Chicago -- the Windy City

It's spring break, and off I went to the windy city, Chicago. It's a 6 hours drive there from Des Moines, and it was a great relief when we reached Chicago. Stomachs were grumbling because of hunger, joints are sore due to lack of strecthing, and everyone are tired due to the long journey.

Finally, our first meal in Chicago. Comments about that restaurant was pretty convincing, but I must say that it did not live up to expectations. Even those who gave good review was disappointed. Anyway, we made our way to the hotel and recharged our batteries.

Rise early my fellows, our destination will be dim sum at Chinatown! Reluctantly we dragged ourselves up and made our way to the restaurant. The dim sum was quite okay, but if compared to those we get in New York City, it is a mile off from that standard. Anyhow, we head to our next destination -- downtown Chicago for St. Patrick's Parade.

People were everywhere when we reached the area. Every vantage point for a clear sight of the parade were taken. We compensated for it, and can only blame ourselves for not arriving earlier. Anyway, it wasn't all that important. I took pictures of the parade, but then started to get bored, and so we left.

We walked about nearby, visiting the reknown Chicago Bean (it is call some other name, but it is nicknamed Chicago Bean) and also downtown Chicago. We also managed to take some pictures of the river which was dyed green for St. Patrick's Celebration. Authorities claim that they use environmentally friendly dye, but I still can't help thinking what the fishes in the water think! Maybe something like, "Wow! Plenty of algae floating in the water today? Every fish, open your mouths and start eating!" =p

We went back to Chinatown after spending time downtown. Dinner time, which means we are hungry and food will be served soon! We filled up our grumbling stomachs at a seafood restaurant, again claimed to be very nice. It didn't live up to expectation again, and I didn't eat much. Maybe my expectation was to high, but I doubt it.

Karaoke was the next event, and the place for karaoke looks similar to red light area! They even use red lights to illuminate the area! It wasn't too bad, and the bartender aka technician aka 'one man show' was friendly and we did had some fun time there. Suprisingly, one of us was hungry after singing! So supper was up next. We had some food again and head back to the hotel, a journey where everyone except the driver started to doze off.

We slept till the sun was high up in the sky, then headed out in search for korean barbeque. We spent some time getting the address right and the name of the restaurant, but finally our GPS and friend in Des Moines got us to the place. Everyone was very hungry at that time, but there was only one waitress serving three tables! Patience is a virtue, and finally we were rewarded with food to treat our hunger. It was quite nice, but again, I like New York City's korean barbeque better.

We spend some time walking around the korean village, then head back to Chinatown for snooker and pool session. We cancelled the original plan of buffet steak for dinner due to the price and also the mood, and succumb to walking around Chinatown. We end up spliting into a few groups, and I walked with my dear brother. We had char siew and siew yok fan (barbeque pork and roast pork rice) for dinner. The serving was huge, and we had a satisfying meal. We headed back to the hotel, had just a little booze as we planned to play some games that night, but everyone was more interested with those hilarious commercial which the television was airing, and we called it a day after those commercials.

Korean food for brunch the next day, which was the best meal of the trip in my opinion. I spent quite a lot at the korean mart as well, but it was well worth it I must say. A last stop at Chinatown to get more char siew and siew yok and roast duck and also some pastry like egg tarts and buns, we head back to Des Moines. Rainy weather and long journey isn't pleasant, and napping during the journey was the main event.

Back in Des Moines finally, and dinner was great. Kimchi and korean snacks with siew yok and stuffs is a great match. After sleeping on the floor for a few days, my bed couldn't have felt better! =p All in all, I must say Chicago is a nice city. Definitely I will visit Chicago again one day. But to compare it with New York City, I prefer New York City. And for now, back to catching up with studies for the rest of my spring break! Adioz.