Chicago; Home of Superdawgs & Grumpy Cats

We start our journey with a visit to the Windy City. Much like our hometown of Christchurch NZ, Chicago is famous for being a city reborn from adversity, being almost completely rebuilt following the devastating fire in 1871. An adventurous architectural history is on display along the rivers and vast lake frontage, which is used to maximum effect with more than 18 miles of continuous multi-use trails that weave through the lakeshore parks.

For Frank Lloyd Wright fans, Chicago is the veritable living museum of his groundbreaking domestic architecture. Distinctive in style, you see echoes of his forms in house designs here today. His obsession with creating idyllic home life experiences was often in conflict with practical needs of daily living, and stands in contrast with the domestic turmoil that eventuated in his own household.

We are fortunate to be very well hosted by the extended Martin, Totsch and Johnsen families, recently discovered relatives of Michelle. Under their expert tutelage we are informed of the importance of not putting Ketchup on your hotdogs, and encouraged to load every other condiment known to man onto the excellent hotdogs at Superdawgs. Even the highway information boards warn of this violation: No speeding, No texting, No Ketchup (no kidding!). The only exception to the amazing hospitality is Caramela, quite possibly the worlds’ grumpiest cat, whose incessant growling and swiping is simultaneously entertaining and alarming!

Carmela in a festive mood

Millennium Park and Navy Pier are the centerpiece for the city, and bustle with summer time sightseers enjoying the 90 degree heat. No trip to Chicago would be complete without visiting the Bean to watch the world warp and distort into a myriad of mirrored images, and to drench yourself under the water towers of Millennium Park.