So Americans don't like Soccer

So England didn't make the world cup final but that wasn't going to stop me watching this match while I was in the states. The day of the Final was my last in Chicago so I decided to watch Italy versus France in my favorite Pub "Fado".

As a soccer fan I just can't be neutral so I decided I was going to support Italy in the final and thought it would not be right to wear my England shirt. So when I got up in the morning I choose rather than wear a National shirt I would wear my Club colours the uniform of the mighty whites.

Now kick off was not while 1pm Chicago time so I decided to go for a walk up Michigan Avenue in the morning and make my way to Fado's for about 12noon. To my amazement for the first time in the US I was seeing as many Soccer Shirts as Baseball shirts (even more surprising was that the White Sox were entertaining Boston Red Sox that day).

Eventually I made my way to Fado's and when I got there I was shocked there was a line of people 50metres long waiting to get in. As I made my way to the back of the queue assuming they were waiting to open I remember passing a group in Red scum (Manchester) shirts who seemed to glare at my White Gods top (we never get on) I was also surprised at the number of French supporters waving their flags.

Once in the queue it became apparent that it wasn't moving very quick so a girl in front of me went to find out what the problem was. She came back and said the pub was packed and it was one out one in. Now I realised most people will be in the pub to watch the final so wouldn't be moving so we had no chance, Fado's was closed due to crowd congestion.

So I moved on to "Rock Bottom" one block away to find the same problem a great long line of people trying to get in to watch the match.

I moved south a couple of blocks where I knew a sports bar "Mother Hubbards", now this is a baseball bar so I had my doubts. However they do have a lot of televisions and I thought they may show the match on one of the smaller screens, you can only ask.

When I opened the door I was amazed it was packed, the soccer was on, Italian and French flags (plus others) were everywhere. Luckily there was a spare seat at the bar and I ended up next to another Englishman from Oxford (not everyones perfect).

The atmosphere throughout the match was fantastic with a mix of all nationalities including many Americans totally absorbed.

The staff who were not expecting this turned out worked their socks off keeping everyone supplied with food and drink (they were totally undermanned), extra time and penalties must have killed them. The girl working the bar on her own was smashing still managing a smile despite running around like an headless chicken, Baseball was never like this.

Anyway the match is now history with Italy winning the shoot out and Zidane becoming a national hero (the first uniformed Frenchman to win a fight since Napolean), what a idiot, must be related to Rooney.

From what I saw America is slowly starting to realise this is the world game and a sporting nation like them needs to get serious about it (3 billlion people world wide can't be wrong).

More pics from Taste of Chicago 2006

Vacation Top Five Lists

I've come up with these lists from my vacation during the last two weeks :-

Biggest Plonkers -

1st - The idiot with the 21st birthday group that tried to pick a fight with me and two friends I had made in "Beale on Broadway" in St Louis. He accused one of the chaps I was with of staring at his girlfriend when they actually were stood directly in front of the Blues Singer we were trying to watch.

2nd - Despite me wearing an England shirt and having an Yorkshire accent a fool on the Chicago Tribune stall at the Taste promised to deliver their paper on 3 occasions for 50cents, it was only when he started to fill the form in with my address he realised the error of his ways.

3rd - Big Headed St Louis Cardinals Supporter in packed Hotel Bar following match demanding he be served first calling the barman "a Mexican son of a bitch". No prizes for guessing who got served last everytime he went to the bar.

4th - The loony on the Abbey Pub stall at the Taste of Chicago whom I asked what type of fish they were serving (I like cod but not catfish). He insisted it was neither of those it was called "Battered".

5th - Got to go to United Airlines for letting me stand by a carosel for over an hour at St Louis airport waiting for my luggage. Apparently they had sent it on an earlier flight and had it in their office.


Best Service Staff :-

1st - I'll go for Teresa & Phil in Fado Pub in Chicago she is so cute and I love her sexy Irish accent and he is just a solid lad. They both always makes me feel welcome on my visits to the City.

