Chicago Transportation

How to get around in Chicago

Metra

your ticket to ride between Chicago and suburbs or between suburbs and suburbs.
be sure to watch the schedules. If going between Chicago and Wheaton area, use the Metra Pacific West Line. Chicago-Evanston is the Metra/Union Pacific North line. Be sure to beware the inbound and outbound trains have very different schedules depending on the day. This is an actual train and is more expensive than the El, though it is pretty cheap still and weekend passes are available.

The "El"

You should ride the El at least once while in Chicago, we think it's really fun. Plus it's a good way to see the city. Our advice for El transport is to pick up a schedule with the colored lines on it as soon as possible. Each line is a different color. Most converge in "the Loop" which is what Chicagoans call the inmost downtown area of Chicago. So, if you hear it, now you'll know. And if you use it, you'll be welcomed :) Please note: the El does not travel to Wheaton. It does travel to Evanston. The El is nice because it runs for many more hours than the Metra and so you don't feel as bound by its schedule. You can also find a stop close by nearly anywhere in the city. The Red & Purple lines go north to Evanston area. For the wedding, we recommend taking the Purple all the way to the Noyes St. stop in Evanston. Then it's a straight 3 block walk to Sheridan, go right and less than a block to the chapel. Image of an El ticket:

Bus schedules for Chicago can also be found at the CTA website where the El schedules are.

Chicago part deux

Okay, so other than the first fun thing you should do in Chicago, there are many fun things to do in this toddling town.

Chicago City Pass
-access to 5 of Chicago's attractions: Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, Museum of Science & Industry, Adler Planetarium, either Sears SkyDeck or Hancock Observatory. All are great, though, yes, I'm sure you all also have museums and planetariums where you are.

Go Chicago Card
similar to above.

Hancock Observatory
A great view of Chicago. The Signature Room on the 95th floor offers really great views while you eat or there's a lounge/bar on the 96th floor. Reservation are not needed but I think they're recommended especially wanting to go during peak times on a weekend.

Untouchable Tours
Did you know Chicago was home to many of the famous mob bosses and to many great gangster wars? Well, this 2 hour tour gives you a taste of gangster life in Chicago, taking you to all the different territories and famous locations, complete with sound effects and the greatest tour guide ever. A really fun tour, to be sure.

Millenium Park/Grant Park/The Bean/Buckingham Fountain

A nice, free attraction. You can view "the Bean", a new attraction to Chicago but a great place for pictures. A huge park with gardens, spitting fountains and a big open concert section complete with a huge lawn perfect for relaxing or a picnic. The week of the wedding is "blockbuster week" and has a few different music events happening: http://www.millenniumpark.org/documents/BlockbusterWeek.pdf

Chicago, chicago that toddling town...

Chicago, chicago Ill show you around - I love it
Bet your bottom dollar youll lose the blues in chicago

If you do one thing in Chicago, it should be the Architectural Cruise. It will be warm but not too warm and the lake will be beautiful. The cruise can be a little pricey (though worth it) but if you have AAA, you can get a good deal. We have been on the cruise twice and love it. Chicago is known worldwide for its architecture and the cruise highlights all the great parts about it. Bring a notebook for notes!!! We also recommend the lake and river cruises as they offer amazing views of the Chicago skyline from Lake Michigan. Bring a windbreaker as it is the Windy City and all.
Links to Architectural Cruise info:

Complete Chicago Boat Tour Comparison Chart
The One We Usually Go on--through Chicago History Museum
Through the Chicago Architecture Foundation

If you do more than one thing, we have a few more suggestions...but that will come in the next post!

Lost?

If you find that you no longer have a directions or info card and you need one, please let me know and I will send you these. T-11 days, looking forward to seeing you all!

symbols of our vows

We bought the RINGS to rule them all! It was quite a process but we FINALLY decided (too bad we're so picky and such bad decision makers). Here's the conversation we had regarding the final decision. It's pretty funny...

Noel: which one did you pick?

Gregoire: 2=http://www.antiquejewelrymall.com/r1161.html

so that's the one fate chose

Noel: and how do you feel now that it's chosen?

sometimes that's the indicator

Gregoire: pretty good.. means i don't have to feel responsible anymore ;-)

Noel: if you get that one and then you go...oh, nevermind, i didn't want that after all

okay, well, ya know, it's just your wedding ring so it's probably good you're so flippant about it.

Gregoire: i do like it.. it's just a big decision, and i've lost so many rings in my life that i'm nervous about that as well

Noel: oh, yeah

well, you don't have to wear it to work if you don't want

if it helps, i've lost nearly every ring i've ever owned

except this one

Gregoire: not wearing it is how i lose it =P

Noel: not if you just don't put it on in the morning and you keep it in its box

Gregoire: i'm trying to not be flippant

Noel: is that one the cheaper one?

Gregoire: heheheh

yes

Noel: cuz that makes me feel better

Gregoire: i love you

frugal you

Noel: we're going to tattoo it, so if it gets lost, we'll just leave it

till we're independently wealthy

;)

Greg's ring:



Noel's Ring (which unfortunately will not be here in time for the wedding):



please note: the sapphire ring in the middle is not her ring.

a pic of the engagement ring for memory:

BBQ Wedding Shower

August 3rd was our grand ol' shower. It was really fun--a BBQ and pool party all-in-one! Oh yeah, plus we received presents. Unfortunately, there weren't many cameras around so there are only a few pics (mostly of the pool). But, the pics are here, if you wanna steal a look!

Pack it up, pack it in

So, August 2nd...we moved! Well, let me re-phrase...we moved all of my stuff into our new apartment. But, we also made a detour at Greg's and picked up his big furniture with a minor stop at a neighbor's garage sale to buy more stuff! (who can resist Pampered Chef dishes for $8?)

Thanks to all who made our move possible and for helping make it a quick time.
Please continue to use the 807 Webster address in Wheaton as we have not yet put in forwarding orders and packages will be much safer to leave on the porch of the house. Thanks!