Los Angeles to Chicago Cross Country Road Trip

ABBEY: We planned to take the train from California to Chicago and experience a cross-state railroad journey. But Kuya Victor was more adventurous. He told us that it will be a road-trip. 

We were all excited and headed our way on a bright morning of December 27 after bidding farewell to our family in California. 

First stop is Las Vegas, Nevada. We got to see Red Rock Canyon and the “busyness” of the city. It was really lit with colorful signs. You can’t help but look up. We had the night to recharge ourselves at MGM Grand and checked out to go to Arizona. Funny story is we were stopped by a State Trooper citing our violation that we’re driving too close to another vehicle. Abiding by the law we crossed another border and reached New Mexico where we spent our second night. 

As Filipinos, rice is staple in our meal. We were so craving for it but we settled on bowls of ramen as the rice ran out. After a good night sleep, our next destination is Texas. Here we stopped by Big Texan Steakhouse for our steak fix. 

And on our fourth day we pushed it to reach Chicago but detoured first to Gateway Arch at Missouri. It was a great experience. We really enjoyed; the snow-covered and long ranges of mountains, vast lands, sights on each state we passed, and flurries. We got to eat at a diner and stayed at hotels where your fellow roadtrippers were also busy unpacking/packing their things. 

Definitely will do it again.

Los Angeles to Chicago Cross Country Road Trip

WILL: Instead of flying, Abbey and I planned to take train from San Francisco to Chicago. But Ate Gail and Kuya Victory proposed to take a road trip. We are quite hesitant for few reasons.

It will be tiring for Kuya Victory to drive thousands of miles.

Does Boy Thor can manage the monotony of seating for hours

And finally, how about the expenses. Haha!

Kuya and Ate ensures that there will be no problem and everything was taken care of on their side, so Abbey and I decided to agree with them.

For 4D and 3N, Kuya Victor drives, Abbey helps to navigates, Thor and Ate Abigail Sings and me?, Well I am sleeping at the back of the car. Haha. I am wide awake in the late evening kasi! Hmf! Jet lag.

Our first stop is Las Vegas:

I never dreamt in my whole life that I will set foot there! Indeed the casinos, bars and restaurants have their own ways to attract customers. Well, Nevada does not only serves those glaring electric lights but they have this Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. My first time to climb a non-man made wall. Another first time? Snowball Fight! Until now, it brings a smile whenever I hear Thor’s giggles. Haha! Not in lifetime that I will be staying at MGM Grand! This is where most of Manny Pacquaio’s fight was held.

Second Stop – Arizona:

The inspiration for Lightning McQueen CARS! It feels like I am inside that Pixar’s animation! The road, the car, the warmth welcome from people and the satisfying service of Mr. D’z.

It is indeed an outskirt part of US. It seems so peaceful!

Third State – Claremore Oklahoma:

But before reaching Oklahoma, we stopped by at famous Texas Restaurant, Big Texan Steak Ranch! Gosh! The serving is overwhelming! The beef is tender and swipe some jalapeno…whew! I am drooling while writing this! Haha! Love their corn muffin too! Texas is so huge vast of land and there are harnessing the power of wind! Windmill is everywhere!

Forth and Last Stop: Missouri

Before heading ThurThor’s home, we stopped by to visit the Gateway Arch at St Louis Missouri. The design and the architecture of the arch is wonderful! I hope this kind of masterpiece will stand the test of time like Egypt’s Pyramid!

Chicagoooo!!

We were welcomed by snow flurry! And I am happy to see that but do not dare to go out.. Haha! Abbey enjoyed the thick snow on the following day.

Thank you so much Austria’s Family for planning this kind of bonding with us! We really appreciate it and thankful in spending time with you guys! Di pa lang talaga nasasagot ni Kuya ang tanong namin na “What is your lovelife before Ate?” Haha!

