We arrived in the afternoon and went to the Empire State Building where we spent late afternoon and early evening, watching the sun set and the city light up before heading back to the hotel.  Unfortunately that was about as much of NY as my sister got to see as she became ill after eating at the hotel.

The next couple of days were spent guiding my parents around the city. We went to the Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, Central Park, Harlem, Times Square, and Rockefeller Centre to view the Christmas Tree & Ice Rink and to St Patrick’s Cathedral to see the nativity display.  Even Central Station was decorated, complete with a musical kaleidoscope show that played frequently throughout the day.

Most of the time we used the City Sightseeing busses to get around Manhattan Island.  However we did use the subway on one occasion, which was an experience for my parents, but as I’d used the subway a lot in 1999 I new what to expect…

During my previous visit in 1999 I used Taxis a lot to get around NYC, which is an experience in itself.   New York cab drivers have a somewhat unique driving style!

We didn’t spend much time shopping but did spend lots of time looking at the highly decorated shop windows of Macy’s and Lord & Taylor.  Some photos of which are included in the New York Photo Album.

Unfortunately we didn’t get chance to take a boat tour on Circle Line Cruises.  In 1999 I did take this tour and really enjoyed it the city skyline from the water is very impressive.

I’d arrived in Chicago following my vacation in Pigeon Forge & Nashville and a few days in Austin on business.

Armed with an out-of-date travel guide I picked up cheap in a discount bookshop I took the train from Naperville to Chicago (a bargain at $5 for a weekend rail card).  I arrived in Chicago just in time to watch the Adam Street bridge being raised. 

A short walk to the Sears tower and I was soon up on the viewing level looking out at the sunny Chicago.  This time I had a camera with me so was able to take a few snapshots, which can be found in the Photo Album.

Walking from Sears tower towards Lake Michigan I came upon Grant Park, where I sat and watched the world go by for a little while before walking to Navy Pier.  Navy Pier is an interesting recreational area which was extremely busy this sunny June Saturday. After getting something to eat I took a boat trip that provided a relaxing way of viewing some of the impressive skyscrapers that Chicago is famous for.

More walking, this time to the John Hancock tower for yet more views of the city from above.  After which I walked back to the train station to meet a colleague from Austin.  A short taxi ride later and we were at Giordano’s, a pizza restaurant renowned for its excellent stuffed Chicago style pizzas.

Sunday was slightly more leisurely with a late departure from Naperville, a walk around Grant Park, then a walk out to the Zoo (which is actually quite a long walk).  After lots more walking we ended up at the Taste of Randolph Street and saw a group my colleague recommended called “Toad the Wet Sprocket”.

A selection of photos can be found in the Chicago Photo Album