Before this weekend, I didn't think I could love
the city any more than I already did. I was wrong.
Friday morning I hit the road bound for Chicago to
see one of my best and oldest friends. Sick of spending yet another weekend
sitting around in one of America's most boring towns, I resolved to do or die
as I hit the road, tank full of gas and pocket full of toll road fodder.
After my whacked out GPS Rhonda decided it best
for me to see the heart of Scary Gary on the way, I squealed when the Chicago
Skyline appeared on the horizon! Forty five minutes later, I was sitting in
Kim's adorable apartment, stoked beyond belief to spend a weekend adventuring
with my best friend.
Friday evening was splendid, as Kim gave me the
grand tour of her gorgeous college campus before hitting Lincoln Square for
some gelatto. We ended the night in typical Kimberlyn style with watching Pitch
Perfect and eating kettle corn.
Saturday morning I woke up ready take on Chicago. After bundling up, Kim and I braved icy sidewalks to
the train bound for Belmont. I firmly believe the best days begin with a great
breakfast, so we strolled into Anne Sather’s for some legendary cinnamon rolls
and coffee. Once the caffeine and sugar began to take saturate our
consciousness, we hit some eclectic shops brimming with amazing stuff that
caused my poor wallet to shed a tear.
Once we had our fill of Belmont, we hopped
back on the brown line headed for the city. My considerate friend let me take
the seat by the window, which my eyes were glued to as the skyline came into
view. I had been to Chicago multiple times prior to this trip, but it still
made my heart race.
After we climbed off the train, we headed for the
Bean. As we pounded the pavement, Kim and I laughed at signs warning against
falling bikes, mice, and ice and exclaimed in amazement about the perfect
quality of the day. The windows of the towers kissing the sky glinted in the
sunlight, as the abnormally clearness eradicated the winter doldrums in
eyes of passersby. The gentle touch of the sun gave the crisp air a sweet and
comfortable climate. I thanked God for the unusually amazing weather, knowing
it was Him alone who granted me the incredible gift of a beautiful day in the
city as well as Kim’s enduring friendship through the years.
From the Bean, we picked up some free Caribou hot
chocolate (another Kimberlyn tradition) and headed for the Magnificent Mile:
Michigan Avenue. We explored floor after floor of things we pretended we could
afford, rolling imaginary luggage carts around full of clothes and household
items we just couldn’t live without. We stopped in the American Girl Place to
re-live our childhoods, and nabbed some free chocolate at Ghiradelli before
enjoying a little good conversation over a sushi snack. It has never ceased to
amaze me how Kim and I can literally be half a world away from each other but
still maintain a friendship that I consider to be one of my closest. Even
though years passed during which we were on separate continents, we have consistently
grown closer and have chased similar dreams despite the distance. The two of us
did the majority of our growing up apart, but I’m convinced our minds have
always been on one accord. Almost creepily so.
After almost two hours of talking nonstop, we
decided it was time for a caffeine boost. The sky had faded navy by this time,
but it was by no means dark outside. The buildings illuminated our path as we
continued to explore, Starbucks in hand. We went for Round Two at Ghiradelli’s
before meeting up with Kim’s roommate at Giordono’s for some classic Chicago
deep dish. The pizza felt like it took years to bake, but the end result was
worth the wait.
When we climbed on the train to head back to Kim’s
apartment, it had been almost twelve hours since we had first set out. If only
it had actually felt like it had been that long. I assured Kim that I would
most definitely be back again, this promise the seal my favorite weekend of
2013 to date.