2nd - Barmaids Michelle and friend (I can't remember her name) in "Beale on Broadway" in St Louis, really friendly and loved the way they told some arrogant Cardinals supporters who wanted the Television on to "F**k off this is a music bar not a sports bar".

3rd - Servers in "Show Me" on Lacledes Landing, St louis all with large breasts, tight shorts and skimpy vests (great uniform) and they insist on leaning forward when asking what I wanted and not leaving much to my imagination. It took me ages to choose as I couldn't concentrate.

4th - Room staff at "Palmer House Hilton, Chicago " just so friendly and polite.

5th - Hungarian waitress in Bewleys Hotel Mancheser Airport, so keen to help and a great smile. (see 2nd on next list)


Worst Service Staff :-

1st - Miserable dark haired bitch working behind bar in Kingston Mines Club, Chicago. It seemed an effort for her to pull a beer (the other girl was ok).

2nd - Some of the other staff a Bewleys Hotel Manchester Airport, so full of their own importance.

3rd - Bar Man in "The Big Bang" dueling piano bar on lacledes landing (grumpy b*****d).

4th - Bar maid in bar on Lacledes Landing, can't remember bar name but it advertises a New Orleans type atmosphere. She couldn't even be bothered to take her coat off and was more interested in eating a pizza than serving.

5th - Girl serving at Blue Chicago she just didn't know how to smile (I think she was a temporary from elsewhere).

Best things visited :-

1st - Taste of Chicago (more than once).

2nd - Forest Park St Louis, Great Place to spend the day, report and photos to follow.

3rd - Gateway Arch, St Louis, Impressive structure.

4th - Navy Pier, Chicago, I always love this place.

5th - Union Station, St Louis nice shopping centre.

To be fair to Chicago I didn't visit too many tourist attractions on this visit as I have seen them before. Some would be on this list it is an awesome city.

Things I should have done on this vacation but didn't :-

1st - Hired a bike for the day in Chicago and gone north along the lake path.

2nd - Visited the Soulard District in St Louis, apparently the nightlife is supposed to be good in this area. A bit tight here, couldn't get there on public transport and wouldn't pay for a taxi.

3rd - Visited the Green Mill Jazz Club in Chicago, I did intend to but other things cropped up and plans changed.

4th - Took in a baseball match, in all my visits to the states I still have not been to one and I had chance of a ticket for the Cardinals.

5th - Watched England win the world cup, apparently there was something wrong with the televisions in St Louis and they lost to Portugal on Penalties.

People I met that I knew previously :-

1st - Graham, works at same place as me plays Pool on a Monday with me and he arrived in Chicago the Thursday before I left. He is there because his Girlfriend is working and living in the City. We had pre-arranged our meeting and visited the Taste.

2nd - Regina, Blogging friend agreed to perform some of her songs while I was in the City. I wouldn't have missed that for anything, thanks Regina it was good.

3rd - Jeff, manager/owner of Andy's Jazz Club always welcomes me, the free entry I get when he is there is nice of him.

4th - Got to mention the cute Teresa in Fado's again.

5th - Sorry thats it.

Chicago just Good Food & Music this time.

Ok after 8 days in Chicago during the Taste Festival I expected to put on weight so I got on my bathroom scale and was delighted to find I had lost an incredible 50lb. This delight was short lived however as I got off the scale to find it not moving, it is jammed.

Anyway I knew my clothes are tighter so I got weighed at work today to find out the damage, result an 8.5lb increase. Weight prior to holiday 224lb and today 232.5lb but it was worth it but now back to the hard work.

Anyway this visit was about enjoyment and the music was awesome, I saw so many great acts I can't even remember most of their names but here is some that stood out.

One of my songwriting idols Ray Davies (former Kinks front man) appeared as the star act on independance day (one up for the English). First time I have ever seen Ray live I really enjoyed his performance which was a mix of stuff off his recent album (check out No8 my music post dated 19th June) and some Kinks classics.

