Learning the Ropes

Tuesday
We left the motor home about 8:15 this morning and got into Elburn about 8:35. The train did not leave until about 9:20 so had quite a wait. The ride into downtown took 1hour and 20 minutes. It was our first trip on a commuter train so we were on our toes a little learning how things worked but wasn't a big deal once we figured it out. I can not imagine making that trip twice a day for 40 years but I'm sure there are some out there that have done just that.

We then took a ride on the L, the above ground subway. Again it wasn't a big deal but did have to figure their system out. As with the train above, each route is color coded.

We ended up at the Chicago Zoo but decided to go on down the Chicago History Museum. After we arrived we found out it was to close in about an hour so we went on our way. That was OK because what we really wanted to get done was learn the area and how to get around. The only thing left is the buses and think we have that covered too.

We did go to the Sears Tower and up to the Sky Deck. It was an impressive view. We stopped by the Chicago Board of Trade. They had a visitor's center but would not let visitors in to see the trading floor due to security concerns.

The Chicago River runs right through the downtown area just like we all have seen on TV. A person's neck could get a little sore from looking up at all the tall buildings. It is beginning to get late so will conclude for tonight. More later.

Wednesday
We caught the 8:05 this morning and was downtown about 9:30. Jumped on the L and headed for the Museum of Science and Industry. We had to transfer to a bus to get there but all went well. I think it was around 11 am before we finally arrived. That was a lot of riding. I don't think we saw half of what was there. It closed at 4 pm. The highlight of the day for me was the German U Boat what was captured during WWII. It was very impressive to see. For an extra charge we took a tour of the inside of the boat. There is not much room inside one of those things and they were at sea for 3 months at a time.

It did rain on us after we got back to the downtown loop but it never rained hard. After about a half hour it was all over. We did duck into a couple of stores to look around but didn't buy anything. We ate a bite of supper and headed home. It was a little after 8 when we got home. More later.