Good morning!

Well it's our first full day in Chicago - it is the simple pleasures on a trip like this, like didn't that shower feel good.  We have a good hotel - perfect for this - Travelodge on Harrison.  It's sturdy and servicable.  The manager, Darren, is amazing and so organized.  There are no towel racks in the bathroom and that's confusing, but hey.  When you look at the window, you are looking at Chicago. 

Curious what the students felt about the train trip.  To me, it's seven hours of enforced relaxation.  Comfortable roomy seats, you can get up and walk around, plug in your ipod and sit in the Observation Car and Observe, dining car where the waiters wear white coats - it's a very civilized way to travel.  I think it's also the leanest carbon footprint way to go, if that's something you consider.

Today, where to eat breakfast...  A tour of the Modern Wing at the Chicago Art Institute.  Lunch and live blues at the Cultural Center.  Then (surely hopefully a quick nap before) dinner at Cocoran's and Second City improv club.  

Hopefully the students are developing new friendships and broadening their horizons, literally.

I for one am always happy to be in Chicago.