Another highlight of my trip was a visit to North Chicago to the "Red Line Tap" on Thursday to see fellow blogger Regina sing, she has an awesome voice. I took some photo's but I will leave it up to Regina if she wants to post any of them on her blog. Regina

The music was varied and although I'm not a massive country fan this group "Janesville" where really good entertainment. Janesville

Another group that were entertaining "Underwater People" who played some of their own stuff mixed with Pop classics. Underwater People

These "Funk Du Jour" played a lot of 70's classics ans surprisingly I remembered them all (must be getting old). Funk Du Jour

Ok my eating drinking and listening to great music wasn't only limited to during the day I visited a number of great pubs & clubs while in town including :-

Fado

Kingston Mines

Andy's

Blue Chicago

Believe me if you love music food and having a good time pencil in a visit to next years Taste of Chicago Festival, I will be (hopfully see you all there ?).

Taste of Chicago

St Louis & Chicago

I am back to the States in eleven days time and have been making my plans what I want to see and do. I will be visiting St Louis for the first time then spending a week in my favorite US city Chicago :-

St Louis - Priority here is that if England are still in the world cup the last 8 match will happen while I am in this City on either Friday 30th June or Saturday 1st July. I have found a Pub that is showing the World Cup "The Dubliner" at 1025 Washington Ave so thats where I will watch.
Looking up information on the same Pub I see it has live Music so it may be worth a visit anyway.
The Dubliner
If there are any readers of my blog in St Louis they are welcome to join me for the England match.

I will be staying at the Millenium Hotel from Sunday 25th June leaving on Sunday 2nd July.
Millenium Hotel


Among Attractions that may be worth a visit are :-
City Museum
St Louis Zoo
Union Station
Gateway Arch

Plus many others.

I've had advice on the nightlife and two places not to miss are Broadway Oyster Bar which apparently has a real New Orleans type atmosphere. Looking down the menu I will have to try the Alligator as I've never had it (don't get many in England).
The other place is at Lacledes Landing as is called The Big Bang this is a dueling Piano bar and is very popular. I am sure I will find many other good fun places and hopfully meet some great people.

Chicago - Obviously I as this is my fifth visit to Chicago I am starting to know my way around a bit. I will be in the City from 2nd July checking out on the 10th I will be staying at The Palmer House Hilton . I have seen most of the tourist attractions so intend having a relaxing time. I'll do quite a bit of walking in the parks and an considering hiring a bike one day.

Ok while I'm there quite a bit is happening like the world Cup semi-finals Tuesday & Wednesday 4th & 5th July (2pm Chicago time). The final is also on while I am in the city on Sunday 9th (1pm kick off). I hope England are still in the competition for these matches but I will watch them anyway at Fado Irish Pub which is at the junction of Clark and Grand.

Again if any of my blog readers wish to join me for these matches they are always welcome.

Two Chicago nightspots I have yet to visit are Kingston Mines which is a well known blues club and The Green Mill a Jazz club in North Chicago with quite an history.
Other nightspots that I have enjoyed in the past are Blue Chicago (both venues) and Andy's Jazz Club

While I'm in town the Taste of Chicago festival is on in Grant Park so I will pay a few visits during the week. It was on during my first visit to the city and good fun.

And I nearly forgot that holiday the Americans have (Independance day), I don't know what it is about or Independance from who, but I think I will wear my Union Jack Tee Shirt that day.

Chicago Immigrants March Monday 1st May 2006

While I was in Chicago the immigration march took place and although I don't want to comment on American politics you can't fail to be impressed. I stood at the corner of Jackson and State streets and took numerous photo's of the marchers. It was estimated around 500,000 people were involved and took nearly two hours for them all to pass by, the most amazing thing to me was how peacefull it was.
I think I was the only person on the streets that day that didn't want to be American.

