Chicago/Milwaukee Trip
(July 4 - July 7, 2008)

Chicago was absolutely a beautiful city. One day I may call it home. However, if you live here, you do not want to own a car. Expect to pay $20-$30 for parking at each site and anywhere from $40-$80 when parking overnight at hotels. We spent about $300 in just parking. We were here during July and the temperatures were in the 70s during the day, but as you got closer to the lake the breeze off Lake Michigan cooled you off a little, so make sure you have a jacket. There were lots of people everywhere walking around with no fear for safety and locals were very friendly when you struck up a conversation. The downtown area of the city had a very small town feel. And being from AGGRESSIVE ATLANTA I had to tone down my driving to fit in. Drivers were very courteous and very few exceeded the speed limit or cut you off. However, taxis and some residents will honk their horn as soon as the traffic light turns green to tell you to get moving. In the south sometimes that may lead to a fight. It was a holiday weekend, but traffic was very little. Even for a holiday I expected to run into traffic issues, especially near the Lake Front where the Taste of Chicago Festival was going on and the Navy Pier where there were concerts. Oh and yes the police were exceptionally friendly and did not come across as arrogant as they do in the south. If you go to Chicago get the City Pass for $59 dollars which gets you fast and cheaper addmission into the sites. Have More Fun!!