6vMNQHbcloFPl_bKGXU2RfcpNf7OnNykO0x7axo0hk6OLqjIKayG1R_20OKMDaCV0/s320/f11962240.jpg" /></a> When we were on the tour we headed into a part of Boston I hadn't seen. I loved this church!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQuMGH6cm32KwCe_pcgoSaLxpgcPmGm1tKhLNJKybMe5zDmpkGmBqpVfXhNv6iBBm2WmJ1BH4u_Hqi6Sxz4vi_MaTCyep-dwkubkn1fs0Migfkb0QeSPBFUFeLF9RJAj1lDgor9uP5UM/s1600/f11992320.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692532541937175538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQuMGH6cm32KwCe_pcgoSaLxpgcPmGm1tKhLNJKybMe5zDmpkGmBqpVfXhNv6iBBm2WmJ1BH4u_Hqi6Sxz4vi_MaTCyep-dwkubkn1fs0Migfkb0QeSPBFUFeLF9RJAj1lDgor9uP5UM/s320/f11992320.jpg" /></a> And the amazing designer shopping streets were such a tease. These apartments/condos were so pretty. I hope to see that side of Boston some other trip.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-PF4VHzm3K8byfQyMijHQ-3eu45U26sD-LG6td4J35NmenxlU-otraSP0Bmv3E0BYSnoG4RGbuS_50jObe-qrKoVayM81iidxwepWYqpTz1ZnwPX9umZ-ufuX6DDVzpDIjPH3-Qxf6h0/s1600/f12037760.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692532534558844898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-PF4VHzm3K8byfQyMijHQ-3eu45U26sD-LG6td4J35NmenxlU-otraSP0Bmv3E0BYSnoG4RGbuS_50jObe-qrKoVayM81iidxwepWYqpTz1ZnwPX9umZ-ufuX6DDVzpDIjPH3-Qxf6h0/s320/f12037760.jpg" /></a> Then we headed to the water. We got to see a lot of the city scene and the sailing school they have for kids.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xWRXaugGwJNHgvL7y6cXg0pXH7x8HtQYRE5DG1lBqf8XU34Of6OU-2QZPj3ZoZ8E6vwN6l-IzuqZS7PQlpWPuELUIQ1xBYf-qnIj5ZvUltzcFbLVm0hrtpOpH_x4kHEphavjjQeMn8M/s1600/f12052736.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692529451228765698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xWRXaugGwJNHgvL7y6cXg0pXH7x8HtQYRE5DG1lBqf8XU34Of6OU-2QZPj3ZoZ8E6vwN6l-IzuqZS7PQlpWPuELUIQ1xBYf-qnIj5ZvUltzcFbLVm0hrtpOpH_x4kHEphavjjQeMn8M/s320/f12052736.jpg" /></a> After the duck tour we headed into the Science Museum. It was really neat and I highly recommend it for science lovers and children.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDcK_lHWS3HPwY4zBwQ4HG2pc4YhQnTedEiJOFXwhw7ybPYs_C-JVVzAUFV5-2-vC5B72D0xL3vXZWG5Gz4saDSTePiWx1ipOjkyWQ7KTNnAvNg9fvaWANaX5Kd9Zzg3zEHx7GwbLR18/s1600/f12183552.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692529442206278658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDcK_lHWS3HPwY4zBwQ4HG2pc4YhQnTedEiJOFXwhw7ybPYs_C-JVVzAUFV5-2-vC5B72D0xL3vXZWG5Gz4saDSTePiWx1ipOjkyWQ7KTNnAvNg9fvaWANaX5Kd9Zzg3zEHx7GwbLR18/s320/f12183552.jpg" /></a> I liked the T-Rex but it was difficult to get a good picture of it. I have to say Chicago's is better :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYbVbtsh4RmUsGUssMuXBRId05Peedhmi3vpRm1TTml4vp__ghdcDzF6egxf1wHd5IS11yuSm8T3C_BAEXXsHKEn0hoGKDsEZm1BRT0vYadyeFou7Xm-2Q3yV1SGUpX7X5loRmSJsssw/s1600/f12199232.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692529436143128210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYbVbtsh4RmUsGUssMuXBRId05Peedhmi3vpRm1TTml4vp__ghdcDzF6egxf1wHd5IS11yuSm8T3C_BAEXXsHKEn0hoGKDsEZm1BRT0vYadyeFou7Xm-2Q3yV1SGUpX7X5loRmSJsssw/s320/f12199232.jpg" /></a> Triceratops!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrS8c60vcKwDjNwfKwnRoXYf-nMzF7nVy58_6cJ0IablZgLtwgcNdx6CmhaB2H1SWr3JeUtS4rwlS1ZDmOAsKIHzOt2wY1dXDvcKzcESCRWAS7T7coHQLj5UkbhuVi1KchBgcZL_bUT8/s1600/f12242816.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692529426660295874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrS8c60vcKwDjNwfKwnRoXYf-nMzF7nVy58_6cJ0IablZgLtwgcNdx6CmhaB2H1SWr3JeUtS4rwlS1ZDmOAsKIHzOt2wY1dXDvcKzcESCRWAS7T7coHQLj5UkbhuVi1KchBgcZL_bUT8/s320/f12242816.jpg" /></a> I really liked the Giant Sequoia Tree piece. I can't wait to see them up close and personal on the West Coast!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqM8l0hPreaRl1zMj4maA2pKTS1dL71KXbp6DD0mSudVtI_s2cr_8AYubT0Na3a9oG8_2vluKx2RCTyotM8Ngd01q0-IV5HonYZcPGbLP3GDfyyytvimfdrb9sVdhzJjRbxl-yb1rk0I/s1600/f12374464.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692529422380219170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqM8l0hPreaRl1zMj4maA2pKTS1dL71KXbp6DD0mSudVtI_s2cr_8AYubT0Na3a9oG8_2vluKx2RCTyotM8Ngd01q0-IV5HonYZcPGbLP3GDfyyytvimfdrb9sVdhzJjRbxl-yb1rk0I/s320/f12374464.jpg" /></a> Then we headed on the 2-day trolley tour. It's a 2 hour complete trip around Boston, including Cambridge for the Ha'va'd Ya'd and MIT. My only beef is: I hate seeing something and not being able to explore. So, when we passed Fenway (in the rain) I was sad we couldn't go in. Same with the Boston Tea Party NHP and MIT. But, we had to get our money's worth...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNdFAtW6ed4RnWzbvBV70mu56wffXnmXNg8EmXTq82PgWXvrJdI8ryMS20AQ9vw-GQLYFBhVxnaDJOxm_7RYA8aYUn_jdat1upKjn00dQ0YHEAhG_D81PXP2UFlUuwKceyjHMKb97xhY/s1600/f12425984.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692526214965599202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNdFAtW6ed4RnWzbvBV70mu56wffXnmXNg8EmXTq82PgWXvrJdI8ryMS20AQ9vw-GQLYFBhVxnaDJOxm_7RYA8aYUn_jdat1upKjn00dQ0YHEAhG_D81PXP2UFlUuwKceyjHMKb97xhY/s320/f12425984.jpg" /></a> During the Trolley Tour we got to see the "Make Way for Ducklings" statue. I had really wanted to come here so I was at least excited to get a good picture! Next time I will definitely be exploring Boston Common!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwR6v4heZT1q5uuGFXVKfiRGGyOe9n9KlR83V_6NIRpcWtcqvqMaegHmFxQvrAZdrwi_nqgtGTEwQWU28O2fhy7-Xs78e0LPgFX7g-veWEWCS3pDfsb3J4nsCDXukPHP0WRH34v65pZpg/s1600/f12454656.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692526210477148194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwR6v4heZT1q5uuGFXVKfiRGGyOe9n9KlR83V_6NIRpcWtcqvqMaegHmFxQvrAZdrwi_nqgtGTEwQWU28O2fhy7-Xs78e0LPgFX7g-veWEWCS3pDfsb3J4nsCDXukPHP0WRH34v65pZpg/s320/f12454656.jpg" /></a> The (New) State Building was gorgeous!!!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdU6DLZh7d42N7HEmLXPbe5tM1jSn9hl3QJ7pvaMwmTunk5iAYsucIDBeFMzyjZTf7r151HDaoTyEjJK3TvxVykJSYo3DNSiyexCNIMJpVVe6Tu-qI5w4b6WADLKt6fcjCJFPhXjPnKy0/s1600/f12484288.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692526196860144946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdU6DLZh7d42N7HEmLXPbe5tM1jSn9hl3QJ7pvaMwmTunk5iAYsucIDBeFMzyjZTf7r151HDaoTyEjJK3TvxVykJSYo3DNSiyexCNIMJpVVe6Tu-qI5w4b6WADLKt6fcjCJFPhXjPnKy0/s320/f12484288.jpg" /></a> Then, we went to a place featured in Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives on the Food Network called The Barking Crab. There was so much traffic on the trolley that we were really late so the tour guide just pointed us on our way.