Vacation - Chicago Photo's

Day 5 (story 2) - Later that night (the other Girl)

Following my dinner with Regina reported on my previous post we went our seperate ways just before 9pm. I caught the sub way south and got off at Grand station, I was going to go to my favorite Pub "Fado" for a few beers when I remembered I had been given a couple of free passes for Andy's Jazz Club earlier in the week, so it was there I ended up.

On arriving in the Club I spotted a spare stool at the bar so sat down and ordered a drink. I then looked who was next to me and on my immediate right was a lady who I assumed was with the man at the other side of her.

Eventually the man left and I realised she was on her own so I started to chat with her. Her name was Pamela and she was from Washington but in Chicago for a convention. We carried on talking initially about music and it soon became obvious we liked a lot of the same stuff.

The conversation moved on to travel and meeting different people from different cultures, again we just seemed to like doing the same things, it was unreal. We even talked about sport and she told me she always wanted to go to an English soccer match (a little persuasion and I think I convinced her it should be Leeds utd).

We carried talking all night, she was going to leave at 11pm as she had to be up early but to my delight she decided to stop later. We carried on talking until the club was closing so we had to leave. In truth we were so involved I can't tell you anything about the music that was playing.

Before this we swapped information, I gave her my blog address (you never know) while she gave me her e'mail. We also had our photo took but again I never got her permission to put it on this blog so I won't.

We walked the same direction continuing our conversation until we reached my sub way station, I asked her how far it was to her Hotel she said two blocks. I offered to walk her there which she accepted, on route I remember her telling me her mother would be pleased somebody was seeing her safely to her Hotel, I thought that was so sweet.

With our talking we walked past her turn off and did an extra block, I was quite pleased with this as it allowed me another 5 minutes in her company, I could have talked all night.

When we eventually got to her Hotel we shook hands and said goodbye, I turned to walk away but turned back and kissed her on the cheek. We talked further and I asked her if she would like to meet up the following night as it was my last in Chicago, she replied she would love to but had a work commitment with her boss.
She then said she would try her best to get out of this other commitment but was doubtful, she suggested we swapped mobile phone numbers just in case. I explained that was a waste of time because mine doesn't work in the US (I hate the O2 network). So we provisionally agreed to meet in Fado (see photo) at 6.30pm the following evening, I said I would be there, she said she would try her best but wasn't optimistic.

We went our seperate ways but I knew I really liked this lady.

The following night I turned up in the hope she would but was left dissapointed. After a meal I ended up going to the 2nd Blue Chicago venue and knocked some froth off a few beers and suffered from depression.

Since I have got home I have sent an e'mail thanking her for her company but as yet I have heard nothing back. I really do want to meet her again one day.

Day 5 (story 1) - My meeting with Blogger Regina

One of the things that I was looking forward to on my vacation was the pre-planned meeting with fellow Blogger Regina.
Photo's above show Regina with me and I had to show one without that ugly bloke on spoiling the pic.

This is my story (you can read Regina's version on her blog) :-

We had communicated prior to me leaving England via e'mail. I couldn't give Regina my Cell phone number as I am on the O2 network and it works in about every country in the world but the USA. Regina selected a restaurant "Joey's Brickhouse" and the plan was for me to phone her cell phone when I arrived to discuss day and time (she was unsure what her work schedule was).
On arriving in Chicago and booking into my hotel I tried to phone Regina but no way could I get through from the Hotel phones (I even tried to get the front desk to try the number). I was panicking, had I brought the wrong number ? that would have been a total disaster. On my way out that night I saw a pay phone on a sub way station platform and decided to give it one more try. Relief I got through but the minute we started talking a train came in and with our accents and the noise from the train communication proved impossible. Eventually the train left and the date was set for Sunday at 6.30pm, Regina explained how to get there, it was a 10 minute walk from Belmont subway stop.
Now I didn't tell Regina this bit but I cheated and did a dry run on saturday, I timed myself going from my Hotel by subway then walking to the restaurant (never went in). I did not want anything to go wrong there was no way I would fail to find it or be late on Sunday.

