You betcha!

Because it was our last morning in Chicago, Cas and I had a proper, sit-down breakfast.  He found a spot with some classic menu items and some real character, and we each had a pretty traidtional breakfast.  I suspect you could go to most cities in America and get two eggs, two sausage links, some hash browns and some toast. I have to say, it was the perfect meal.  After breakfast, we went back to the hotel so we could check out, then we took a stroll to a park, but it started to rain just about when we arrived, so we walked through a very light sprinkle to the Chicago Cultural Center, which used to be a public library, and I have to tell you, they sure made pretty libraries way back when.  The library at the school where I work is slated for a bit of a makeover soon, and I hope they will welcome my design ideas based on the elaborate mosaics, sweeping stone staircases, fancy ceilings and beautiful stone columns.  Somehow, I suspect they’ll just go for a fresh coat of paint and some new chairs, but a girl can dream, can’t she? 

The cultural center had exhibits throughout.  There were small galleries featuring works by different artists on the ground floor, but the top floor had an exhibition about the birth of the comic strip.  Many of the features were from old newspapers that first published comics, and there were a few toys and such that were made to accompany the comics.  It was an interesting enough exhibit, but we really lacked the time to read everything, and if I’m being honest, I lacked the attention span to do so.  I have to say, yesterday was a lot, and between the hour and a half of kayaking and the big bursts of walking around the city, I may be a little tired today.  

It’s probably serendipitous timing, too.  We are currently on an eight hour train trip, so there isn’t a lot of activity to complete.  That’s what we had planned- from Chicago to Red Wing, I thought it would be neat to take a train.  Red Wing has a train station, and I wanted to hop off there.  I thought it would be cool.  The problem then became how to get from Red Wing to the Minneapolis/Saint Paul airport when it was time to leave town, and a secondary problem was how to rent a car in Red Wing.  I don’t think it can be done.  Both of these problems were easy to solve if we rode the train straight through Red Wing, got to the Minneapolis/Saint Paul station, rented a car and drove right back to where we came from.  I realize that sounds completely crazy, but it’s a really neat experience, and Chicago's Union Station is absolutely stunning.  

Besides, Cas and I are old pros at train travel from our grand Candian adventure, and it’s a very serene way to get from one place to another.  So, that’s all for now, we’ll see you in Red Wing, and until then, let me start out the Minnesota leg of this journey with a great big You Betcha.

When you have a moment, take a look at the Chicago Cultural Center and Union Station.  They sure did know how to build stuff… https://photos.app.goo.gl/2sYnZaQSheDb6sfJ6