Chicago

I felt rather privileged this past weekend. I packed my bags and flew for a weekend trip to Chicago. I've never flown anywhere for just the weekend and it seemed a little extravagant. It was certainly worth it though; I got to see my mom.
Mom was already there for a conference, so I came in on Friday to join her for a few days. After an agonizing attempt at reaching the city by train, we finally got the right directions and made it into our hotel. We were located right across from Grant Park; blocks from downtown and beautifully set at the edge of the water. The first night was pretty low key, mostly just catch up time.

On Saturday, we started strong. We went to a breakfast place called Waffles and indulged. I wasn't adventurous enough to try the ribs and waffles, but it was delicious with blackberries. Afterwards, we spent the morning bicycling around Grant and Millenium Parks. The Annual Monster Run was happening along the waterfront, so we stopped to laugh at all the ridiculous costumes. Following that, we went on an Architecture Boat Tour. The tour took us down the Chicago River while explaining the history and significance of many buildings. It was an excellent way to see the city and to get a feel for the history of the town. The buildings were certainly beautiful and gave me a new appreciation for architecture.

That evening, we went to a comedy club. I would go back again and again. The iO comedy club is the founder of longform comedy. The comedians get a suggestion from the audience and expand on the topic creating a play. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. It's intoxicating to sit in a crowd and laugh; definitely something I would like to experience again.

Alas, as Sunday approached, we had to part ways. It was so amazing to be with my mom in Chicago for a few days, but I wish it could have lasted longer. We know how to have fun together and how to really enjoy a place. Until Christmas Mom...