Sunday came and as planned I got to the restaurant before 6.30pm (Its my opinion that the man should get there slightly before the lady). I had just got sat down at our table when I saw Regina arrive at the door right on time, as she spoke to the hostess I got up to greet her. Now I have seen the photo's Regina has posted on her blog so I knew she was an attractive lady. But for the benifit of any males that read this let me tell you she is absolutely stunning, fantastic hair, lovely eyes and an amazing smile, I was gobsmacked. In fact the thought ran through my mind that she had bottled it and sent her much younger sister instead.

I had planned to great Regina calmly but I lost self control for a few seconds and moved to give her a welcoming hug and friendship kiss. Regina's action made me realise I had dropped a clanger, I was only too pleased she didn't do a runner. When we sat down to order our meal I could feel myself getting really nervous, scared to do or say anything wrong, Regina then told me she was feeling crap as she was getting frustrated with her job situation, she did add she was pleased to be out and not at home alone.

We ordered our meals and Regina actually talked about my earlier clanger explaining that ladies from her American background don't like closeness until they really get to know a person. This was nice of her and relaxed me slightly, I think she realised it was a genuine mistake on my part.

For the main meal I had Chicken and I can't remember what Regina ate. We talked about all sorts of different subjects including other bloggers, I was very surprised how few of Regina's blog friends she actually had ever met, I had assumed some were past friends. We also talked about the differences in our two countries, agreeing and disagreeing on some points. Other subjects included the immigration march that was going to happen the following day. We talked about each other and came to the conclusion we were very different personality types.

We moved on to eating a sweet (Regina insisted), I forced a small piece of cherry cheesecake down just to be polite. Regina ordered banana split, when it came it mas one Banana with a ton of ice cream, thinking of her diet Regina left the banana but slaughtered the ice cream.

The time came for the photograph of proof but Regina amused me when she insisted on putting on lipstick first (My opinion Regina it was impossible to look better than you did), we got a waiter to take the photo.

When we left the restaurant and prepared to walk to the subway Regina turned to me and said now I know you its ok to give me a hug which I did. Following my earlier mistake this made my day. We carried on talking on the 10 minute walk to the subway station, when we got there Regina gave me a goodbye hug (in friendship). It was just before 9pm and she went north home and I went south back to downtown Chicago (follow up story on what happend later to come).

I must admit I did toy with the idea of asking her if she wanted to go to a bar for a couple of drinks but I decided after the early error it was not such a good idea.

My conclusion on this meeting is I enjoyed it despite the bad start, Regina and myself are very different but more important I actually really like her, she is a very nice person.

Will we meet again ? Well I am in Chicago on July 2nd for 8 nights and if its up to me there is only one answer "Yes".

After I got back to my hotel I did realise I had made another mistake, I wanted a copy of Regina's CD and forgot to ask.

Day 4 - All is not always what it seems

This is the story of Saturday Night in Chicago :-

I have photos of me and these girls but will not post them or state any names.

