- I am sure there are SO many places I missed in Illinois since I stuck to Chicago, tell me what I missed! I need to know so upon returning I can make sure to hit up all the best places outside the city.
- Again, when friends offer to show you around, it’s ALWAYS a YES. Not sure how many times I can stress this . . . just trust me.
- Go to a cubs game. (It’s going to be a bit more expensive now that they are the World Series champs, but if you’ve never been, it’s a great stop).
- You have to visit the Bean and eat Chicago style pizza (my personal favorite style of pizza) it may be touristy but it’s a must.
- There are a LOT of museums to choose from, they are all wonderful. I didn’t make it to any of them on this trip, but I would still suggest them to everyone.
I’ve been writing some of my blogs as I go, and some as I think back. It gives me the opportunity to reflect on my experiences as opposed to simply recording them (although it is just an accident because I should have been writing them all last year . . . . but I didn’t). This blog will be done completely by memory. You may have also noticed I am no longer blogging in order. As I finish blogs, I will publish them. Wherever my mind leads, I will go and write about, whatever inspires me, I will record. A couple of years ago I started following my heart and I do NOT plan on stopping any time soon. Go Johanna Go has become a lifestyle I love and one I have every intention of continuing in all aspects of life.
OK so back to Illinois. I am lucky to have multiple friends who live in Chicago (Ex-teamates, college friends, strangers from an internet girl’s group who became real life friends in a matter of minutes) who were willing to host me, show me around and in general just be wonderful humans. Therefore I have to send a special thank you to Simon (ESPECIALLY SIMON), Abigail, Brian, Bianca and Megan who all made me feel like Chicago is a city of open arms and a place I can ALWAYS return. So much love to you all.
My friends have jobs (crazy, right?) so the first day of my arrival I slept in and wandered the neighborhood (Lakeview/Boy’s Town) buying some groceries for a meal I would never cook and a bottle of Templeton Rye (see Iowa for more on my love of the good stuff) we would absolutely drink. That evening I met up with my friend Abigail for dinner nearby and we had some delicious food while catching up after not seeing each other for close to 8 years. We played volleyball together growing up and all I have to say is, “go RCJrs!”, best volleyball team to ever pass through Nebraska, I swear.
Day two was dedicated to Chicago things. We went downtown to the Bean, he was smiling and welcoming me to the city the same as everyone else in Chicago. We continued to Girodano’s for some of my favorite pizza EVER. (Side note-I’d actually been to this pizza place once before. I was in Chicago with my 
dad trying to get a French visa. I was unsuccessful, but the roadtrip was fun and the pizza is always delish). I love Chicago style pizza and I mean I LOVE Chicago style pizza. If you have never had any, you must try, although it’s not always the same if you aren’t actually eating it in the city. This Chicago style day was followed by a Chicago Cubs game, that they won. You’re welcome Cubs fans, I do believe I must be good luck.
It is 
good to note the bar outside the stadium, that serves their beers by filling them from the bottom is a great place to stop on your way out of the stadium – it is also good to note it is NOT a good idea to try to see how it works. You WILL end up spilling beer all over yourself and others. It IS a good idea to go to Sluggers and play ALL the games and come back again a day or two later to listen to live music and drink disgustingly warm shots of Jameson (I don’t think that was the bar’s thing-I think it was one of my monster friend’s things). We ended the night playing Jenga that I’m not sure anyone actually won because by this time we were all pretty horrible. Sweet dreams were soon to follow.
Day three started with coffee (of course) and a ride on
the train
(that I don’t suggest after a night at the baseball stadium) and wandering through beautiful Chicago to see the Art Museum, fountain, harbor and eventually taking my friend to the Centennial Wheel on Navy Pier and
learning he is horribly afraid of 
heights. Sorry to call you out Simon, but it was a little bit
hilarious. It would also pretty great when we travelled to 360 Chicago (once the John Hancock tower) later in the day. We were there on a clear day and I easily could have stayed there well into the evening gazing into the distance but we had to get back to Boy’s Town so I could prepare to meet up with my
internet friends!
I am very lucky to have some online girl friends I got to meet for the first time while in Chicago. Just as I expected I was welcomed with open arms and open bottles 🙂 We went to a concert but more than anything I enjoyed spending time with some incredible, strong women I look up to and respect. (Hey Bianca and Megan!)
The week turned weekend I was there was overall one filled with fun, wild times and more than anything just reminded me why I have always loved visiting Chicago. I never know what’s going to happen and I never have to plan too much because this place and it’s people never dissapoint. I can’t wait to return. Perhaps for St Patty’s day. Suggestions?
Go Johanna Go 