Wednesday, October 27, 2010

FANTASY TOUR - on Amtrak to Chicago

Traveling On The Amtrak Train To CHICAGO

I'm taking you on a tour around Chicago's unseen areas, where there are houses that cost a fortune, and then to the beat up areas near the poorer neighborhoods. We will see stores, businesses, colleges and schools. Then, we will even go inside of some of the best restaurants, and then grab a bite to eat at some of the burger joints. Maybe you like White Castle's double cheese burgers, or maybe you like Pork's homemade barbecue, but whatever Chicago has to offer, we'll get to experience in this hub. The objective is to play with your imagination and tease your senses. I want to make this hub feel like a real tour, so much that you would almost smell Chicago, taste the food, and engage in conversations with a few strangers. For all of my readers, please make sure you have your clothes packed, snacks to eat along the way, and a book to read, because we are about to travel on the Amtrak train. Below is a table that lists the cost of the ticket and travel times.

THE PRE-PLANNED SCHEDULE/EXPENSES

Amtrak 
Rountrip 
Hotel 
 Time of Departure: 9:35 am; Monday
Leaving Chicago: 10:00 am; Friday 
Trump International Hotel and Tower 
Time of Arrival in Chicago: 1:52 pm Tue 
Expected Return from trip:  2:00 pm Sat
(Where we will be boarding) 
Nam of the Luxury Train: Texas Eagle
Cost of Rountrip: $260.00
See next table for cost of suite 

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Welcome Aboard The Texas Eagle

engineer and conductorsInside the dining carsay hello
engineer and conductors
engineer and conductors

Touring Amtrak's Texas Eagle

Well, we have our luggage tagged and put away in the compartments, and now it's time to tour the inside of the Texas Eagle. There is a lower-level lounge car, and one on the upper level, where the dining car is also. The lounge car is the snack car, where you can purchase refreshments and sweets, and play board games if you have them. I brought my chess set with me. Anybody up for a game? Ah, I see. You don't play chess. Well, I'll have to sit in the lounge car, set my board up, and hope somebody who knows how to play chess come and offer me a challenge.  The dining car is where you can go and order an entree from the menu, but no need to show off your big wallet, don't look at me because I don't have enough money to eat with you. [just kidding] I'll be joining you in the diner soon, but I gotta go to the restroom, and I'll be back shortly. It sure is nice to be traveling on Amtrak, enjoying a short vacation away from the busy work week is worth it all, regardless of the expenses.

The Time: 9:45 pm

Time: 9:45 pmTime: 11:45 pm
Time: 9:45 pm
Time: 9:45 pm

Trump Tower

Trump Tower
Trump Tower

NOTE TO MY READERS: choose your suite

The size of the room, also pertaining to the bed (king, queen, full, etc.) is solely left up to each of you. You can choose the Deluxe King, King, Deluxe Queen, or whatever your budget can afford. Below is a table that lists the suites, and the cost of the suites. Choose wisely.

ARRIVAL: Trump International Hotel and Tower

Ah, what a nice long trip. The time is 2:00 pm, and we have already unboarded Amtrak's Texas Eagle Woo! Finally! I slept well. How about you? We are riding the tour bus on the way to the Trump International Hotel and Tower. I've already made my reservations beforehand. I'll be staying in the SPA DELUXE KING suite. When I go on a vacation I am not worried about costs, I intend to have a great time, and that's what I'm going to do. Before you make your reservation, if you haven't already, let me give you a little description of the Trump suites. The description is perfectly posted:
  • Luxury Suites:    ....    "The 339 guest rooms, suites and Spa rooms of the Trump International Hotel & Tower® Chicago are immaculately designed for the most discerning traveler. The Trump Chicago Hotel is the utmost in comfort and luxury among the best Chicago hotels. Every detail of our luxury accommodations, from the floor-to-ceiling windows to the striking custom furnishings enhances the experience, encouraging guests of the Trump Chicago hotel to unwind and enjoy the city views from their Chicago suites and guestrooms."

Have a hard time making your mind up about which room you want? Well, I can help you with that. There is a table below with the list of package deals.

Room and Accomodations

Suite: 
Price: 
Accomodations/Enhancements 
Superior King 
$575.00 
Champagne: add $45.00 
Deluxe King City View 
$575.00 
Chocolate Strawberries: $18.00 
Spa Deluxe King 
$605.00 
Exotic Fruit Plate: $50.00 
Deluxe King Suite City View
$875.00
Cookies/Mile: $14.00
Grand Deluxe Queen River
(NOT AVAILABLE)
0.00

Take A Look At My Suite



From Wrigley Field To China Town

Headed to Wrigley FieldOutside WrigleyEntering the BoothWhy are you sitting so high in the bleachers!meet Sandy. "Sandy, say hello to my friends."
Headed to Wrigley Field
Headed to Wrigley Field

Kids in the Hall

RIDING TOUR BUS TO WRIGLEY FIELD

We're back on the tour bus, leaving the hotel, and to Wrigley Field to watch a Cubs game. Afterwards, we'll go to Chicago's China Town area to find us some real Chinese food dishes, and not so much the American style food. I asked the tour director if he would choose a Chinese restaurant, and he suggested China Town, and besides, I am a picky person who didn't bother to ask anybody what they want to eat. Sorry, but I paid the most money so I get to choose. Thanks for your cooperation. Anyway, we will be good an hungry by the time the game is over anyway. So, just enjoy the tour. I'm sure we'll stop at other places.
I'm wearing my Cubs Jersey outfit, and hey, nice Cubs hat you have on, I like it. Wait, look, I can see Wrigley field from here! Look out the window.
Hey, he's safe! I don't know why coaches always argue at games. If you look at the 2 men in the photo (bottom right), you'll notice that they're having a discrepancy. In my opinion, I think the player was safe, what do you think? Did you see the end of the play? Well, so much for a Cubs game. "Hey honey, did you see the play? I think he's safe."  I'm about ready to go to Chicago's China Town for some food. I'm starving. I've seen enough of these brawls, and it's about time somebody make a call. Safe or out. I think I'm down to my last bite of red kernel popcorn. Maybe I should save it for the next 5 minutes or so, just until it's time to go.