I found myself in "Blue Chicago" at 534 Clark Street on Saturday Night enjoying a good group that were playing. A man around my age came in with two ladies (late twenties) and were stood next to me at the back of the bar enjoying the live music.
After we had been there a while the smaller of the two girls knocked her drink over some of which splashed the bottom of my trousers. The girl seemed really nice was apologetic and bought me a drink, even though I said it was no big deal. We started talking and the man with them after hearing my English accent came over.
He turned out to also be English but lived in New York and was an antique dealer and was in Chicago for a convention. We carried on talking and the girls went to dance. He asked what I thought of the two girls, I was polite and told him they were nice. I asked what the connection was with him and he told me the taller girl worked for him and the other girl for another dealer.
He asked what seemed a silly question "Do you fancy any of the girls ?" I was polite and said I would be a fool not to. He replied "You would have no chance" as I didn't expect to anyway so wasn't surprised. He also explained that the taller girl played womens Rugby and was very good, this did surprise me.
About an hour later we had all bought each other drinks and chatted I got my camera out to take some photo's of the group playing when the English man suggested he took a photo of me and the girls. Both Girls were game and he took a photo of me with my arms around them perfectly inocent.
The smaller girl moved away but the taller girl wrapped her arms around me and asked him to take a photo of her with me which he did.
He gave me my camara back but the girl stayed attached to me, we started to exchange a few small kisses and I could feel her hands exploring my body. She wasn't going to move and I thought all my birthdays had come at once, I was totally surprised by all this.
After a short while we split and the smaller girl said something to her and both girls went to the restroom. Now in my experience girls quite often go in two's to powder their nose or whatever so I wasn't surprised.
While they were away the English man came came over and said a strange thing "Watch yourself her partners a total pyscho" with no obvious partner present I put this down to jealousy and laughed it off.
When the girls came back I was quite excited but to my surprise the tall girl came over shook my hand and said sorry we are off now. I was confused but been polite walked over to the smaller girl offered my hand to say goodbye when she screamed out "Don't touch me you have just tried to steal my lover" She continued hurling abuse at me until they left.

Oops - All is not always what it seems.

Vacation - The Good Bad and Ugly who I met

I have just got back from vacation about two hours ago, so this is just part of the story. Ok I visited Chicago and Nashville as us tourists do attended various attractions. I will post some photos later for those interested but this vacation is more about the people I met and believe me there were certainly some charactors amongst them. I think virtually everthing happend at some stage, parts I may have to leave out.

Day 1 - Travelled to Manchester Airport to stay over at Bewleys Hotel and after a meal in the restaurant decided to go into the Irish Pub next door to watch the Barcelona versus AC Milan champions league semi-final soccer match.
Was peacefully watching minding my own business when some cockney plonker decided he wanted to talk to me and impress me with his know all soccer knowledge. Just to give you a clue his first question was "Why isn't David Beckham playing for Barcelona ?" I pointed out it could be something to do with he plays for Real Madrid. He then watched for 20 minutes before realising Barcelona were not the team in white.
All was revealed later when he admitted to been a Millwall fan.
After the match I decided the best move was to go back to my hotel and shake this idiot off that was really irritating me.

Day 2 - Arrive Chicago and after been interragated by the gestapo at airport security I eventually made my way to my Hotel. I was tired after the 8 hour flight but starving so I decided to go to one of my favorite Chicago pubs "Fado" on Clark/Grand. The reason I chose this is because the people are normally friendly, they sell English pints, and have superb Cheeseburgers.
I walked around the bar and there was one seat left so luckily I had two lovely young ladies to my right and one to my left. I ordered my drink and meal and was about to divulge when the lady on my left asked me if I minded her smoking. I was honest and said yes I do while I am eating, this seemed to me a reasonable request but she got the huff on finished her drink and left.
This left a gap at the bar but three blokes aged around thirty came and stood there. One was obviously quite drunk, he was very loud, really irritating and was swearing every other word. I think the bar staff had his card marked but I decided to do the honourable thing, I politly asked him to tone down the language as their were ladies present.
His reply was something like "Whats the F**k it to do with you". This made me smile which seemed to get him more angry because he then asked "what you f*****g laughing at you t**t".
This actually made me laugh and he threatend me with violence before his friends dragged him out.
I found this amusing because this bloke was so drunk if he threw a punch he would have fallen over, the bar staff had him covered anyway, what an idiot.

Day 3 - I decided to do the Lincoln park walk which I enjoyed during the day as the weather was fine but not too hot.
On the evening I visited Andy's Jazz Bar where at last I met some nice people. Jeff the owner remembered me from previous visits and came straight over shook my hand and found me a good seat at the bar. The first part of the evening was spent talking to a lawyer who spent a lot of time in England. His wife was from Finland and was also nice.
When they left I spent the rest of the evening with three nice ladies from Vancouver Island Canada. They turned out to be Hairdressing teachers (not a lot of good for me) in Chicago on a convention. I got photos with these ladies but I will not put anyone on my blog who I don't ask first.