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8fHOWjzljpm5LXZHrz1U5ftwYnmUy83unMEMs4gNEmw9VhV8p1w7vidKa4ypPoECb7MdSNiEP-U69yA2sZTe0Iv3fd34EsDL0wPcB-JH5gmmOPoZ-Os0vHoGzEdKTZr6Z4PUoNZiQUc/s1600/f12526720.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692526193017206722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8fHOWjzljpm5LXZHrz1U5ftwYnmUy83unMEMs4gNEmw9VhV8p1w7vidKa4ypPoECb7MdSNiEP-U69yA2sZTe0Iv3fd34EsDL0wPcB-JH5gmmOPoZ-Os0vHoGzEdKTZr6Z4PUoNZiQUc/s320/f12526720.jpg" /></a> I had a gigantic margarita that was meant for 2 but Kristi or Casey refused to drink with me so, yep, I drank it all by myself! Walking a mile back to the Metro was real fun :) Lol<br />The crab cakes and lobster roll was AMAZING! So much lobster it was insane but you definitely paid for it... Still so good and such a fun place.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjYKJneQY1LxLmZ_zgxA4wsuiRUglxOxNT8ID7-K5uMu0L2AYFAvaqaPF_wwHP0t2Ta5puwAnWp75aw89bdN2GP_Z38ddX9vwUX6EmMPCpbcADMpHElrE_195O7HzooVGWZXo6s69KgE/s1600/f12593280.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692526182723418034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjYKJneQY1LxLmZ_zgxA4wsuiRUglxOxNT8ID7-K5uMu0L2AYFAvaqaPF_wwHP0t2Ta5puwAnWp75aw89bdN2GP_Z38ddX9vwUX6EmMPCpbcADMpHElrE_195O7HzooVGWZXo6s69KgE/s320/f12593280.jpg" /></a> While walking along the harbor 10-15 blocks to the Metro station I got some good pictures but it was a bit cloudy... We went back fairly early, though, because we were getting up for our whale watching tour in the morning! I was soooo excited :)Brandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12189690390784629887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816779899830495073.post-70757987974637254632011-12-30T22:20:00.008-06:002011-12-31T00:18:51.489-06:00Day 5: Back to BostonBefore Kristi and Casey got ready to go for the day I snuck to the Salem National Historic Site: The Armory. There were other places to see, houses and such, but we didn't have time for that. But, that's ok, I'll be back :)<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNKRPoMzyf4iK1yTklNaARU7pT7Hs4ex0VVJaJg3GA8TwSHHFiUYUoNyz7OjSF1bInc6dTIKGI6NcbDGbajJeoZZ_myG1TBWffg6IjzknMBh4bE888z8gULR_NG6lduk6mm9I1Zcll2o/s1600/1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692164214370377666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNKRPoMzyf4iK1yTklNaARU7pT7Hs4ex0VVJaJg3GA8TwSHHFiUYUoNyz7OjSF1bInc6dTIKGI6NcbDGbajJeoZZ_myG1TBWffg6IjzknMBh4bE888z8gULR_NG6lduk6mm9I1Zcll2o/s320/1.jpg" /></a> The National Park was right across the street from our hotel so I just left about 30 minutes early.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqCrLfPaVTHUK1w2cGwWzsCRcJuY4t4IccbQaX9hyphenhyphen9lTBJ8_girqRLDrJa1jbsTMBasNncA_bHNwKR4ZjV-mi0yt0KYe-LxVyPh7uBN7pxgGb2FN0YVKJp9CdLC4DQlMOYC768GJFG-o/s1600/2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692164210008465298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqCrLfPaVTHUK1w2cGwWzsCRcJuY4t4IccbQaX9hyphenhyphen9lTBJ8_girqRLDrJa1jbsTMBasNncA_bHNwKR4ZjV-mi0yt0KYe-LxVyPh7uBN7pxgGb2FN0YVKJp9CdLC4DQlMOYC768GJFG-o/s320/2.jpg" /></a> The exhibit had some interesting artifacts. I mostly went for the stamps in my National Park passport. There was also a one-hour film on the area and the history of it but I didn't have time for the entire film. Supposedly it won an award for it, though.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnv_L1f6bKJTs39ncwsD7V4yIrSqkNv66mbeJNZrFrovaNEVKVwgfqWoZiXg-DID-Khr9FdOlROiaPbKQv0YfSrmQeJkBCJp97qGasdA18CeheUwj4LLkya2bgcrjAkZ42K0XIz2mBx2E/s1600/3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692164205472885378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnv_L1f6bKJTs39ncwsD7V4yIrSqkNv66mbeJNZrFrovaNEVKVwgfqWoZiXg-DID-Khr9FdOlROiaPbKQv0YfSrmQeJkBCJp97qGasdA18CeheUwj4LLkya2bgcrjAkZ42K0XIz2mBx2E/s320/3.jpg" /></a> Then I met up with Kristi and Casey and we went back to the Peabody Essex Museum. Before we got started we had a quick breakfast in the cafe.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUaOmpKbJ82jia9f51uiC5QRlgaz56izuuP-aAEcdeQMIjuQ0jX1h-0WpyRQ3ihUUAAWHnG3926ux2mn_XF7KNu6la9GqYrtyfzMCZ7Mf4V8K9JhXAjCg6_lxAGn-d04eM8sQ2IGMjt4/s1600/4.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692164200709446834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUaOmpKbJ82jia9f51uiC5QRlgaz56izuuP-aAEcdeQMIjuQ0jX1h-0WpyRQ3ihUUAAWHnG3926ux2mn_XF7KNu6la9GqYrtyfzMCZ7Mf4V8K9JhXAjCg6_lxAGn-d04eM8sQ2IGMjt4/s320/4.jpg" /></a> We began in a water exhibit that was "visiting" the museum. Then we got into their permanent collection which included a lot of Asian pieces.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFUEI_Bz3nD2kOeX00qNimQZHAANG_JqLwPPQdHKeAf6An1nJDWxUKOW2hDe0PATXuXRC1EGnhqdnGoWgXxyvFmwWHIYzTw1LTdduX68F1DzNsOPfo2xm_GVWRV0lF1YYM879cA4km-_8/s1600/5.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692161609289765826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFUEI_Bz3nD2kOeX00qNimQZHAANG_JqLwPPQdHKeAf6An1nJDWxUKOW2hDe0PATXuXRC1EGnhqdnGoWgXxyvFmwWHIYzTw1LTdduX68F1DzNsOPfo2xm_GVWRV0lF1YYM879cA4km-_8/s320/5.jpg" /></a> There was plenty of art...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1e_jcacEgS4bXprVEFzQ0n6O3PrrrcJ387TrLCztkLdgzmhkIWug7eYIteEFuAjMxjDffKqLO-U4rbyYm_a6jNHDJjVnxzvGQq7bvmOH-N4ro8S54L3qICXjfFxfKTmDBS-XL1w7bV0/s1600/6.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692161600800741074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1e_jcacEgS4bXprVEFzQ0n6O3PrrrcJ387TrLCztkLdgzmhkIWug7eYIteEFuAjMxjDffKqLO-U4rbyYm_a6jNHDJjVnxzvGQq7bvmOH-N4ro8S54L3qICXjfFxfKTmDBS-XL1w7bV0/s320/6.jpg" /></a> There was an exhibit of old sailing journals...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJg7Qgfm7NPHSBmgfVgVO0bqAgKNR7lsQeRoI2bsoos0Nj3XnPGnIIXpvR1TObaVnYACEnrl2IwNqwZsLvFa5ky_7CKOjJugmqVl4laS_Xk57CtWZQPYIHJVe6n6vqwvzDNq_WTMBtBM/s1600/7.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692161595718545666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJg7Qgfm7NPHSBmgfVgVO0bqAgKNR7lsQeRoI2bsoos0Nj3XnPGnIIXpvR1TObaVnYACEnrl2IwNqwZsLvFa5ky_7CKOjJugmqVl4laS_Xk57CtWZQPYIHJVe6n6vqwvzDNq_WTMBtBM/s320/7.jpg" /></a> Nice exhibit lay out. <br />There were also exhibits of Native art and sailing pieces. Really a huge variety of things... I'm just not versed enough on the different types of art to give a thorough description of it all.