Chicago Conference-Day 1

This morning started out VERY early. Our flight was to leave Ontario at 6:45 and therefore I was required to awaken at about 4:30(since I always leave packing until the last minute and I still had things to throw together this morning). I couldn't sleep well since I was super excited and when the alarm went off it seemed as if I had only been sleeping for a short amount of time. Didn't matter much to me since I was very excited for the trip. For one, I had never been to Chicago (a layover for 15 minutes doesn't really count), and I am always ready to better myself as a professional (it is a teaching conference I am attending). I arrived at the airport at about 5:15 and got through all the security check points. (Side note; I hate those stupid scanners that check your body--apparently my scan noted something in my leg and I had to be pat down--double side note; I wonder what the heck could be hidden in the leg of a pant) anyway, our plane ended up having some sort of leakage problem and we had to deplane and replane to another gate. By the time we got into the air it was about 8:15. The flight was uneventful--lots of random/fun conversation and reading.

Once arriving we quickly got our baggage and headed out of the airport! We got to our hotel and I was speechless because of its majestic beauty and history. Upon walking in I could sense the history and past. It was built in 1871 and burnt down in the great Chicago fire. It was rebuilt with 1.5 million dollars(the largest secured loan up to that date) and it was dubbed "the worlds first fire proof hotel" because it was mainly built with brick and stone-a name that was important to travelers and locals alike since the fire of 1871 was the largest and most costly of its era. The hotel is gorgeous, named The Palmer House, and is clearly defined by its ceiling and wonderful "old" architecture. Below are two pictures, one of the lobby(note the Grecian fresco style ceiling-think Michelangelo and the Sistine Chapel), and the Empire Room where SO many old time celebrities performed that I won't even try to list them all(google it if you are curious). (Just a few because it is SO cool-Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Sonny/Cher)

Our first mission upon arriving was to eat, (Ms Newton, my vice principal had the fantastic idea to ask the Valet Man where to go), he lead us in a direction and off we went in the rain. It took about 7 minutes to walk to this restaurant and lucky us, it was a local joint that Al Capone ate at! I love history. I don't remember the name but it had something to do with Exchecker(I'll find it tomorrow). I had a burger, yum.

After eating we made our way back to the hotel and unpacked our baggage and took an hour to unwind. We met back up and decided to take a walk. I'll let the pictures do the talking, but it was such a gorgeous evening. The rain stopped and we just enjoyed downtown for all its beauty.

Tomorrow we wake up bright and early to head to conferences but it was nice to begin the weekend as regular tourists. This city reminds me of Pasadena mixed with San Diego with a tad of history added in.

It is beautiful and I am so grateful that God would allow me this wonderful opportunity.

(Tomorrow I will find an authentic "Chicago Dog" and Sunday will be pizza day!---also Sunday is St Patrick's Day and you can tell the city knows how to celebrate--green beer is served all weekend and every local is already wearing green all over the place, can't wait to see what Sunday will be like)