Chicago Day 1

I recently went to Chicago for the weekend to see my aunt and uncle and visit the city. Alex came along too and we were super excited to take a long road trip together up north. After driving all night long to get there ( and when I say that I mean him driving all night :) ) we were both exhausted and even had a few outbursts at the GPS (that seriously needs to be updated.)

The next day we were up and ready to head to downtown Chicago. We took the train in from Lake Bluff to Chicago and I must admit, I kind of felt like I was headed to Hogwarts! It was our first ride on a train. When we got downtown we took a water taxi to Navy Pier where we ate lunch and walked around the area. It was very touristy but fun! After that we just walked down the Magnificent Mile and got to see all the buildings and amazing architecture. We headed back to my Aunt's house on the train and had a big dinner; then we all walked down to the beach. It was a fantastic day!

Lake Michigan

goodbye california...

We finally decided on Newport Beach for the 4th. It was pretty fun walking around seeing so many young people and being on the beach but the parking was so awful and we ended up being worn out from the sun and walking forever. We headed back towardsLA for the night and ended up watching fireworks from downtown LA in a sweet penthouse. So it all worked out!

Monday it was time for me to head back to reality. We did some souvenir shopping at universal then ate my last meal at In-N-Out Burgers. I am not a big fast food burger fan at all but this was to die for. Super fattening but sooo delicious and worth it. I have to admit

it's probably better this chain is not in Tennessee.

So overall my 1st trip to California was AMAZING and I definitely want to go back. The beaches are beautiful, the weather is perfect, and the shopping is to die for. I did learn some helpful things though to remember next time I'm out there or for anyone taking a trip there soon...

1. plan for traffic. always.
2. get your parking validated if possible; it could save you $10
3. fly into Burbank not LAX. Burbank is so much smaller and I could get there 40 min before my flight and had plenty of time
4. pack light! or else your suitcase will be overflowing onto your friend's small floor space
5. have a gps or if not a VERY good sense of direction
6. don't ask for queso at the mexican places
7. send your postcards the 1st day you get there. they take forever to make it across the country

that is all for now :)