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3MwpJKNyaErtbtvxE_0RkXROOxbrOwjdVpVITXE1UVy4x85luRmCt72WTJPnRzKp2kKPU8VH7tY6OG4yqxoA-u__Q1ENMh89KzuUFyFKpgiCRgw1NEfg1pz5_pjqT0rhRrhfdxg1Mc6g/s1600/8.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692161589236462242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3MwpJKNyaErtbtvxE_0RkXROOxbrOwjdVpVITXE1UVy4x85luRmCt72WTJPnRzKp2kKPU8VH7tY6OG4yqxoA-u__Q1ENMh89KzuUFyFKpgiCRgw1NEfg1pz5_pjqT0rhRrhfdxg1Mc6g/s320/8.jpg" /></a> There were other beautiful houses that were apart of the Peabody Essex Museum but they weren't open at that time...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZsWhzrFprGVnJcLNmqk1mhcz4KpUvFVq070gtvfhO_v9BIRU5eBotgRR9D2jWCaxFN6FLQd02filijGbGZglRy00obYImn4doezoGmstenEV09-Ug3K3MzWc-y4t8u5KfXfIfOoWo-eM/s1600/9.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692161585738535090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZsWhzrFprGVnJcLNmqk1mhcz4KpUvFVq070gtvfhO_v9BIRU5eBotgRR9D2jWCaxFN6FLQd02filijGbGZglRy00obYImn4doezoGmstenEV09-Ug3K3MzWc-y4t8u5KfXfIfOoWo-eM/s320/9.jpg" /></a> Then, unfortunately, it was time to get back to Boston, so we had to take the ferry back.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJhD38XwQ50K126o9cxRVVevBCjXYbFDYupG-bfjUPnIF6c4-__kWIKfMp5U6HtewmNdBFLJTKsLtDKsMTjF9YXvghSzM8_Kor1nQlGKUsZzzQ5No8K7ABl5sdZbt0dSTUHi1skgghu4/s1600/10.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692157861928310786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJhD38XwQ50K126o9cxRVVevBCjXYbFDYupG-bfjUPnIF6c4-__kWIKfMp5U6HtewmNdBFLJTKsLtDKsMTjF9YXvghSzM8_Kor1nQlGKUsZzzQ5No8K7ABl5sdZbt0dSTUHi1skgghu4/s320/10.jpg" /></a> We decided to put up our luggage and go to the Cambridge side of town. I had a Groupon to Eagles Deli since it was featured on Man vs Food.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuAkxFgcThHPwiiybY4olVf8mfrpmJyLIylgQc1r_wyK_cnUG9ZatiRrCwhB41Q_ro_oMzV46n9PG-r81bSZryxx4YZSY3eu0JTqPyIYvFhyphenhyphenfiAEzBe9sF31N9APb_cf75R6IDa8S5mrM/s1600/11.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692157854911840466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuAkxFgcThHPwiiybY4olVf8mfrpmJyLIylgQc1r_wyK_cnUG9ZatiRrCwhB41Q_ro_oMzV46n9PG-r81bSZryxx4YZSY3eu0JTqPyIYvFhyphenhyphenfiAEzBe9sF31N9APb_cf75R6IDa8S5mrM/s320/11.jpg" /></a> Eagles Deli is most known for their HUGE burger challenges. I didn't stand a chance...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBr5zywEME4cQ3eWSmxBMU5NLyvyySCnUvtOeozFvrD-KPPFfTxofOoy4K2In281i0RqJpfNesILajs17jBK_nbSmn765T337HdY-TKc2OTG30xykoX69W6xKI5GHXoB_CT3L5_DPT8ko/s1600/12.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692157842311756162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBr5zywEME4cQ3eWSmxBMU5NLyvyySCnUvtOeozFvrD-KPPFfTxofOoy4K2In281i0RqJpfNesILajs17jBK_nbSmn765T337HdY-TKc2OTG30xykoX69W6xKI5GHXoB_CT3L5_DPT8ko/s320/12.jpg" /></a> So I just got a Cowboy Burger with BBQ sauce and cheddar cheese. ;)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheS_2mVkiVbvW9rsDnLpll1qJWI4JbvgHj5zeitbEPEwFhOskQc76rQGoXYTQcz-t2Nb2azzhqIETXhTmIrAHMqJMCgFtGr_wQ77wkFyd-Af_atDY9AXs8VGTFGSVZOuo7dlcqzvw2wpM/s1600/13.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692157840482425314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheS_2mVkiVbvW9rsDnLpll1qJWI4JbvgHj5zeitbEPEwFhOskQc76rQGoXYTQcz-t2Nb2azzhqIETXhTmIrAHMqJMCgFtGr_wQ77wkFyd-Af_atDY9AXs8VGTFGSVZOuo7dlcqzvw2wpM/s320/13.jpg" /></a> Then we headed to Harvard!!! I was watching a movie lately where the kids had to recite the 4 reasons this statue was invalid. Ohhhhhh what was that movie?? Maybe it was that Facebook movie?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cbqWNsm_rr2eW0sxZa8h5dazwR-OfYxFflx2kNZpQsf9zB-rxsVR88FP7IxlJcqFkI0jHIWjXBK05hd8Ekv3hgmcHFzmHnzvRXV8MgrQ56UzJnmpnI-s-OvlmMR5XsKnsNRs3bCy1qI/s1600/14.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692154446824814082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cbqWNsm_rr2eW0sxZa8h5dazwR-OfYxFflx2kNZpQsf9zB-rxsVR88FP7IxlJcqFkI0jHIWjXBK05hd8Ekv3hgmcHFzmHnzvRXV8MgrQ56UzJnmpnI-s-OvlmMR5XsKnsNRs3bCy1qI/s320/14.jpg" /></a> Then, my biggest excitement/disappointment... We made it to the Harvard Library!!!!! But you had to have a college ID to get in :( I would have wanted to spend the night in there but still, I would have really liked to go in there! Maybe when I'm a student :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhcZ6WOzsmRAGRdSdozBzdXBWSYHZ80SBJ4UOETLS9sn7B0cEdHqtuimBkbaxMa1qWGpNOzQiBVSILDzQUIrnudWJABuAUfyhFblfv_knrbHfQ49xN6ZPOi9R6KX7C3xnTPh_4M2Bp1L8/s1600/15.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692154427291440674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhcZ6WOzsmRAGRdSdozBzdXBWSYHZ80SBJ4UOETLS9sn7B0cEdHqtuimBkbaxMa1qWGpNOzQiBVSILDzQUIrnudWJABuAUfyhFblfv_knrbHfQ49xN6ZPOi9R6KX7C3xnTPh_4M2Bp1L8/s320/15.jpg" /></a> Most of the lovely Harvard campus :) It was beautiful!!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQrY82LCnaULPGAZT3cEf-CeY5hxwrMzdSnpmxs1W7hp4BLl_A4awh-RNDLqDqDQae1M3pajC0r0sFND88FMn0cAYNYH75ywf27talFmHQ1FTAY4oVVcSBUjlKUWaNf4zyq90puaHKlgQ/s1600/16.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692154429534792610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQrY82LCnaULPGAZT3cEf-CeY5hxwrMzdSnpmxs1W7hp4BLl_A4awh-RNDLqDqDQae1M3pajC0r0sFND88FMn0cAYNYH75ywf27talFmHQ1FTAY4oVVcSBUjlKUWaNf4zyq90puaHKlgQ/s320/16.jpg" /></a> And more... Ahhhhhh, beautiful!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9TjqGrqRjuRrNEEhrcJXOzQrIFtHKAuiKgPTcxGuAU612WpWkyZ2TnY2tizF5Q7FR7ityPCTe-OWrg-pw-si87BTuhREyi2fiKSKJ6fKLkvbWPTcwudu6hHibMgaXR1elDS0xmk9BNg/s1600/18.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692154408764229346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9TjqGrqRjuRrNEEhrcJXOzQrIFtHKAuiKgPTcxGuAU612WpWkyZ2TnY2tizF5Q7FR7ityPCTe-OWrg-pw-si87BTuhREyi2fiKSKJ6fKLkvbWPTcwudu6hHibMgaXR1elDS0xmk9BNg/s320/18.jpg" /></a> And Kristi and I both had to go to the bathroom so bad, so we snuck into this science building to go lol. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNuVA-aE-M_d9aSbd7Uz3akUrEWhkXqIf3fLwzoa3HHDBKVCafU5V1LyXxIMiN_kzHXrmw0aDpRMjFOyYIB0X7OMMYpsZucea0ixjC4ddd42z3Y7ZnrJFQZlWZesaFefVxH35QfnyxhBU/s1600/17.