A Day in Chicago, Illinois
Chicago Skyline - What used to be the Sears Tower is now The Willis Tower (it's the tallest one)
Taking trips most any place can be fun, going to an unknown city, particularly a large City like Chicago Illinois cen be pretty scary. If you've ever driven in the downtown area you probably should have someone reading the map while you drive or you could end up like we did, following someone who has made a wrong turn - down a one way street going the wrong way, if you're lucky enough you'll get someone to follow you as well. Hey, that's fun! 3 cars going the wrong way into on coming traffic. In Chicago it seems they are used to it, they just go around you.
If you have an appointment make sure you have plenty of time to find parking! Oh yes, either take plenty of cash or a debit card because parking is not cheap! They do have early bird specials, where you get to park all day for $17.00, but that means you should be at your designated parking area before 8 am. If it's after that you're going to pay through the nose. 2 hours could cost you upwards of say $32.00. Well that's what it cost us!!
If your visiting the Cook County Court House you can find parking under the building. We weren't told that until AFTER we parked in our expensive parking area.
When you get into the court house if you're there for anything traffic related you will need to go downstairs rather than standing in line for 30 minutes waiting to be checked through the metal detectors. You will need to go down the escalators then attempt to follow the confusing signs. You won't find a restroom until you reach your destination hallway. So make sure you don't drink too much coffee before going otherwise you will be standing in line waiting to go through yet another metal detector doing the pee-pee dance.
For your personal information check your purse or bag before going in because cameras are NOT allowed. If by chance you happen to have something on your person that 'the mean man' does not allow, you will be asked to leave. If the nice lady is working she will give you directions to the lockers down the hall and for $3 you can lock up your stuff. If your camera is to be used for evidence you will have to let the Judge know and the Prosecutor will escort you back to the Officers manning the metal detectors and let them know that you are able to bring it in. So if you're by yourself you will have wasted $3 or if you're with someone they will have gotten to stand in the hallway, waiting for you getting yelled at by the 'mean' officer.
Apparently it's ok to have cell phones with recording devices, just not cameras.
Beware of the 'mean' officer, he must be having bad days, either that or I must look like his ex-wife.
The Judge that we happened to go to was a very nice man and the traffic ticket was dismissed. Because he was so nice, I didn't ask if they validated parking.
As your walking out of the building heading in the general direction of your parking garage, look up and around.
Some of the buildings are really pretty! Look down too cause you might see something cool embedded in the sidewalk.
What ever you do and wherever you go, stop look around and have the BEST time you can, no matter what you are doing!!