***

MGM Grand Las Vegas Hotel & Casino - MGM Resorts

(W) https://mgmgrand.mgmresorts.com/

Red Rock Canyon | Las Vegas, Nevada

(W) https://www.redrockcanyonlv.org

Mr. D'z Route 66 Diner, Kingman 

(A) 105 E Andy Devine Ave, Kingman, AZ 86401-5820

The Big Texan Steak Ranch: Home of the 72oz Steak

(W) https://www.bigtexan.com

The Gateway Arch

(W) https://www.gatewayarch.com

  

Holiday Inn Express® | An IHG® Hotel 

(W) https://www.hiexpress.com

Hertz Car Rental‎

(W) https://www.hertz.com/rentacar/reservation/

Disneyland® Park - California

ABBEY: We visited Disneyland Park at California on 23rd of December. It was drizzling and really cold. But those didn’t hinder us to see what’s at Mickey’s place. First stop is Peter Pan’s flight. It seems we’re really flying as we can see bird’s eyeview of London. 

Next is It’s a Small World. We keep on checking the Filipino dolls but the theme is all about the holidays. Maybe the highlight of our day is meeting Mickey Mouse himself. At last, we got a picture with him and our timing is right; less queue time. Our lunch is at Alien Pizza Planet where we had, of course, pizza and mac and cheese. After the break we headed for our photoshoot session with Chewbacca. It was fun and we burst to laughter with all those Chewbacca jokes. My shooting skills failed me at Astro Blasters having the lowest score. At last we found Nemo at the Submarine Voyage. The pool is small on the outside but it’s a different deep, big world down there. Next is Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge where we saw the Millennium Falcon and First Order TIE Echelon. I’m proud to say that I survived Space Mountain. Hahaha.

We had our rest at Jungle Cruise while listening to the puns of our boat guide. Schedule was full for Fantasmic but we got seats for Mickey and the Magical Map. Our last stop is at Haunted Mansion.

Before heading home, Wilma got her food wish; corndog. It’s big but more on the coating side. Haha.

Be sure to have your Fastpass to get into the attractions quicker.

Disneyland® Park - California 

WILL: This will be our first time to Disneyland California Park and great thing is we are with Abbey’s fam bam. It is raining, I am quite unwell but we still pushed the exciting event for Lapuz Family. Well, andun na kami, aatras pa ba? Haha! We are early, as in we woke in our unusual timing in the early morning and with a prayer, the rain became drizzle. Thank you Almighty! 

After parking, we rode a tram and immediately started the fun. Please watch our video. Most of the rides at Hong Kong Disneyland is present there, maybe that is the signature of each park. We only watched one show which I totally enjoyed and finally ate a corndog! Fantastic! 

What I really enjoyed is spending time with Abbey’s Family. The “Chewbacca” jokes will definitely not be forgotten. So hilarious! High Five Tita Beth! Thank you Lapuz Family for all the efforts and time spent with us. 

Now I wonder what will be the other Disneyland Parks may offer.

***

Disneyland® Park - California

(W) https://disneyland.disney.go.com

Lincoln Park Zoo

ABBEY: Note to visitors: Lincoln Park Zoo is big and half day is not enough to cover it. You've been warned.

It was pre-spring and still cold when we went there but still we're able to see animals like mountain lion, flamingos, macaques, penguins, polar bear, and vultures. 

I was amazed by their aviary. The birds have beautiful bright colors and have lots of species. Also we're able to visit the center for African apes. 

Lincoln Park Zoo - Flamingo Island 

Lincoln Park Zoo's Lions' Den 

Lincoln Park Zoo  

Lincoln Park Zoo - Bird at Aviary

WILL: If you will google what are the free things to do in Chicago, Lincoln Zoo and Park will not be off the list. Imagine? Zoo for free? Hmmm, wondering what animals they are showcasing? Okay let's hit it one by one. 

Birds, magnificent feathers, tails, size and beaks. They are totally all unidentifiable for me. Gorillas and monkeys. King of the jungle..Lions. Zebras. Penguins, polar bears. Flamingo and many more. Ahmmm, because of cold weather some of them were in custody and not available for viewing. 

