"I brought cashmere"

So it's only been 4 days...here goes it

09.09.2013

We were suppose to meet up with Karen an older lady we met in Florida years ago. That didn't exactly happen. So we were on our way to Chicago and had no where to sleep. It was getting late so randomly decided to find a campground in Ohio. We found one in Ravenna. It's 90+ degrees and a massive thunderstorm comes rolling in. We wait until it clears and get set up. My one person tent and Chris's hammock spread between two trees. We ate some food and wondered around to look at the reservoir we were staying near. Nighttime rolls around and we chill by the fire, drinking whiskey and trying to fight the urge not to go find cigarettes...that didn't happen. Finished the night with munchies, a fire, deep conversations...as well as the bottle of whiskey. Perfect night. 

Fell asleep to natures sounds and some weird music heard faintly in the distance. 

09.10.2013 

Arrived in Chicago at about 5:30pm Central Time Zone

Found a random Starbucks because at this point we again had no where to sleep. The original couch surfing host was no longer available. Put an hour in the meter and ran down to the parks by Lake Michigan. Frank Gehry, one of my favorite architects has some of his work featured in Chicago. We got to experience the Pritzker Pavilion and the Cloud Gate sculpture which we returned to the next day. The "bean" is amazing in movies but much better in person. 

Rushing back to the car we decide to settle for a hostel. Wrigley hostel which would cost us $70 each for two nights. The hostel is very nice and ended up in a dorm room with 4 bunk beds. Many foreigners and solo travelers seemed to be staying here. Finally settled in and then had to go park the car. Chicago was quickly becoming a very expensive first stop on this trip. We get everything situated and go find a place to eat. Cozy's is a cute and very uniquely decorated Thai restaurant. I ate a delicious cucumber salad and shrimp rolls. 

*bathroom full of pez dispensers 

When we first were driving to the hostel we saw a bar called Wheelhouse so we were in search for it. Wandering to try and find it and soon giving up we stumble upon a bar called Guthrie's Tavern. My absolute favorite thing about traveling is when "stumbling upon" a new place, experience, person or even place to stay just unexpectedly happens. A common occurrence when traveling. This bar had good local beer and a huge shelf full of board games. 

Such a great find. After two beers we head back. On the way back to the $35 a night hostel (which is pricey when on a budget) I hear back from a friend of a friend. I put a Facebook status out about Chicago and a place to stay earlier in the day. Mitali, a girl I met while traveling in Spain connected me with her friend Pat...a guy she met in a hostel in India. Pat lived 6 minutes from where we were and invited us to stay. Typically hostels will not reimburse you but they did. We got all of our money back and moved the car (after paying $18 for 4 hours max). Pat gave us a free parking pass and even ended up giving us his bedroom. Stayed up a bit, shared some stories and some other relaxing herbs. Very awesome guy. 

09.11.2013

Woke up and headed to the lake. Absolutely beautiful especially with the skyline right there. I never really thought of Chicago when I was setting my standards for my next place to live but the city is definitely amazing. Everything right there for you. Before we left the apartment Pat so kindly got us free architectural boat tour tickets. 👍 We rushed back from the beach, changed, took the metro downtown and found ourselves on a tour boat traveling through the canals and river seeing the city in the best way, in my opinion. Anytime I'm on a boat I am super happy. Add architecture and a nice day= fucking fantastic! 

After the tour we find ourselves at a famous hot dog place. Portillos. Delicious.

We're both pretty beat so we head back to Millennium Park to see the "bean" and pavilion at night. We head down and Stumble Upon a free concert. Grab some beers and a seat and I find myself in front of a youth orchestra playing classical music which next turns into Indian classical music. I'm loving life. Surrounded by the city on a beautiful night and I've already so quickly remembered why I love traveling so much. Everything always works out and falls into place as long as you are open minded to whatever comes your way. 

We head back to Wrigleyville area and stop in a bar called Mystic Celt. $4 Sierra Nevadas. Have a few beers. Find ourselves outside talking about how hot it has been and how Chris has not really packed accordingly. Amanda..."I brought cashmere!" 

Back at the apartment Patrick is out for the night and were quickly asleep. 

Morning rolls around, we didn't get to say goodbye to Pat but I left him a canvas to paint something awesome on. He randomly spoke of recently painting with a friend. 

We visit a local farmers market to get some veggies for our next stop. Visit the Frank Lloyd Wright houses in Oak Park and were on our way. 

Driving through Kentucky now. Parts are boring but a lot of it is open fields and some mountains. Drove passed the Makers Mark distillery. A lot of things remind me of my friends who are all over. Hope you are all having a good time wherever you are! ❤ 

8:25pm Central Time Zone

Arriving in Gallatin, TN in 30minutes to stay with musicians and artists currently living with 12 people sharing a house, school bus and "tarp city"... Can't wait to see what's next! :)