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692154413494617426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNuVA-aE-M_d9aSbd7Uz3akUrEWhkXqIf3fLwzoa3HHDBKVCafU5V1LyXxIMiN_kzHXrmw0aDpRMjFOyYIB0X7OMMYpsZucea0ixjC4ddd42z3Y7ZnrJFQZlWZesaFefVxH35QfnyxhBU/s320/17.jpg" /></a> Then I finally found a co-op store to get plenty of Harvard school supplies and clothing :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SU6scyp6iZxOh9BwxLNw9tozIuf2oamj2MkI1jLo9Lp3YM6iYMd-DuDFVHoXvbYMkPE6YFhjWCZf4z3Cw1WIHUUw4Mvi31fpovnfnNsF2BgMYvWeD5BTDcH-zSUVJQkhz0vNKHsqEd8/s1600/19.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692150332215301026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SU6scyp6iZxOh9BwxLNw9tozIuf2oamj2MkI1jLo9Lp3YM6iYMd-DuDFVHoXvbYMkPE6YFhjWCZf4z3Cw1WIHUUw4Mvi31fpovnfnNsF2BgMYvWeD5BTDcH-zSUVJQkhz0vNKHsqEd8/s320/19.jpg" /></a> Afterwards, we ended up shopping at the big mall at Prudential Center. While Kristi and Casey went to chill at The Cheesecake Factory I went upstairs to the Tower to get some killer night views of Boston!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRBeHkK6CklAbL7GioqYnJEJLmBwo5hSXsWizZ9rMPPFvQI3MpV0dKNiVkxliDUhCIJrKcLwmRWIl1cHQKh8X-9sNRKXwJL4A7S4kbEeEF9T9a0IowrrBOIbrLGUioE4fcP_xxX6uv3c/s1600/20.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692150328034308402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRBeHkK6CklAbL7GioqYnJEJLmBwo5hSXsWizZ9rMPPFvQI3MpV0dKNiVkxliDUhCIJrKcLwmRWIl1cHQKh8X-9sNRKXwJL4A7S4kbEeEF9T9a0IowrrBOIbrLGUioE4fcP_xxX6uv3c/s320/20.jpg" /></a> My camera settings couldn't quite handle the bright lights below with the reflection in the windows but still a stunning view nonetheless.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBNhqlcd7GmtV04tPO6bCDfgx5oGTEPwFe8oiBZ5EE99g9a7uw9eg-Tkh_26Vezznnz40XBejUPs77veYm7AIg8iFjo_tULUDq5CfpAaJbGlXxm3nRTIsUngSr14Gc6oztwBJz0LekGkM/s1600/21.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692150316212163698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBNhqlcd7GmtV04tPO6bCDfgx5oGTEPwFe8oiBZ5EE99g9a7uw9eg-Tkh_26Vezznnz40XBejUPs77veYm7AIg8iFjo_tULUDq5CfpAaJbGlXxm3nRTIsUngSr14Gc6oztwBJz0LekGkM/s320/21.jpg" /></a> Views of the water... Harbor, perhaps? I had no sense of direction up there!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7UERkU-31grRkkjdoGzNoYQAq6VnW5ZjL2ptIqQh9s8r7e8Dhbv4ZX9rfuhYsU_I2noYdAnz9P8zFy6XOH0s-uysgEpEs5gwE7n9H81UzqAhhOnDZM5WJRfR99BxUhYaFP5c4E-g2YOI/s1600/22.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692150309191618642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7UERkU-31grRkkjdoGzNoYQAq6VnW5ZjL2ptIqQh9s8r7e8Dhbv4ZX9rfuhYsU_I2noYdAnz9P8zFy6XOH0s-uysgEpEs5gwE7n9H81UzqAhhOnDZM5WJRfR99BxUhYaFP5c4E-g2YOI/s320/22.jpg" /></a> The viewing area of the Prudential Tower... Really roomy and very nice. I think it costs about $8.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYNOPu0RUSU4lJlw7WsT_K9tk1LpXoLp9ABoY5RfAdeAHBDpxaif-7t4e2QNntT1AVPQSOQdlXBb_LTArLQk2qNaHWvB2-qAEYF19EcZWwoWqDGC2MYfGk817D3VzKXjErJupT992ijw/s1600/23.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692150304159936962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYNOPu0RUSU4lJlw7WsT_K9tk1LpXoLp9ABoY5RfAdeAHBDpxaif-7t4e2QNntT1AVPQSOQdlXBb_LTArLQk2qNaHWvB2-qAEYF19EcZWwoWqDGC2MYfGk817D3VzKXjErJupT992ijw/s320/23.jpg" /></a> Then I joined Kristi and Casey for dinner at The Cheesecake Factory. It was so good, and our waiter was so cute. We had another great day and Day 6 was FULL BLAST so be prepared :)</p>Brandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12189690390784629887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1816779899830495073.post-65925441596635857152011-12-25T21:40:00.013-06:002011-12-26T08:26:08.426-06:00Boston Trip Day 4: The Witching Side of SalemDay 4 started by getting up and ready for some bike riding with our Go Boston cards. Unfortunately, things didn't exactly go our way at first...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnIs1_iiVYI0DazYGGlTQQG8gcj-AgyI5gdM-1H_CnFGExzzSmeoE0CZnSgub0cz3PMn72io4imKb60iz93HcZW4N0UmvHhvJIW0GiKAuHaclO1McJA7r_vhtG8fE18-k_2SsDQ0EfYAM/s1600/f9466816.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690296000679911202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnIs1_iiVYI0DazYGGlTQQG8gcj-AgyI5gdM-1H_CnFGExzzSmeoE0CZnSgub0cz3PMn72io4imKb60iz93HcZW4N0UmvHhvJIW0GiKAuHaclO1McJA7r_vhtG8fE18-k_2SsDQ0EfYAM/s320/f9466816.jpg" /></a> The electric bikes had moved from the pier to the main area so we spent $15 extra cab fair to figure out where the heck we were going. Then, it was supposed to open at 9am but there wasn't anyone there until about 10am. Finally, the guy showed and said he had a flat tire (yea, right, guy, that's the excuse I use when I can't get my bottom out of bed!). We got our bikes but Casey just wasn't very comfortable riding them in traffic so we turned them in... It was fun while it lasted at least. It was my first time on a bike in a while and I missed it.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXHWERt92dVzlfSM_OZG7EqcNWlH9eKGeBDddmEg_mpea_QAyW5B1gZuQGDVd7blGOlOm8OUY2CPTn23omkYd3dfZ6LqJzeVrtyS9FPgtjSygY7U_cFM5jSrhtti8_Y5_dgR-Ogjv9pw/s1600/f9510592.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690295993893266370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXHWERt92dVzlfSM_OZG7EqcNWlH9eKGeBDddmEg_mpea_QAyW5B1gZuQGDVd7blGOlOm8OUY2CPTn23omkYd3dfZ6LqJzeVrtyS9FPgtjSygY7U_cFM5jSrhtti8_Y5_dgR-Ogjv9pw/s320/f9510592.jpg" /></a> So, then, we decided to go use our Go Boston cards to visit the Peabody Essex Museum, a very big and beautiful art museum. .... But they were closed on Mondays :) Nice, huh?!?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwltvoLph9PBlC25a9PZNvKmxlEbvef6_QhpCaol3-m9k46BTY3Swikc61tw3-hZz0vfuPFPfMP7vsEkVUi4BNsrr9ZLjRL_1qjgM5IEeDzipCCui-5sy9k2i_BFe4OsJtIl4BsQB4Vbg/s1600/f9541312.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690295981682742610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwltvoLph9PBlC25a9PZNvKmxlEbvef6_QhpCaol3-m9k46BTY3Swikc61tw3-hZz0vfuPFPfMP7vsEkVUi4BNsrr9ZLjRL_1qjgM5IEeDzipCCui-5sy9k2i_BFe4OsJtIl4BsQB4Vbg/s320/f9541312.jpg" /></a> By that time we were hungry and ready for lunch so we went into the small mall area for some cafe food.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGrAgywTDHe-IU5O-52nI8Uh0bGDDkX9-3ddf-TuCIdhfsK_uSyGkTmtbZe7z782axEqE0GVokVyTnOECbE-5xnlOUlWX0alJk1ccQurWmTkBNCVXuCdzd_9s6BGf26Cn6-ReqJlSeZE/s1600/f9555904.