Day 34 - Overnight Train Memphis to Chicago

Our train was predicted to be early but it arrived on time and departed about 11pm. Our Roomette was not very comfortable. It was not possible to sit up in the top bunk, the mattresses were thin and hard, and the noise of the train's warning whistle made it hard to sleep.

When we arrived in Chicago our taxi driver clearly didn't want to get out and help us with our luggage. We both got out without paying him so he had to get out and give us our luggage before we paid him. He scowled at the low tip but he had also talked loudly on the phone the whole trip. We left our luggage at our hotel but were too early to check in.

We headed to Wildberry Pancake Cafe but the waiting queue was formidable. We found a place called Eggy's which served nice crepes with strawberries and bananas. Like most restaurants here the syrup is not pure maple syrup and the cream comes sweetened out of a can.

It was a good day for a walk, not too hot for a change, so we went to Navy Pier. It wasn't very interesting with a lot of construction work.








After unpacking in our hotel we boarded a 5pm cruise of the Chicago River. It is run by the Chicago Architecture Center and a volunteer architect provided a thoroughly entertaining and informative commentary throughout the 90 minute boat ride.