Chi-kaa-go

Accents and food: two of the best things about traveling. We got a good sampling of both in Chicago. We spent a couple nights in the Chicago suburbs with Audrey's great uncle and took the train downtown for the day.

We visited Millennium Park, home of the Bean (a mirrored, jelly-bean shaped sculpture) and the Crown Fountains (two rectangles with changing faces). We met up with Jessica, Audrey's college friend, at Giordano's for some famous Chicago-style pizza. The pizza was delectable (deep-dish crust layered with pepperoni, gobs of cheese and topped with sauce), but sat in my stomach like a rock and left us full for hours. We did manage to find room for milkshakes later that night at Ed Debevic's, a '50's style diner where the wait staff lives up to their slogan: "Good Food. Fresh Service." Their customer service strategy is unique, but it makes for a fun experience.

After Chicago, Audrey and I spent a night in St. Louis, MO with the Berntsens (relatives). We did drive by the famous arch on our way to Paul and Jesse's, but I don't have photographic proof. We had a fun evening with their family and hit the road early (for us) the next morning for Nashville.