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690295975625786626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGrAgywTDHe-IU5O-52nI8Uh0bGDDkX9-3ddf-TuCIdhfsK_uSyGkTmtbZe7z782axEqE0GVokVyTnOECbE-5xnlOUlWX0alJk1ccQurWmTkBNCVXuCdzd_9s6BGf26Cn6-ReqJlSeZE/s320/f9555904.jpg" /></a> I got a grilled cheese but Kristi got a pizza and it was good! The people at the counter were kind of creepy though. They were definitely witches :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixtxFy7YCiX0rc20fXyZqg7_NszWa8vvAkLghYiC4GEYFjOIwWpHIVwk9YFUpJh6COgVFgNgYUsJLolOctevHc7ngVk9ej0mOXq7ynDSam7SWVCltNWWH1cj22Cbm-4psLpPcf1XZarT8/s1600/f9570816.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690294154507035426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixtxFy7YCiX0rc20fXyZqg7_NszWa8vvAkLghYiC4GEYFjOIwWpHIVwk9YFUpJh6COgVFgNgYUsJLolOctevHc7ngVk9ej0mOXq7ynDSam7SWVCltNWWH1cj22Cbm-4psLpPcf1XZarT8/s320/f9570816.jpg" /></a> And we had this lovely fellow come and greet us. Welcome to Salem for sure!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7IbTxYryC3gCfATR6ldd593Z7d-zog3vHU5cj7nm-IqpVLSX0FYB_mQcPIiMbeYE_VAYXlbbLaOD2jq6xkV1RipGF1M7dnypt0CLJefAP8WCiXC00HTvdM4PIHUiX_2ZK7c2ijLc-axs/s1600/f9578304.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690294138276449426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7IbTxYryC3gCfATR6ldd593Z7d-zog3vHU5cj7nm-IqpVLSX0FYB_mQcPIiMbeYE_VAYXlbbLaOD2jq6xkV1RipGF1M7dnypt0CLJefAP8WCiXC00HTvdM4PIHUiX_2ZK7c2ijLc-axs/s320/f9578304.jpg" /></a> Then, since we were in the area we decided to head towards the witches museums on the other side of town but pass all the shopping while we walked, and stop for any cute places we saw. With Kristi and Casey loving to cook we had to stop here.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3G-Sc7y5KEsHh5AFGNX3sDU-g43RtJmjN7BB6llEsuhXCYdhLO1GiRa5WINsTNK13dgtozxwfg-7GrwDFRszJvGbLekNWPDYVl1b_hP-l0mveQL4DqijVgNEHSKGr-V96eYL_T_scY0/s1600/f9586176.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690294126170902066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3G-Sc7y5KEsHh5AFGNX3sDU-g43RtJmjN7BB6llEsuhXCYdhLO1GiRa5WINsTNK13dgtozxwfg-7GrwDFRszJvGbLekNWPDYVl1b_hP-l0mveQL4DqijVgNEHSKGr-V96eYL_T_scY0/s320/f9586176.jpg" /></a> And I got all my souvenirs here! :) I love my souvenirs!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwT5ZRdi6h7ohFQeQ2rQoI44vAT3HxaHfoi_Ks2vIi3IngsItUg62Pm1eZ0jCpVhXGuqEaX2mMgbg2O6CXeEW1tmLLF3wxK-M_y88xItxdEn6KDWaQ3r-aD9xYUT6hxPMx6oB21W-tY6Q/s1600/f9593984.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690294114740669522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwT5ZRdi6h7ohFQeQ2rQoI44vAT3HxaHfoi_Ks2vIi3IngsItUg62Pm1eZ0jCpVhXGuqEaX2mMgbg2O6CXeEW1tmLLF3wxK-M_y88xItxdEn6KDWaQ3r-aD9xYUT6hxPMx6oB21W-tY6Q/s320/f9593984.jpg" /></a> A picture of the shopping area.... The stores were so cute. I love those types, they beat any mall.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxTwJkElaPsfEt0_P3Um3qEp0ujNfAEl8Xcx_zvCQkIfEPuTmmlIyMoY-mvTCR5X8jsYsqEwQcgv6i-P5kDcjS0GN_NJGsrsezkfQRbxjJ1gg4cdrANG9t5QIJiVgSkVfQ73VfdkJw0M/s1600/f9624064.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690294112882392946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxTwJkElaPsfEt0_P3Um3qEp0ujNfAEl8Xcx_zvCQkIfEPuTmmlIyMoY-mvTCR5X8jsYsqEwQcgv6i-P5kDcjS0GN_NJGsrsezkfQRbxjJ1gg4cdrANG9t5QIJiVgSkVfQ73VfdkJw0M/s320/f9624064.jpg" /></a> We stopped and had some Italian Ice... I had the pear flavor and it was pretty good.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9nAtAaFimCSEY224L4G0EEZaquT2vM-4pzYjTA_yC7oOZuV6r7FrscICtwdsQmQ7A2s3WqbLtXmvDvdQ7gpeFTKFf2wSde9A_j86Rl_sshT1hAnritVSI21KMSblPHOy9yJpoET0jgQ/s1600/f9651968.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690291770661216802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9nAtAaFimCSEY224L4G0EEZaquT2vM-4pzYjTA_yC7oOZuV6r7FrscICtwdsQmQ7A2s3WqbLtXmvDvdQ7gpeFTKFf2wSde9A_j86Rl_sshT1hAnritVSI21KMSblPHOy9yJpoET0jgQ/s320/f9651968.jpg" /></a> Then we went to the "Witches House" which is the only house preserved from the 1600s. It belonged to a judge from the Salem Witch Trials and was set up like he was still living there with the antiques and all.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-w20TCzuM7QRiBEpkOIlUcgB3mmOB8h0MiicuGEZVl6jxo7sV7OoZSpmAWoUCLIRlszw__9uC7861nJFk43nukgmQ79ipcXcJVp1v4s2uOgnm3aj4CGUj3e09l1Cgbm-My1fOATX14rQ/s1600/f9692416.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690291764795702114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-w20TCzuM7QRiBEpkOIlUcgB3mmOB8h0MiicuGEZVl6jxo7sV7OoZSpmAWoUCLIRlszw__9uC7861nJFk43nukgmQ79ipcXcJVp1v4s2uOgnm3aj4CGUj3e09l1Cgbm-My1fOATX14rQ/s320/f9692416.jpg" /></a> The entrance to the house has a totally different feel to it than the front...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuMXuNZqXiYB70ZWtP6yqucCyueTnynawLP049O4zj7JtcS9z71WVOTvvdJe28jHwwTC6NUCRi38AOt8X-fNzmFpREvtqMfZ10q7OaCt0B865TI-mlWX6UH9aYjIdEPn9xWVzDyyMmFc/s1600/f9707328.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690291747875553666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuMXuNZqXiYB70ZWtP6yqucCyueTnynawLP049O4zj7JtcS9z71WVOTvvdJe28jHwwTC6NUCRi38AOt8X-fNzmFpREvtqMfZ10q7OaCt0B865TI-mlWX6UH9aYjIdEPn9xWVzDyyMmFc/s320/f9707328.jpg" /></a> The dining area in the 1600s...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOE-ObUX-ThyphenhyphenhjzK-AHT3x3Hgo7TUw-0rNFO0dbV8168O-XJ7adX_UdFwufzixskcaTYm473kd7RNKHy-hTIsr1by-pygvXtpLy6q1zACR_qo-JnqGAEQQe9nvPVlsuhUVRZ-HUVJQguc/s1600/f9766336.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690291736538456898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOE-ObUX-ThyphenhyphenhjzK-AHT3x3Hgo7TUw-0rNFO0dbV8168O-XJ7adX_UdFwufzixskcaTYm473kd7RNKHy-hTIsr1by-pygvXtpLy6q1zACR_qo-JnqGAEQQe9nvPVlsuhUVRZ-HUVJQguc/s320/f9766336.jpg" /></a> The gigantic "chimney" which was used to heat everything with all the pots around it for the meals and water.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM6j63ZxLHb4sXGVpv9V8YGLakNMX5mnhfvjhavhlqKAUUcvZb-OsL8tzW_fCBATVCQf0vQpYewFqWx3zPwIuJO339wgmwza3bqVIe9KZy-sJknf_BYCaKygNfDXMex4tUKBTZ6Tnhfhw/s1600/f9868800.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690291729914020050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM6j63ZxLHb4sXGVpv9V8YGLakNMX5mnhfvjhavhlqKAUUcvZb-OsL8tzW_fCBATVCQf0vQpYewFqWx3zPwIuJO339wgmwza3bqVIe9KZy-sJknf_BYCaKygNfDXMex4tUKBTZ6Tnhfhw/s320/f9868800.jpg" /></a> Then we headed to the Witches Dungeon Museum which has an actual dungeon underneath it. And it's most famous for its live reenactment of a witch trial.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1sS3FoKOjhx4dYxqDwdL0UxUzwt1Z7Y20gHEp2J7xMp6YbXsy71fkaUX7ypQjkjKuULlOfFLYoYj1RNHg11YUhPvm7-0i_cB86aWWSu4LHOAmau1jgN-KJdMRkJj0obpWpveKtpzvbE/s1600/f9906752.