A Childhood Dream and a Bonus - Finally Chicago X Detroit

MBG Globe - Chicago, Illinois and Detroit, Michigan - Jun 29- Jul 05, 2021

My geographical knowledge is not something I could brag about though I know one thing for sure, in America,  there is this place called Chicago. All my high school friends and hometown neighbors seem to love this place a lot. Matter of fact, they all moved there! It must be nice up there, they say it is cold and white and fun. I said to myself, one day, I'll go there too. If they like the place so much to fly an entire household over, then I too should see it with my own eyes.

That was a childhood dream, and I never did forget about it. With every passing of time in my little hometown, one friend after another will say goodbye. Once again, they are moving to America, to Chicago. Little did I know, the thread of fate would work wonders for me too. Why, with a praying heart and a steel desire - white, cold, and fun is the place I call home. It is not Chicago, but I know that with an extra step or two, I'll be there.

The Drive.

Nothing that comes easy is worth having. I always believe and live by this saying. If it is extra and super duper hard to get, then it is worth it. Our USA visa processing is the same thing. The process was a breeze but the waiting time is what is hard. It took us a year to finally fulfill our appointment and get our tourist visa. The day of our flight is the same thing too. Our flight was canceled without ample days of notice, we were already in the airport, excitement and a multitude of luggage in tow. We were advised to go home, but the vagabond in us refused to let one airline mistake ruin all the years of excitement we have. We drove. We took the road to the USA.

The Bonus.

Declaring Detroit to be the very first state we visited in the USA. The road took us to a lot of places down the road, but the night was warranted for a rest in Detroit. After all the butterflies in our tummies for our very first USA immigration experience at the toll gates, we headed straight to a nice little cozy hotel just a few meters away from Canada. We didn't have the chance to even appreciate the American night sky, we were sleepy and tired and bottling up all the excitement for the next day.

Chicago finally.

After breakfast, we were ready for the road again. Another 4 hours and a half drive will be easy. We are going to Chicago after all, the place where my limited childhood geographical genius is focused on. My heart's on fire as we drove the Chicago Skyway. I can finally see the place with my own eyes and experience the fun they all talked about. They can have all the snow, we have plenty in Canada already.

First stop.

We arrived in Chicago in the heart of the holiday. It was the 4th and the roads were blocked due to the NASCAR event. The traffic was bad, but what caused me all the anxiety and paranoia was how fast the driving speed was. It was all chill in Toronto, Chicago roadway is a battlefield.

Day 1.

We first met up with Mama and ate Mara for a superb lunch. Little did we know that our American welcome will be this heartfelt. We had a little banner and little American flags. We had our lunch around the neighborhood. It was our first time trying Columbian cuisine and we love it. The roasted chicken and fried fish were amazing.

The walk of magnificence.

Chicago is a confluence of the architectural genius of both the old and new. What makes Magnificent Mile truly magnificent is the proud display of towering pieces of art. It was like walking in an architectural revolution from days past and the present. The best walk I had by far.

If you want to see money littered just about anywhere, Magnificent Mile is the place to be. Not the literal bill on hand, but dollars represent wherever you go. From expensive artful buildings full of equally expensive designer items, even Starbucks is a whole level of magnificence. A cup is $15. I wouldn't survive living in those millionaire aisles. Gosh, even Trump has his trump card of a tower on full display.

The Bean.

The Cloud Gate, most endearingly called the Bean due to its shape is another architectural marvel. I am not one to fuss about the meaning and significance of something, I just care about the photo op. The Bean rose up to my expectation, it was always my number 1 attraction that I really want to visit. It was crowded and a decent groufie let alone a selfie is impossible. 

Crown Fountain.

This was something new and remarkable on my part. I am not too pleased with the concept of this waterpark but the theme overall is to have people from every different walks of life, have their animated pictures displayed on a billboard, and when they open their mouths, water sprung out from it. The water, a fountain will then make every kid in the park run towards it, happily and excitedly. 

Here and there and Park Hyatt.

We stayed in Park Hyatt, an ultra-expensive accommodation in the heart of the Money Mile. It has every luxurious amenity a hotel room could ever account for. Just imagine high-technology windows, lights, and heating/cooling. A pantry for a King and a washroom fit for an elephant. We have the Money Mile view too.

Day 2.

We covered almost all the worthy attractions on the first day. Chicago was really impressive, my childhood friends made all the right choices to move there, it is a very splendid place.

RH Rooftop Resto.