Day 4 - All isn't always what it seems - story to follow

Day 5 - Meeting with fellow blogger Regina and another lady later - story to follow

Day 6 - Yes Regina if you read this I attended the Immigration march and took some photos (some I will post later). I was at Jackson and State and watched the thousands of marchers pass by and I later went to Grant Park for a short period. Dissapointing evening but you need to read day 5 to understand why.

Day 7 - Welcome to Nashville - story to follow

Day 8 - During the day saw a Husband and wife duo sing in a bar (I only drunk lemonade) but I can't remember what they were called but I have a photo. Evening I went out about 6pm and ate a massive steak and was totally bloated, then went to a club while the early hours and saw a Rock group fronted by two ladies. The group was called "Magnolia" and were very entertaining. They only did cover versions no origional stuff but included a lot of songs I like.

Day 9 - Did a lot of walking during the day around Nashville (needed the exercise). Went for a meal then to a club and to my shock was twice approached by GAY men (once in the restaurant once in the club). Now for the record nothing makes my skin crawl more than the thought of what two men can get up to yuk. I think they got the message from my carefully chosen words.
I got back to the Hotel about 1am and nearly got lucky, I was just getting in the lift when a lady stood at reception (early forties ?) shouted hold the lift. I waited and she got in and was also going to the third floor same as me. When we got out her friend was sat on the floor outside their room half asleep, The first lady explained that their electronic key would not open their room door and the man on reception was usless.
She asked if she could use my phone to contact reception to see what is happening, both ladies came into my room. The 2nd lady said she was really tired and just wanted to get to bed, she commented that I had two double beds and could they share my room for a night. Always been one to oblige I was just agreeing with such a great idea when the night manager appeared with a 2nd key for their room (prat). Well win some lose some.

Day 10 - The Big Match - story to follow

Day 11 - Still recovering from Day 10 the drinking was limited but I still did the country and western bars on Broadway, good fun and met loads of nice people. The place was heaving with people.

Day 12 - Saw a really nice girl singer in Legends Corner Bar, apparently she normally works behind the bar and sings part time elsewhere, the rest of the bar staff was really giving her some stress (in fun) but it was entertaining.
My last night and I needed to be up for my flight at 6am so I decided to go to the Irish Pub that I visited on my first night in town which was near my Hotel. The plan was to have a meal a couple of beers and back to my room at about 9.30pm.
I got talking to a number of really nice people at the bar and generally enjoyed the night. One of the girls who served me was a singer that performs every friday I would have liked to see that. She was called Alyssa and told me her style of music was "Southern Rock" and she has her own group. The other Girl (Megan) that served me played ladies soccer and had lived for a short time in England and wants to go back.
I also met a couple of singers from Conneticut and we all had a good chat, I was a good boy though and was back in my room for 10pm.

Day 13 - The long journey home included leaving my hotel at 7am getting to Nashville airport for 7.30am, the flight was slightly delayed but I flew to Chicago at about 10am arriving at 11.30am. I then had a boring 7 hour wait at Chicago airport followed by an 7.5 hour flight to Manchester. For this flight I ended up on the very back row sat on the middle seat of three between two lovely older ladies.
They managed to keep me awake all flight as neither of them could work out how to operate the remote controls for their televisions and they would wake me evertime they wanted to change channel (I didn't mind we had a good laugh).
When I arrived at Manchester I faced two train journeys first to Leeds then a short journey home. I eventually arrived home at 11am on day 14 (22 hours after leaving my hotel).

Holiday Mood-Things I plan to see & do on vacation

Ok my plans are never cast in stone and quite often change.