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690289571287340786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1sS3FoKOjhx4dYxqDwdL0UxUzwt1Z7Y20gHEp2J7xMp6YbXsy71fkaUX7ypQjkjKuULlOfFLYoYj1RNHg11YUhPvm7-0i_cB86aWWSu4LHOAmau1jgN-KJdMRkJj0obpWpveKtpzvbE/s320/f9906752.jpg" /></a> As we were walking to the Dungeon Museum I noticed these witch symbols all over the street in front of the museums, so that you didn't park.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQaszr4nngW-hi_Rbn-QeWwLiCTvc_j0aeckDPynMcgyQFoD3Nm6xbaS-8RP94aShHIVUtRggnUEy6aRJS6wSGqC5pDY2t4jrP4sL5Fwl88SWBQZQKBg18IhRamuv1Wl7iOpqIKeG8pc/s1600/f9921920.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690289561080670898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQaszr4nngW-hi_Rbn-QeWwLiCTvc_j0aeckDPynMcgyQFoD3Nm6xbaS-8RP94aShHIVUtRggnUEy6aRJS6wSGqC5pDY2t4jrP4sL5Fwl88SWBQZQKBg18IhRamuv1Wl7iOpqIKeG8pc/s320/f9921920.jpg" /></a> Inside the museum we paid our money and were allowed to pick a seat for the reenactment.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoymcefk5os1VvllcPBCDjuO3F__3W2d02T4THmsM5jHQWM-BvW0m4lTN6tS2RvyADGx_MpueyTLtaxVOk4bmn9jKS5zmcsl9jYjqM4Q6vtyaBKfm_HSKiCWFg2tuHKVrGIs7Q5lrK5zQ/s1600/f9929088.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690289559427608482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoymcefk5os1VvllcPBCDjuO3F__3W2d02T4THmsM5jHQWM-BvW0m4lTN6tS2RvyADGx_MpueyTLtaxVOk4bmn9jKS5zmcsl9jYjqM4Q6vtyaBKfm_HSKiCWFg2tuHKVrGIs7Q5lrK5zQ/s320/f9929088.jpg" /></a> There were 10 of these posters around the sides and back of the theater. They had some really interesting information about the witch trials.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEKsnCc-FSO_On1CuTbIougsxO2pl7TlVlg7lOKg4eyNpExTmd8F7nl1X15eeGuvXqcPArLu5-2_Qtla5WYVOfORNm1-MbMIUNrjI0YDn17Do8ghv2jn7dgVXk-rdkI1j8hoF1ITA5Z9Y/s1600/f9987200.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690289541664415458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEKsnCc-FSO_On1CuTbIougsxO2pl7TlVlg7lOKg4eyNpExTmd8F7nl1X15eeGuvXqcPArLu5-2_Qtla5WYVOfORNm1-MbMIUNrjI0YDn17Do8ghv2jn7dgVXk-rdkI1j8hoF1ITA5Z9Y/s320/f9987200.jpg" /></a> The reenactment was a bit short, I could have definitely watched it for more than 15-20 minutes. I guess that means it was good? :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHfiO3lVE8fz4iJz0g7XqvE-ITPsKeJRAUDnwjLt7jrhVVenVSo43JVWSEegwAPPMrYvw6oI1NcxSIRPuINSXXfxfLdiIrfh7LIQUeNt5Tp-7JDhkA9c5_VVmGdIcweRBYzFwxYrXGiRk/s1600/f10001984.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690289536009046514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHfiO3lVE8fz4iJz0g7XqvE-ITPsKeJRAUDnwjLt7jrhVVenVSo43JVWSEegwAPPMrYvw6oI1NcxSIRPuINSXXfxfLdiIrfh7LIQUeNt5Tp-7JDhkA9c5_VVmGdIcweRBYzFwxYrXGiRk/s320/f10001984.jpg" /></a> Then we went down into the "dungeon" where one actually was in the 1600s. It was a bit creepy, though, with lots of eerie mannequins in lots of disturbing historical realities. Women being chained and imprisoned...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjcJZdpwVVTvzKXv5pZuHPPobE0-1SvXr0pMQJw3GxD72V2PAoKqeskHRFPt-6iNWSn48iX8roGnSD2z3Znco5Q69F9D5HfnllDm7_ERx8jVkTLLgB8Q0C1B8NhACbN3-0B8r4ahmNUqo/s1600/f10007936.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690287995718323266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjcJZdpwVVTvzKXv5pZuHPPobE0-1SvXr0pMQJw3GxD72V2PAoKqeskHRFPt-6iNWSn48iX8roGnSD2z3Znco5Q69F9D5HfnllDm7_ERx8jVkTLLgB8Q0C1B8NhACbN3-0B8r4ahmNUqo/s320/f10007936.jpg" /></a> The hysteria that befell Salem was just sad. To think what mass chaos brought to these innocent people was very depressing...but history does teach us.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGEPBCe3mqH5zFb8yStoXL6t49YSzDbejoqQafYbq0ksddXykdxsLHT24C5PUYIkFJpUEIsqKxGciVwlTrUgg7AdvA8mPaSsEybuS16msgfuVpgwS12EUaFK0CvxBttPFdxeihgPS0oI/s1600/f10015360.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690287988257068354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGEPBCe3mqH5zFb8yStoXL6t49YSzDbejoqQafYbq0ksddXykdxsLHT24C5PUYIkFJpUEIsqKxGciVwlTrUgg7AdvA8mPaSsEybuS16msgfuVpgwS12EUaFK0CvxBttPFdxeihgPS0oI/s320/f10015360.jpg" /></a> They told the story of this man who could have just said he was "guilty" of being a witch and lived but instead he was crushed (alive) with rocks. Scary stuff back then! What were these people thinking?!?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsvg4g8bNlv8ppGL59qSDJ4He4UDEM_fQLk6sXC8z05y8ftKtyemvC-RPT33flrSod9X3_PvfNqis__YG0i_xpGHbrF6j9Zx2VcUunz6qI588ho_etv7Fx1C9WTQByqYfn-LDLDLwVCfA/s1600/f10043648.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690287978785227762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsvg4g8bNlv8ppGL59qSDJ4He4UDEM_fQLk6sXC8z05y8ftKtyemvC-RPT33flrSod9X3_PvfNqis__YG0i_xpGHbrF6j9Zx2VcUunz6qI588ho_etv7Fx1C9WTQByqYfn-LDLDLwVCfA/s320/f10043648.jpg" /></a> Then we were finished on that side of town so we took a cab to the water front to tour the Salem Maritime National Historic Site. I love my National Parks/Historical Sites!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZu0rNDIQDfO4z_24LO8HACNbsrfV3Z45PrSdulHT6CiDsYhGHI_T5i6OyAmHVPzAC8A6ayOjzmi06RmCX04wBAV2Bjgf4kZ28YIUewE7xncTUMZq8ax3wpcky-NQpKPTc_BKPga7Fe6g/s1600/f10073024.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690287968490906930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZu0rNDIQDfO4z_24LO8HACNbsrfV3Z45PrSdulHT6CiDsYhGHI_T5i6OyAmHVPzAC8A6ayOjzmi06RmCX04wBAV2Bjgf4kZ28YIUewE7xncTUMZq8ax3wpcky-NQpKPTc_BKPga7Fe6g/s320/f10073024.jpg" /></a> The Salem Friendship (ship) is really what there is to explore as far as the historical site is concerned. You can't enter the building on the left. They did have some other building tours across the street (you'll see in a minute) but they are on odd times and this wasn't our main attraction. I'll definitely return sometime to explore more, though. Once I get on my page in the 1000 Things book :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_5JgWExBD3DIbWPa9Ud-MS_bZWV7Ez5VKxF93cjeuCA3QVCkol7v94Vr5KSDDkkcYq54awe9KxWxkYGKFEciGCOV6RB5iHlDDh60maCAwaN9Fws_Nlviriaka74cazfKybjthv84Pho/s1600/f10080448.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690287963038313554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_5JgWExBD3DIbWPa9Ud-MS_bZWV7Ez5VKxF93cjeuCA3QVCkol7v94Vr5KSDDkkcYq54awe9KxWxkYGKFEciGCOV6RB5iHlDDh60maCAwaN9Fws_Nlviriaka74cazfKybjthv84Pho/s320/f10080448.jpg" /></a> The ship is the oldest ship still commissioned in the Navy and they take it out about once a month or so.