Windy City in 24 Hours

I had the opportunity to visit Chicago earlier this month and was onsite for less than 24 hours. I only had a few hours once I landed to see "something" that represented Chi Tow and what I decided to do was view the city at night from 1,353 feet above on the Skydeck Ledge. The Ledge glass box extends out 4.3 feet from the Skydeck and is located 103 floor up in the Western Hemisphere's tallest building (Willis Tower).

I have to admit that the night views where spectacular and grand. I was blown away by how large the lake and city are. As I was waiting my turn to step out on the "Ledge" I could help admire my surroundings and how much I've always wanted to see the city from this vantage point.

It was finally my turn to experience the "Ledge" and as I stepped out on the piece of glass all I feel a rush of adrenaline kicking in as my brain starts sending signals of panic and fear to my brain. All I could do is grab for the glass wall. Kind of funny that I would think it rational and safe to grab the glass wall but not trust the glass floor. Funny how fear affect our decision making process.

The experience was unforgettable and I was able to hang out on the Ledge long enough to have capture that moment on camera. As soon as the elevator reach the ground level I hopped into a cab and told the driver to head to the Tavern on Rush. It was dinner time!

Tavern on Rush was a fun, relaxing and contemporary steak house on famous Rush Street in Chicago. I was able to enjoy a delicious dinner, drinks and atmosphere. I highly recommend visiting this restaurant if you are ever in Chicago.

After dinner, I decided to brave the 6 degree chilly weather outside and walk back to my hotel. The explorer in me could not resist. It was a bit windy so I stopped into a Starbucks and picked up a hot beverage for my 20 minute walk. I got to see the Chicago River and walk down the Magnificent Mile which is a famous avenue in Chicago. 

The walk was uneventful until my phone died and I had no working GPS or map to get back to my hotel. It was so cold outside that my cell phone battery decided to conserve energy and power down. I was able to confirm with a friendly 7-11 clerk that I was only a block away from my hotel and indeed lost in the right direction.

The next day we had an early (for me) wake up call followed by a half day of meetings and tours. Our event will be help at McCormick Place which is grand convention venue. During our tour we got a chance to see some of the cars that where being displayed at one of the biggest Auto Shows in North America. Now if only I can figure out how to take this beauty back home with me.