First up I should arrive in Chicago early afternoon on Thursday 27th April. By the time I have got through security and caught the subway to my hotel, found my room, unpacked it will be about 4pm (12 midnight English time). I will try get 2 or 3 hours sleep before taking a shower and checking out any bars close to the Hotel, grab a meal, returning to my hotel when tired.

During my time in the city I intend to visit the Shed Aquarium, it is one of the few tourist attractions that I have yet to visit in Chicago. Last time a couple in my hotel that I made friends with said it was very good so I will see for myself.
I also intend to spend a day (probably Saturday weather permitting) walking the length of Lincoln Park from North to South. I will get the subway to the North.
Another thing I will do is spend at least an afternoon at the Navy Pier, they quite often have a lot going on.

Night time - One night probably Friday I intend visiting "Andy's Jazz Club" I will probably dine here and watch the live music. I have been in this club on previous visits and have found it very friendly.
Another night I will visit "Buddy Guys Legends", I have not been here before but have always intended to try it. This club is close to my Hotel this time.
I will also visit "Fado Irish Pub" at some stage it is quite often full of Brits, sells English Beer, and traditional British pub grub.I will tie this in with a visit to "Blue Chicago" which is next door.
http://www.andysjazzclub.com/
http://www.buddyguys.com/
http://www.bluechicago.com/
http://www.fadoirishpub.com/fado_pub_main.php?city=chicago

Of course there is a night put to one side for my meeting with fellow Blogger "Regina". I am really looking forward to it, I'm sure we will have a great chat.


Tuesday 2nd I move on to Nashville, I have not been here before so my plans are a little sketchy.
Reading up there are a number of things to see during the day, Grand ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame, The Partheon, Ryman Auditorium, etc.

Night Time the area to be seems to be Broadway & 2nd Ave, I plan to check out a few Clubs and listen to plenty of live music. My Hotel has live music on 6 nights per week so I may break one of my rules on at least one night to check it out.

I can't wait to blog about this trip.

Holiday Mood- Lincoln Park Chicago

A few days ago I did an article on Central Park in New York well Chicago also has its great Parks.

Lincoln Park to the North stretches a number of miles along the lake, it contains numerous attractions including Golf Course, Driving range, Free Zoo, Archery range, Three Harbours, Cycle Paths, great walks, etc.

The first photo is looking North from the Hancock tower from which you can see Lincoln Park. The second photo you can actually see the Hancock tower in the background. It is my intention (weather permitting) on my visit to get the subway to the North end of the park and spend the day walking back. I did about half that journey on my September visit last year.

Holiday Mood - Why Chicago again ?

Ok I want to talk about Holiday's as I'm getting close to my first of the year.

People keep asking me why I am going back to Chicago as I went there 3 times last year.

Well the answers are simple:-

1. I have found the people I have met in this city really easy to get on with. This is important when traveling on your own.

2. I consider the City really clean for its size, not much litter or graffiti. It puts English Cities to shame.

3. I always feel safe in Chicago (again important in a strange city).

4. There is a decent live music scene. I love going to small live music venues to see local acts.

5. Plenty to see and do during the day. I have now seen most of the tourist attractions so I may change my opinion here. I like walking so the lake shore Parks and paths are always good.

6. The Public transport system is good and cheap. I usually get a 7 day pass at the airport and use it on trains and buses.

7. Easy to get to. My nearest International airport (Manchester) that does cross Atlantic flights as 4 per day to Chicago so you can usually find a decent deal.

8. Chicago is a busy airport so is easy to double up my holiday with another city, usually one I've never been to. (always looking for suggestions of new cities to visit). I have had 3 suggestions through this blog so far, Thanks Joel (Washington), Jenny (Savanah) & Rachel (Birmingham), I will be reading up and will consider adding these to my list.

Ok I may soon get bored with Chicago and go elsewhere but not yet it is a great place. The one down side is the Hotels can be expensive but if you are flexible with your dates you can normally get a deal.