Anyways, enjoy!
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During August 19th - 21st, I went on a 'spontaneous' somewhat unplanned, weekend trip with one of my good friend. I felt the need for clarity and answers and obviously the home of deep-dish pizza and Dunkin' Donuts on every corner will suffice to that. Interestingly enough, it's a weekend I will never forget.
Keep in mind, my friend's parents are the traditional Chinese household with questions of "who, what, when, and where" so for me to find out three days before leaving to a city 600 miles away has got me happy like a fat kid got cake (and ice cream with caramel syrup topped with a strawberry and almond).
Day before the trip, fixed my car to ensure we can endure the 1200 total mile trip. Of course, my reliable, off-white Accord could handle two pretty ladies beautifully harmonizing to whatever 90s CD I had. We shipped out despite me getting only three hours of sleep (I always do this whenever I go on a vacation, it's fun to clean before I leave outta state - is that so wrong?!) and off into the East we go.
After 5 hours, we arrived to getting lost for another hour. Our first stop was Mitsuwa Market. Seriously, all we all had to was go straight and turn left. Instead we followed Google' direction of turn left and got to know Algonquin Rd for 10 miles. We arrived at the Marketplace and enjoyed a very satisfying meal (check out the Food Blog), then met another road friend - Golf Rd and ventured at Woodfield Mall.
Oh yeah... remember the lady who I thought was going to key my car? I get paranoid. Who wouldn't?! This lady with black aviators staring straight into my soul. She might as well bring me to the Shadow Games and take my well being! So the car was the next best thing.
After an indecisive shopping trip, we were all pretty quick on getting some dinner. Our host was at home and everyone went out to BBQ chicken. Met their friends from college. Awww how cute! *Ring Ring* that's me five to ten years from now, saying my favorite words to you, "let's date soon!" I don't care if it's been 38473294 years, I will find you and date we shall! We will most likely reminisce about the past and enjoy what is happening now over a cup of tea while eating the best spongecake sprinkled with chocolate shavings and strawberry topping (place TBD/TBF(to be found)).
The day we're sight seeing in Downtown Chicago, there's a gloomy overcast. Did that stop us and break our spirits? Hardly! First thing: FOOD! Cream puffs at Beard Papa's. Best morning meal evar! When we went to the Bean at Millenium Park, it was AWESOME! We didn't have a million people crowd around this shiny food-shape object - instead it was like a mini-photo shoot where we didn't have to rent the area for $096548.
Thankfully we're all in shape and walked around:
- Anthropologie store
- Millenium Park and the Buckingham Fountain
- Epic Burger
- Chicago Cultural Center
- Magnificent Mile
- Marilyn Monroe
- Chinatown (this we took the L-train)
Then... dusk hit~ Welcome to Wicker Park. Come dress for yourself and expect a night of good times! Honestly we had no idea on what to do and looked on yelp.com and ta-da! Found the Violet Hour. Loved it! It got to the point where I was too sleepy and my friend had to drive. Thank freakin' goodness she had a better sense of direction. As soon as we arrived back, I got the strength to walk into the house and KO onto the bed. I highly recommend you come here with the person you can have great conversations and who knows their way around the IL highways.
The next morning, we lazily woke up to an awesome note of 'food is in the fridge' type of thing. But instead we drove out to Le Peep and enjoyed a delicious meal. Also to learn that my phone might have possibly been stuck inside someone's house... But I got it before 1PM - our original time to leave. :)
What did I learn on this trip?
1. I have no sense of direction.
2. We suck at making decisions
3. A good conversation goes a long way
4. Ask directions. Then make sure you understand the directions.
5. Some things are worth waiting for - or getting lost for about an hour
6. MN's old 96.3 is Chicago's 96.3.
7. No pressure and let's take our time
8. MN needs a Mitsuwa Marketplace. C'mon let's get a CHINATOWN AT LEAST!
9. This foreign coin is not a dime = tolls will not accept.
10. It's time to let go, let loose and let the chips fall as they may
These are a lot of obvious learning experiences, but hey, I'm a bit slow and to fully embrace this is difficult for me. With all this adventure - not like I haven't had them before, I found a few random things about myself and my friend that we somewhat tested out. We didn't know what the heck will happen - she could hate me for all that mattered, but everything turned out really fun! The one trip where it felt like a vacation FOR ONCE.
Itinerary:
Friday: Arrived in Arlington Heights, IL
Mitsuwa Market
Woodfield Mall
BBQ Chicken
Saturday:
Downtown Chicago
- Block 37
- Marilyn Monroe
- The place with the Bean
- Buckingham Fountain
- Epic Burger
- Chicago Cultural Center
- Magnificent Mile
Chinatown
Wicker Park
Sunday: Eat at Le Peeps
Check out her Facebook for any picture reference, if you're friends with her :)
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