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgxBdwm12aUg1nFA4FJ5nemmJRlhz2AKNiLPMEM_2Z7-LL9Ah3JYullxZRZIGAIagn73uha_wCXpOi98HIm6j2sg7IXODGaqlcPShTwoU4NNvxLB6hKvmnQqgvXPoDcVnF-d98CJCCGTc/s1600/f10095232.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690286423202274594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgxBdwm12aUg1nFA4FJ5nemmJRlhz2AKNiLPMEM_2Z7-LL9Ah3JYullxZRZIGAIagn73uha_wCXpOi98HIm6j2sg7IXODGaqlcPShTwoU4NNvxLB6hKvmnQqgvXPoDcVnF-d98CJCCGTc/s320/f10095232.jpg" /></a> The cute sign... Lol<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiti2CGySIXtMsp6ur5ROBECGWzKXCyHhk8KhSNviktovqz_1wf7_HHAreyuENGofFpqBqhmaS0J56lZmt4a69HqHFD_17Dn3li0SJkH7oKnCZK8cih6j_GzDOX-Mx2JGi3I3GOa8yuVVI/s1600/f10139520.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690286417042132498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiti2CGySIXtMsp6ur5ROBECGWzKXCyHhk8KhSNviktovqz_1wf7_HHAreyuENGofFpqBqhmaS0J56lZmt4a69HqHFD_17Dn3li0SJkH7oKnCZK8cih6j_GzDOX-Mx2JGi3I3GOa8yuVVI/s320/f10139520.jpg" /></a> The science behind sailing a ship like this just astounds me!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcY01wcGycK6cX2wKRzyWMAJLOpK2BKnTtW3Xuh10hsFYz5RTNcJemlnkq7Dy3zHsfSIo0quzdxV8eTBS9fDFa7qfaIs6piaCS4yin8L2d4Y7qbeLX_ODWhO8rrgqlpqIyCAEgkzhkQHk/s1600/f10210944.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690286400828903186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcY01wcGycK6cX2wKRzyWMAJLOpK2BKnTtW3Xuh10hsFYz5RTNcJemlnkq7Dy3zHsfSIo0quzdxV8eTBS9fDFa7qfaIs6piaCS4yin8L2d4Y7qbeLX_ODWhO8rrgqlpqIyCAEgkzhkQHk/s320/f10210944.jpg" /></a> Below deck it was more spacious then I imagined but still must be so hard to live like that!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhki7pgEeXV-XLeNYp9TKQ9yrsOWqrNOWNjfrAm1Vu6o8-rzevYx0zGUWh8IQkoPDCHS_XYhTfd7rZz_m7B4Rz-Ym9PziLHaUXQlr8uKiIY0zxENkdXzLBLSnvRSWziqti2-DG7tg3r3Ks/s1600/f10197120.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690286391237021570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhki7pgEeXV-XLeNYp9TKQ9yrsOWqrNOWNjfrAm1Vu6o8-rzevYx0zGUWh8IQkoPDCHS_XYhTfd7rZz_m7B4Rz-Ym9PziLHaUXQlr8uKiIY0zxENkdXzLBLSnvRSWziqti2-DG7tg3r3Ks/s320/f10197120.jpg" /></a> The custom house was a main center for all the ships coming into Salem with their goods.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4g3jxiD4HC0ye6SG08ZlfoX_pVcd0FxtThP7OQR7HUyNY8S5sjFoxjfVWWD7lbIKq_FGm9KucDySmW_hW2DOeyJBQeFGnlyYOQibgebgOWlyr7-hiFf07uR0vToLKonhv8pL8hRD-vCc/s1600/f10421184.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690286386995587602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4g3jxiD4HC0ye6SG08ZlfoX_pVcd0FxtThP7OQR7HUyNY8S5sjFoxjfVWWD7lbIKq_FGm9KucDySmW_hW2DOeyJBQeFGnlyYOQibgebgOWlyr7-hiFf07uR0vToLKonhv8pL8hRD-vCc/s320/f10421184.jpg" /></a> While walking to the House of Seven Gables we stopped in at the Witche's Brew Cafe to get a soda.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gP4uE3tNcwaojau5p52w9A4BbdgsMaLiNZYxyG3d_RKsNnj8Mxm7n4xZjfUiLWPrIX7VJbiFYug1Ifv-2EwM3NK3w7kgkJ1xRJ_xOFELdprkhow6qGVX_-YyAWZ6CLO5sDs9gajnaQ4/s1600/f10435008.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690284367235862674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gP4uE3tNcwaojau5p52w9A4BbdgsMaLiNZYxyG3d_RKsNnj8Mxm7n4xZjfUiLWPrIX7VJbiFYug1Ifv-2EwM3NK3w7kgkJ1xRJ_xOFELdprkhow6qGVX_-YyAWZ6CLO5sDs9gajnaQ4/s320/f10435008.jpg" /></a> As we walked to the House of Seven Gables we saw this candy shop across the street. It had all sorts of original candy plus lots of chocolate-covered items. I got some of the Gibralters hard candy (first candy made in America) for my students, and I got some chocolate-covered potato chips. They were yummy!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCc3qozBlmskJ5GJOY4rklJ6OexDVAzQ7yWwcoqV1fzA8zubKPDClAkn4OFJD2y07NbNsb_dkAnZ1VayclS4WbAK2tWTpOZjO6PAW5wyGXzNV7H-nzAGTGz5Mj_VchtsyI-wuI_ZtdKsU/s1600/f10456320.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690284359011615650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCc3qozBlmskJ5GJOY4rklJ6OexDVAzQ7yWwcoqV1fzA8zubKPDClAkn4OFJD2y07NbNsb_dkAnZ1VayclS4WbAK2tWTpOZjO6PAW5wyGXzNV7H-nzAGTGz5Mj_VchtsyI-wuI_ZtdKsU/s320/f10456320.jpg" /></a> The first candy :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXQev6x35E7pPM63KArNBsbqgu579Enkirq-pPW-wXiAHn4gFFKwDm_frNI3T1Rnnm7k039g-78vopXhmOd1V0u8XTmc817WQwCu2aWMc6sQWwenaFvF4sKOsS1shELg_CtU3lLQI3Aw/s1600/f10470144.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690284345606906322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXQev6x35E7pPM63KArNBsbqgu579Enkirq-pPW-wXiAHn4gFFKwDm_frNI3T1Rnnm7k039g-78vopXhmOd1V0u8XTmc817WQwCu2aWMc6sQWwenaFvF4sKOsS1shELg_CtU3lLQI3Aw/s320/f10470144.jpg" /></a> The shop is one of those "mom and pop" shops that have stayed in the family business for a hundred of years. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLjjXURY2YEJ-v8oV1rFbvImlBITLwgaJmddzYZaK3olzVoxHhkinYx5qLdlT1uD04FelR6cZ7o5f6Zg0pVYWN05qULAfktELzkIZhhon7WKmJ9YqwgwhucAIMjTmPfwHsQj9ZBqcYLg/s1600/f10477504.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690284334039633426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLjjXURY2YEJ-v8oV1rFbvImlBITLwgaJmddzYZaK3olzVoxHhkinYx5qLdlT1uD04FelR6cZ7o5f6Zg0pVYWN05qULAfktELzkIZhhon7WKmJ9YqwgwhucAIMjTmPfwHsQj9ZBqcYLg/s320/f10477504.jpg" /></a> Some of the other candy they had that was original molasses.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxtntEJhxgG6hklHhNJFJ8IbSSLSgG-V1VE1Ky3y7fjpNvzRcR7GdjHl6w-Q9mlNskamQuaSPI1kX9-g-3kpt-toooVXtpk6N6gQTdVS9maTKnIwfdxrDuburu13vVQtIwGyCrSb7NPZo/s1600/f10500224.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690284329455515954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxtntEJhxgG6hklHhNJFJ8IbSSLSgG-V1VE1Ky3y7fjpNvzRcR7GdjHl6w-Q9mlNskamQuaSPI1kX9-g-3kpt-toooVXtpk6N6gQTdVS9maTKnIwfdxrDuburu13vVQtIwGyCrSb7NPZo/s320/f10500224.jpg" /></a> Then we walked across to the House of Seven Gables to take their last tour of the day.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgYlj2nPUZ88IsxpvPjZyeKlDDfNlmqsHC-eqY736xHtJeT02l3XNUTA_9qPgqgFvIe7aXqYT_4ao18KDuCE9rQAaEdhBTff_EZEkCjp1RSv_ypCYQ5rvzaHe40McDYvdZGwKNlpJ9FcU/s1600/f10553088.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690282615387621250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgYlj2nPUZ88IsxpvPjZyeKlDDfNlmqsHC-eqY736xHtJeT02l3XNUTA_9qPgqgFvIe7aXqYT_4ao18KDuCE9rQAaEdhBTff_EZEkCjp1RSv_ypCYQ5rvzaHe40McDYvdZGwKNlpJ9FcU/s320/f10553088.jpg" /></a> In the courtyard where we waited for the tour guide to meet us were these beautiful blue mums.