Stranded - The continuation of What Happens In Vegas

We nearly missed our flight back home (don't laugh).  As we descended upon O'Hare airport we experienced a few minutes of showers.  Nothing major or so we thought. By the time we landed the showers had stopped and the sun was shinning bright. We made it to our connecting gate just to find out that our flight was delayed.   Not a problem, it was still early and I wasn't in a hurry.   An hour wait turned into two and the next thing you know our flight was cancelled  all together.  (Play the dramatic music).

A line began to form at the customer service counter and passenger started to get restless.  The only thing Tel and I wanted to know was if we would be able to leave sometime that day. The response we received was a big fat NO.  No flights were leaving out for the rest of the day.  As a matter of fact, the next available flight was two days away. This was all in part due to the few minutes of showers we experienced earlier.   In no way was Tel and I sleeping in the airport for 2 days.  I asked the attendant about accommodations for the two days we would be stranded.  Initially, the attendant told me that because it was a natural occurrence no accommodation could be made, but I wasn't having that. I told her something needed to be done and that I have allergies towards sleeping in airports.  So she gave us one voucher, good for 50% off our hotel stay and two free meals.

As we made our way out the terminal to wait for our hotel shuttle a lightbulb went off.  If we only have one voucher what happens the second night? Do we pay the full price? Not happening.  I stopped at a customer service counter downstairs and explained our situation to the attendant.  She felt bad for us and gave us a voucher not knowing we already had one in our possession.  Yes I know, I'm so smart.

The hotel we stayed at was about a mile away.  Tel and I got settled in then went to the neighboring hotel restaurant to get some free dinner. When we returned to the room I started flipping through the channels. I was drawn to a program that featured the best of Chicago.  Immediately I began jotting down all of the eateries and activities they mentioned.  If we were going to be stranded in Chicago we were going to enjoy it.

The next morning with my list in hand we took the hotel shuttle to the nearest metro station and were off on our journey.

Our first planned stop was Millennium Park, a public park initially intended to celebrate the millennium.  It is a civic center near the Lake Michigan shoreline.

At Millennium Park we took pictures with the famous Chicago bean and other sculptures and cooled off at the Crown Fountain.  two video sculptures standing 50 feet tall.
The fountain was constructed of a black granite reflecting pool placed between a pair of glass brick towers. The towers used (LEDs) to display digital videos on their inward faces. Intermittently the water would cascade down the two towers and spout through a nozzle on each tower's front face. It was inventive and appealing. On such a hot day that fountain was definitely needed.
Millennium Park and The Bean

Art in the park

After the fun at the fountain we walked through the Lurie Garden. A 2.5 acre garden in Millennium Park. The garden is a combination of perennials, bulbs, grasses, shrubs and trees. It is the featured nature component of the world's largest green roof.
Lurie Garden

We were craving some Chicago deep dish so we walked to Gino's East.
Immediately the delicious smell of cheese and tomato sauce  smacked us in the face as we walked in. Once seated we placed our order immediately.  I walked around to check out the decor.  In the dinning area black and white photos of Audrey Hepburn, Cary Grant and other other old time movie stars lined the walls. The furniture was covered in signatures from customers from all across the globe. In the hallway leading to the restrooms were autographed photos and memorabilia from various entertainers.
By the time I returned to my seat the pizza was on the table waiting to be devoured.  It was a thick, cheesy, flaky crusted, deep dish work or art.  It was delicious.   After eating we some free space on one of the seats where we left signatures.
Gino's East Pizzeria

From Gino's we noticed a big inflated balloon hovering near by so we walked towards it. We winded up at the Chicago Navy Pier where we rode the Ferries Wheel and played a few games. On our way to our next location we stumbled on a Picasso sculpture of children playing ring around the rosy. Of course I had to join in.
Chicago Navy Pier

Our last stop was Ed Debevic's 50's style frank and malt shop. From the servers uniforms to the decor the 50's we represented everywhere. As soon as we were seated we were given paper hats like the ones worn back in the days. Our waiter was a real sweetheart. He made sure we had the full experience.  After one mega chili hot dog, a burger, 2 ice cream sodas and some fries we left and did our best to walk off the food before heading back to the hotel.
Ed Debevic's

The next morning we caught our flight back home with no additional problems.

Til this day I tell people how great of a time I had while stranded in Chi Town.



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