Ate Mara and Kuya Manolet treated us to a chic luncheon at RH rooftop. It is a stylish art gallery of home modernization and furniture, expensive too. The rooftop restaurant brags unrivaled ambiance plus the food was superb. Desert was served huge at the cheesecake factory.

Architectural River Cruise.

This is a must-do activity in Chicago. The view of the architecture is different on the river, it is a guided tour so a little history is a bonus. The towering beauty of Chicago felt closer than ever, larger than life, and awe-inspiring. This was the most enjoyable river cruise we had. It rained during our excursion, but it did not dampen our very bright experience.

River Walk.

Another enjoyable activity was walking along the river bank to appreciate a different view of the buildings and of course, to try out some local Chicago eateries and cocktail.

Special Mention: Stans donut

The Barbie-era donut shop stone's throw away from Park Hyatt, they served yummy huge donuts and good coffee.

Day 3. 

Our second day in Chicago was as lovely as the first day. It rained a lot but we still managed to complete some activities. 

Michael Jordan Statue.

As if the rain joined in our happy spirits, it decided to pour a lot harder on our third day. We decided an indoor activity will be best. Marlon has been dying to go to Michale Jordan Statue and the Chicago Bulls store, Gabby on the other hand is itching for some slimy activity at Sloomoo. After a little discussion on what comes first, we decided to head to the United Center, where MJ's gold doppelganger stands and where his merchandise is up for grabs.

Sloomoo Institute.

After Papa's dream-come-true moment, it is now time for Biw's. We headed thereafter to Sloomoo Institute. the madhouse of slime - slime basin, slime-themed activity, slime VR, slime bath, and slime workshop. Everything spells slime time!

Max's.

After a fun activity at the Slime Institute and MJ house, we went to Max's for a Filipino dinner. 

Day 4.

Our rainy third day was spent mostly indoors but the fun was still unrivaled. We get to have the fun slimy time and the mandatory MJ visit.

Ohio Beach Park.

We had the warmest day ever since we arrived in Chicago and we decided that we should head to the iconic Ferris wheel that is located at Navy Pier. We walked going there instead of taking the rotary bus. We passed by Ohio Beach Park, an unpretentious little stretch of golden sand and blue water. There were a lot of sunbathers, and people enjoying beachside snacks and drinks.

Navy Pier.

We didn't get to spend a lot of time at the beach because we only have today as our last day to explore Chicago. We intend to go to the iconic Ferris Wheel. There were a lot of people at Navy Pier. I initially thought it was an indoor amusement area, but it turns out it was so much more. The indoor area was reserved for food and drinks and shopping, the pier extends all the way to the back where an amusement park is located. There were a bunch of games, we bought an all-inclusive ticket because we can't choose what to ride. We had so much fun! 

Chicago Famous.

We wouldn't turn in for the night without trying some Chicago famous which is a deep-dish pizza. Putting famous in the menu, there a lot of hungry eaters on line, the wait time was exponentially longer but the reward was just as exponentially satisfying. We will definitely have some deep-dish pizza again.

Going back to Park Hyatt.

After a fulfilling day of eats and treats, we head back to the hotel early as we had to prepare for the next day's travel on the road again.

Day 5.

We had a lovely 4 days in Chicago. Dreams that are set in prayer will indeed come true, if we keep a hold on it, never abandoning and always believing. It took a long time, but it happened. Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity. Chicago is indeed as my fellow Katipuneros say - a home away from home.

Downtown Detroit.

Going back to our very first state in the USA, this time for sure, we will have our mini tour. Marlon can trace his ancestry in Detroit from his father's side. His grandfather is from the Motor City, there must be a plan weaved in heaven for us to visit the city. Our flight was canceled for a reason, and that must be seeing for ourselves, where Marlon's roots had originally grown.

We were able to tour the downtown in just a few hours, everything is located in a plaza where all the happenings and festivities are. Major places were closed due to the holiday but we have visited most of the tourist attractions that do not require an admission fee.

The road back to Toronto.

We stayed for the night in Detroit. The following day, we drove back to Toronto. We had an amazing first trip to the USA. The gypsy in us made this trip happen despite flight glitches. The road rose to meet us, the wind was on our back and the Lord was above to guide us. We had strong support there. We are hoping that time remains abundant for us, and strength in body and spirit stays unyielding so that there will be no road too narrow and no distance too great to travel. The world and the many wonders, we are praying to take it all in, one journey at a time. Thank you jud Lord.

*MBGXChicagoAndDetroit*    *TheMarcosesXUSA*    *21/2Gypsies*