China Town: Homeward Bound

Chicago's China TownWushoo Wi TungI found something on the menuBarbecue duck"Hello stranger, what are you having?"
Chicago's China Town
Chicago's China Town

Visiting Chicago's Gold Coast

The Gold CoastHomes in the Gold CoastHomes in the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast
The Gold Coast

The Gold Coast view

The Gold Coast viewThe Chicago Magnificent Mile
The Gold Coast view
The Gold Coast view

Trains

Field of Dreams

I've always wanted to taste some real Chinese home cooking. As with all good things, it had to happen sooner or later. My wife Sandy is enjoying it too, but she keeps reaching over onto my plate, and I wonder why. Maybe she ordered something she doesn't like too much. Talking about reaching at someone's plate, your dish looks good. I like that barbecue duck, it smells good. Listen, my friend, I'll let you taste my pizza if you let me try some of that duck. I asked the conductor if we can go tour some rich neighborhoods, but you look disappointed. What's the matter, was it not what you wanted? I would have settled for the broken down areas, but I want the chance to see how the wealthy people are living for the first time. Besides, you must know some people in the projects. Who do you know in the projects? Tell you the truth, I don't wish to go by those parts, I don't wanna get robbed. I figured it was all good, though. "Hey, you aisle seat fat guy, mind if I have my front seat back? I sat down immediately before someone would come and take my front seat on the tour bus. As a much-needed r & r, I removed my Cubs cap and ditched it out the window. Ha, ha! Good 'Sunshine and Rainbows.'
As I looked out the window, scoping the rough landscape, the bus rudely jolted after going over 2 possums, but now it's momentary peace. I'm not about to scrape the tires. It's not my job. My wife Sandy is eering a little, but it became clear immediately that she has nothing to fear as long as her husband (I) is with her. "Pardon me, but I thought you were a photographer, and a know-it-all? You're the one wearing the cargo shorts, and with every movement, I'm sure you can take some nice angle pictures. I don't have a shadow of doubt, I was eavesdropping on your conversation, and I overheard you telling him that you had your digital camera with you."Yeah, even more boring would be to take some picture of the projects in Chicago. That's why I'm glad we're going across the high ends.
“Oh, look at that. It’s beautiful." [viewing the Gold Coast] The bus comes to a stop around The Gold Coast. This is the chance for tourists to get off the bus and stretch a little, and take some pictures of houses and buildings near the Gold Coast.
So far, we have been through several rural areas, making compliments about the fancy houses and properties, even in the suburban areas. It's nice, but I would like to meet a couple of strangers while I'm here in the city. If nothing else, my journey will be a memorable one. Beyond any doubt, getting on a train and tour bus for the first time was an experience I’ll take with me for a long time. It has been a pleasure traveling and meeting all of you. I thought maybe a quick visit to the casino might be a good idea. May as well spend more money.

CONCLUDING THE TOUR TRIP

Good and tired, ready to get back to the hotel and go to the lounge area. I'm good and tired after shopping between spots. It's been good for me, what about you? I've seen enough for one day. To be honest, I would like to do this again soon. The cost wasn't so bad, and you get what you pay for. After leaving on the bus, headed back to the Trump International suites, the day was turning into evening, and heads were nodding off as if a heaviness came upon the eyes of passengers. Wow, what a beautiful way a trip can end, people falling asleep."I see you have a shopping bag. What did you buy?" "It looks like some shirts and ties. I shop at Macy's a lot myself, and it's a good store with name-brand clothing and reasonable prices." Well, I'm about to nod off, wake me up when we get to the hotel.
We'll still have enough time left tomorrow to tour the University of Illinois and do some more sight-seeing, but it's late and I'm sleepy.

FINISHING OUR TOUR - SHOPPING

University of Illinois of ChicagoA Buddy of MineSTAN PROPERTIESWELLINGTON PROPERTIES
University of Illinois of Chicago
University of Illinois of Chicago

THE NEXT DAY: visiting university and shopping

We are close to the end of our tour, and it's time for us to check out one of Chicago's best schools, the University of Illinois of Chicago. Afterwards, we can do a little shopping, then go to the casino. [Taking pictures as the bus passes by the university]
I've always wanted to go to a university like this one. Image all the career courses that are available to nobodies like me. I don't believe that a anybody has to go to college in order to afford a decent lifestyle, for instance, Bill Gates was a high school drop-out, and he's living better than most of us who did go to college. The one thing that is good about going to college is the valuable experience you can get meeting people who come for different backgrounds, and people of a different culture than your own. You can learn a lot from those people. I appreciated the fact that I had free access to computers and books when I was going to college. However, everybody is different, and college may be a necessity for some of us.  Let's go do some shopping.

Shopping: Jewelery, Clothes Stores, and The Mall


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