Girls Trip Day 3: Destination Chicago

Today is Day 3 of the Chicago Trip. Veronica and I worked out this morning. I got a better workout today. We didn't stop in for breakfast since we still had some left over from yesterday.

Today we toured two museums and finish up on last minute shopping. First thing we wanted to do was tackle the Art Institute of Chicago; they had several exhibits Veronica and I wanted to check out. We arrived too early and decided to shop at the Architect Museum which was a block away. I picked up a book for my Goddaugter, Elisa. I hope she will enjoy it. We then walked back over the museum where a line started to gather. I go even more excited when I saw that they had an Impressionism collection upstairs. I spent almost 1 hour up there and 30 minutes staring at my favorite Impressionism painting - On the Bank of Seine by Monet. I teared up when I saw the painting.

Afterwards I headed downstairs for the Gods and Glamour exhibit. One of my favorite world history was Byzantine Era and my favorite myths are those of Greek Gods. I found this quote written on the walls where they had dinnerware that came from that era:

We then took a quick Trolley Tour - as part of the Hop On & Off Tour - and ventured into Chinatown, Little Italy (only consist of 2 blocks) and Greek Town (3 stores worth). I dozed off after seeing Little Italy. After hopping off the tour, which ended in Millennium Park, we headed over to Tavern in the Park for Lunch. I had Mac 'n' Cheese while the girls had sandwiches. You should go here for for their famous pear infused vodka which they make themselves. The large jar sits on the counter behind the bartenders. After lunch we headed out to Chicago History Museum where I learned about playboy bunnies, the Great Chicago fire, and Prohibition era. It was a way from downtown, so take the taxi if you can - $10 fare.

We then headed for more souvenir shopping and headed over the Chicago Cultural Center which was located directly across from the Millennium Park. If you get the chance to visit Millennium Park, head over the Cultural Center, the inside is breath-taking.

View from bottom up

View from top down

After getting our fill of marble and stone, we headed back to the hotel to get ready for our last dinner in Chicago. We booked a couple of restaurants a week prior to our trip. We decided to stick with Prosecco Restaurant. All fancied up in our cute dresses, we walked 4 blocks up and 2 block over. We were greeted by a tiny narrow restaurant with sophisticated Italian decor. We checked in and made our way to the bar for drinks. I ordered a non-alcoholic lemon drink while Veronica and Lily ordered Prosecco and fruit blended cocktails. A few minutes later we were escorted to our table. The waiter presented us with a complementary glass of Prosecco which I thought was awesome. I ordered the best veal meal I've ever had. It was bread crusted with a side of spinach and mashed potatoes. I loved it! It was my favorite meal out of Chicago. We finished the night with gelato, I got the cappuccino flavor and the girls each got the banana & chocolate flavor.

Tonight I packed my suitcase and carefully placed the souvenirs inside. I packed 3 boxes of fudge, 3 books, 3 souvenir shirts, 1 toddler onesie, and 1 picture frame. My suitcase didn't look any more stuffed than it did when I got into Chicago. I changed my flight plans for tomorrow a few months ago. I was asked by my brother's friends to officiate their wedding for them so I changed my flight to a morning flight. Otherwise I would have flown out at 5pm and enjoyed brunch with the girls. But at this moment I am ready to go home. It has been an amazing trip. Tomorrow, I will not be blogging my trip home. It should be easy: take Red Line to Blue Line. Take Blue Line straight into O'Hare Airport. Fly direct to SFO and take shuttle from SFO to SJC. Take Light Rail on Brokaw Rd. to home.

One more trip down! Next will be my road trip to Florida where I will be moving to. Yes, you heard it, I am moving to Florida to be with my fiancé. He is the best thing to happen to me and I can't imagine my life without him.