Yesteday I made the trek downtown to my beloved city of Chicago. I have not visited The Loop since early this summer...sometimes living in the 'burbs makes you lazy in terms of urban adventuring!

I decided to do a half-drive/half-el method of transportation to my destination. Basically this meant that I could drive on the non-congested part of I-90 to an el stop near the airport and park there for a mere $2. Then I jumped on the blue line - and what a wonderful, perfect day for a tour of the Northwest Side by el! I cannot believe how spruced-up the bucktown and wicker park neighborhoods have beomce since the early 90's. Of course all those brick condos do get to be a bit much - but the park itself is revived to a lovely and lively state.

My choice of transit mode was perfect in that it was uncongested, the train was clean, I got a wondow seat AND I was able to exit directly across the street from where I needed to be. I did my errand at the Secretary of State's office, which took surprisingly little time or effort - and then decided to treat myself to a bit of shopping on State Street and then lunch at Lavazza cafe on Washington. I was waited on by the very charming Italian manager of the store who pressed my panini and steamed my latte to my satisfaction. heheheh.

I got a Pistachio gelato to go and savored its subtle flavor at a covered table on Daley Plaza, and then headed back underground to head home.

I may have to trek back downtown for more paperwork - but now that I know how much fun is in store, I won't be complaining about it.