Day Two of Driving to Boston.

I guess I know that something that happened three weeks ago is of zero interest to the world wide web, however, I have turned this into a journal of type so when I am old and crazy I can look back (Im sure I will have forgotten to even bother looking back, but not the point)! So here's a bit more of our journey out to Boston.

The second day we got to at least sleep until a decent hour, but were on the road by 8 in order to maybe hit up a few stampie sites before getting into Hartford. But first, we raced the clock in order to get into Dayton by 2pm so we could have First Watch for breakfast. Yes, people, it is that good. But we were going to miss it by minutes. So what do we do? 20 minutes outside of town, we order takeout. So the food was ready by the time we got there at 2:10, our only chance at getting the deliciousness. Off to the Dayton Aviation stamp site, which was a CRAZY maze of roads and exits to finally get to the site. But we did!

We made it to Hartford in time for dinner before Cirque Du Soleil, and in true Clare & Tim form, found an Irish Pub close by. Tim's shepard's pie might look like an albino cow pie, but sure didn't taste like one!

Next door at Cirque's Quidam, we were....not as thrilled as normal with the show. It clearly was one of their older shows. I mean, I love conceptual art and the whimsical creativity that Cirque brings to their shows. But I equally love the athletic tricks and talented body work segments that each show has as well. And this show was far lacking on the impressive stunts, and heavier on the concept art. Dark concept art at that. It had a very mental institution vibe. But it was a good time nonetheless.

Afterward, we drove the last two hours to pull into Boston for the night. And no matter what time it is, you have to take a walk down Tremont and Boylston as soon as you check in to the hotel. Its just. Demanded tradition! As is NYP....

The Wind Caused Delay?

Wow, long overdue post. The week before Christmas (I know, it seems like AGES ago) the Nordyke fam with Tim and I in tow, made the trek to Chicago, with the main reason of seeing Cirque Du Soleil's new show, Banana Shpeel. We left Saturday morning (basketball game the night before), and journeyed through the cold snow to be met by the most glorious, meat in tube shaped meal EVER. My personal favorite, Portillos Hot Dogs. Checked into our hotel downtown, snapped a pic with my brother (best bro/sis pic ever) and we went to see the show.

Let me make myself clear, I adore Cirque shows. I have seen more than I can count on one hand. Some more than once. Everytime I see one, its beautiful and entertaining, and its well worth the traveling to see them. So believe me when I say, that this was the WORST show ever. Even if it wasn't part of Cirque I would have thought so. Wasn't funny, there was no talent, there were no tricks, the cast sucked, it was just bad. I would have walked out at intermission, but Dad was determined that it might get better (it didn't, but there was a pretty Russian pole dancer dude!). That's that story.

We dined on a great meal at McCormick and Schmicks, but the highlight was when mom ordered a "Chocolate Box" dessert, and this GINORMOUS hunk of chocolate filled with mousse was served. No joke, the chocolate alone had to weigh several pounds.

Next day, the Chicago German Christmas Market, oh Olliebollen, I love you.....

A less than quick stop at the giant Gap store downtown, Macys, and a Portillos lunch later, we were on the road!

Stopped in Galena on the way back, Tim had never been, and it had been years since I had been. Visited the Cannery and had a MILLION and a half samples. Hit up a few other shops, wishing we had a kitchen three times the size of our current one, and finally arrived back home. A quick jaunt, but everyone knows its just nice to get out of town sometimes....

(Above) Portillos Glory, Mom and Dad outside the theatre, the view from our hotel room!

(Below) Infamous Chocolate Box, Chris&Dad at Christmas Market, Sampling Haven!