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1M1PI6h9w7Rf7VY1pLAbFhK0DC8fsV1DT8K7TowpkuTO6vsZ8S1ZcHhzEMeZuKZE8fWAuPLsJ_1sd1hnLRIv-rWsG_xCkbI_FAdZTRd83o7WN_VGUXxRU_HfrtExiyNPhzE1ZaaDDDDk/s1600/f10590784.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690282605088580354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1M1PI6h9w7Rf7VY1pLAbFhK0DC8fsV1DT8K7TowpkuTO6vsZ8S1ZcHhzEMeZuKZE8fWAuPLsJ_1sd1hnLRIv-rWsG_xCkbI_FAdZTRd83o7WN_VGUXxRU_HfrtExiyNPhzE1ZaaDDDDk/s320/f10590784.jpg" /></a> This was the house that Nathaniel Hawthorne was born into. After almost being demolished the historical society had it moved over to the House of Seven Gables so they could open it as a museum.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmN_1j0YB7JYN9fkUKeMqkDvJnoTCWNZVMgZTXwjm_l1adlqY19ksa9Bp5lEkjy5dDfw_bGTqsPATIWYAugutbW-0rAOOWB90drrVtH3KCGNBxvVAa4zpiN4BgiwuCQtKMsMsVq7ekpp0/s1600/f10634944.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690282595524620706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmN_1j0YB7JYN9fkUKeMqkDvJnoTCWNZVMgZTXwjm_l1adlqY19ksa9Bp5lEkjy5dDfw_bGTqsPATIWYAugutbW-0rAOOWB90drrVtH3KCGNBxvVAa4zpiN4BgiwuCQtKMsMsVq7ekpp0/s320/f10634944.jpg" /></a> We toured the house, owned by a friend of Hawthorne's who he visited often, which gave him the ideas for the book. Hawthorne, himself, was a recluse and very shy. He didn't get any noteriety for his work until later in life. He also didn't marry until much later in life, either.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg726IEWKIAG-GIojz-iZWvnQZjIs1e5aAw2PFiSFTVnnR2Wdcv9AGhChVSOCXOevSlxYrdAnUOMHMUntT8GLQb3P5gZHrIwsoXdQH6tOGYwmKdxjUtI6m48LE-A1wD4FqiA3wM92nRC0A/s1600/f10649792.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690282588565711618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg726IEWKIAG-GIojz-iZWvnQZjIs1e5aAw2PFiSFTVnnR2Wdcv9AGhChVSOCXOevSlxYrdAnUOMHMUntT8GLQb3P5gZHrIwsoXdQH6tOGYwmKdxjUtI6m48LE-A1wD4FqiA3wM92nRC0A/s320/f10649792.jpg" /></a> During the tour you get to see many different rooms in the house, set up like it was still the 1700s. At one point you go through this secret passage way up to the attic and it's a VERY TIGHT, NARROW squeeze. My claustrophobia was going NUTS but my friend Kristi held my hand and we made it through, lol.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtpoDQrOQWrDAMbdhBiRpV-63iedSeEUSF3i3SjZ4IE-qehpfSequcEzz9yCLZuXHznHbZ_3zmS__5i9glOtH9HOmdxsLi7t3RJyxydiOv5qRVjL5y8n6SdodPVn4OQpZtianoWuPGZd8/s1600/f10693376.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690282585351119954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtpoDQrOQWrDAMbdhBiRpV-63iedSeEUSF3i3SjZ4IE-qehpfSequcEzz9yCLZuXHznHbZ_3zmS__5i9glOtH9HOmdxsLi7t3RJyxydiOv5qRVjL5y8n6SdodPVn4OQpZtianoWuPGZd8/s320/f10693376.jpg" /></a> Another view.... I tour the gift shop UP. I found some really great literary resources and thank goodness, had already hit up Half Price Books for all the Hawthorne books I could find. :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCzue-TvcqrXXRQPax0p7NXFevwi0Dc0ZYknfeNxURKKtqeSZN-P8HmINs46Waefz8OtjLb9cDhDldmNDt66kddS_6iowDBrC24i1uDUjz55dz-HTR1ABm28OKx6JcTPBDFl-uUrkaQ1E/s1600/f10736832.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690279973861199378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCzue-TvcqrXXRQPax0p7NXFevwi0Dc0ZYknfeNxURKKtqeSZN-P8HmINs46Waefz8OtjLb9cDhDldmNDt66kddS_6iowDBrC24i1uDUjz55dz-HTR1ABm28OKx6JcTPBDFl-uUrkaQ1E/s320/f10736832.jpg" /></a> Then we headed to the Lobster Shanty for dinner. It was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives so Kristi found it for us since she knows how much I love eating at places like this.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHI3G9myBHr0A2iucoEzhGmJGAKrKXMv_7Nky1p6a4GxaOjnBOFQ3qyeUHo5ze2NgKYtfPusZuwq25JgNE5-CvT5nKxjXhP2o3tyciKT62Q_Wo8Yq3QSvgS7LJQwStyq1e2YGM2CbOjPs/s1600/f10744320.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690279967672286082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHI3G9myBHr0A2iucoEzhGmJGAKrKXMv_7Nky1p6a4GxaOjnBOFQ3qyeUHo5ze2NgKYtfPusZuwq25JgNE5-CvT5nKxjXhP2o3tyciKT62Q_Wo8Yq3QSvgS7LJQwStyq1e2YGM2CbOjPs/s320/f10744320.jpg" /></a> They definitely weren't that bad but I did get a bit nervous. :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9zcC-scMYh8RSdbcemwSQUsp8fNdHccLHEbRzMxe82sGaT5IRwoMtGLb9nsU00YincW-tbfwGI69JUkoI3_qvo2sgJS-esg6oPoJE_dnb9BB1BxCzJf0JTn83xIPdH8JIAbnKsMCFH8/s1600/f10775232.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690279964003990866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9zcC-scMYh8RSdbcemwSQUsp8fNdHccLHEbRzMxe82sGaT5IRwoMtGLb9nsU00YincW-tbfwGI69JUkoI3_qvo2sgJS-esg6oPoJE_dnb9BB1BxCzJf0JTn83xIPdH8JIAbnKsMCFH8/s320/f10775232.jpg" /></a> I was in a brave mood so I tried the Perfect Storm, which was risky in that I had no clue what was in it!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBWrKzde1R3l51JP3hUvQuYxFTDBma3qAakMvF4CEfJc4nfKDddxsFQNThvInAa_oXCPOugI_vYOh8hu_VxsPD5loGS1LHDQTWUFpjJGsIY9RHL4oY1npKhAD3h1CIhsmJPdaIxAZhAys/s1600/f10818560.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690279947979214818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBWrKzde1R3l51JP3hUvQuYxFTDBma3qAakMvF4CEfJc4nfKDddxsFQNThvInAa_oXCPOugI_vYOh8hu_VxsPD5loGS1LHDQTWUFpjJGsIY9RHL4oY1npKhAD3h1CIhsmJPdaIxAZhAys/s320/f10818560.jpg" /></a> (Sorry the picture must not have saved the right way...but it looks the same reversed.) I had the lobster mac-and-cheese and it was yummy! I definitely picked all the good lobster meat out since it was such a big portion.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7_WvV3SH7CwB7dCej-u_dfahf4EiUbGGSjvUo3pCDbQTtDkuvjVzXUaG4v-4-xACjH24JQ9vR72g36TmbqeOOOYrNjqFyQyxDr0w9L2QysDyP68JCosdYCEanwuulitT1KXhW445iYg/s1600/f10827072.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690279941609544514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7_WvV3SH7CwB7dCej-u_dfahf4EiUbGGSjvUo3pCDbQTtDkuvjVzXUaG4v-4-xACjH24JQ9vR72g36TmbqeOOOYrNjqFyQyxDr0w9L2QysDyP68JCosdYCEanwuulitT1KXhW445iYg/s320/f10827072.jpg" /></a> And my perfect storm led me into a state of travel bliss. After dinner we strolled back to the Hawthorne Hotel and I uploaded some pics and got to bed, ready for another day of travel and back to Boston!Brandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12189690390784629887noreply@blogger.com2