Do not follow us. Do not visit the zoo in winter or spring. Go here in summer, where the flowers are blooming and all of the animals are out ready to take all your inquisitive looks. :) 

Anyways, we still enjoyed out long walk at Lincoln Zoo :) 

***

Lincoln Park Zoo

(W) http://www.lpzoo.org

(A) 2001 North Clark Street • Chicago, IL 60614

(T) 312-742-2000

(H) September - October 10am-5pm (gates open 7am-6pm) 

November-March 10:00am-4:30pm (gates open 7am-5pm)

April-May 10am-5pm (gates open 7am-6pm)

The Boss Baby at Muvico Rosemont 18

ABBEY: It's good that there is a good movie when we went to Chicago and we got to experience to go to a movie theater there. It was at Muvico Rosemont 18 and the movie is Boss Baby. The theater is clean and has less people as it is Sunday after lunch. Now I know why they say that theater food is a rip-off. 7 USD for a large Coke slurpee, come on. The seats are good and spacious; enough leg room for me.

Boss Baby is a funny movie and also has lessons. The antics of the baby in suit is great as well as his squad. Now that's another story how babies are born and given to a family (they arrived in taxis). Haha. I wonder where I can get that formula :)

Muvico Rosemont 18's Free SelfieW.me Photobooth

Muvico Rosemont 18

SelfieW.me Free Photo

WILL: Abbey and I want to keep on waiting on the showing of Boss Baby and it went out in movie theatres when we were in Chicago. Because of the dire curiosity to see this "Boss" baby, we gently requested Mommy Telec and Paulo to accompany us. And then, they brought us at Muvico. 

Muvico is a huge place that solely caters the moviegoers. I am not sure how many halls they have but the place is colossal. Hey Muvico! How dare you to charge a unreasonable amount of US$7 for a frozen coke? Huhu!

Okay now, let's go to Boss Baby. Now I know where are the babies from. The lesson I learned, love your sibling? No matter what?! Haha! 

Okay, okay.. that's all for now! Spread love guys! Start it at home!

***

Muvico Rosemont 18 

(A) 9701 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Rosemont, IL 60018, USA

(T) 1 847-447-1040

Disney ALADDIN on Broadway | The Hit Broadway Musical at Cadillac Palace Theatre

ABBEY: We got so excited when we learned that Aladdin will be shown in Chicago the same time we will visit there. We booked our tickets on Wilma's natal day. After completing the payment we just realized that the show we booked is on New York. True story. But Ticketmaster helped us to refund it and booked a pair again, now in Cadillac Palace, Chicago. 

It was the first night of the production and the guests flocked at the theater and each was given a program. The place was dimly-lit but well alive. We can hear the orchestra doing their final tune up. And a couple of minutes later, the show began.

It was magical and spectacular. The actors are great especially Genie. The scene I like the most is when Genie and Aladdin met. Yes, and not when he met Jasmine. It was just intense, loud, vibrant, and elegant. The magic carpet ride will take you to pitch black skies with stars that shine like diamonds while being serenaded with "A whole new world". 

The duo Jafar and Iago gave us good laughs. Kudos to the cast, director and whole production of Aladdin.

Disney ALADDIN on Broadway | The Hit Broadway Musical at Cadillac Palace Theatre 

Cadillac Palace Theatre

WILL: A whole new world! A dazzling place I never knew... 

Watching Aladdin at Cadillac Palace is a true-to-life "a whole new world" for me and Abbey. We never dreamt that we can watch a play at US of A and so fantastic that it showed my all-time favorite Disney cartoon Aladdin. 

What is the best scene I cannot forget? When Aladdin was chased by guards, when Aladdin was inside the Cave of Wonders, Aladdin was introduced at the palace, and ahmm... can I say all? There is no dead air or boring scene. Like a child, I can watch it again and again! Haha! 

Cadillac Palace is the theatre that I saw in movies. Draping curtains, lavish ceilings and lovely carpets. It is a magnificent place and perfect for the extravagant palace of Princess Jasmine! 

Thanks Abbey for this play! Lurve it! More-more broadway shows to watch :)

***

Disney ALADDIN on Broadway | The Hit Broadway Musical

(W) http://www.aladdinthemusical.com

(T) U.S.: 866-870-2717

Cadillac Palace Theatre

(W) http://cadillac.palacetheatrechicago.com

(A) 151 W. Randolph St Chicago, IL

(T) 312-977-1710

Millennium Park / Magnificent Mile / Navy Pier

ABBEY: This is the start of our Downtown Chicago "exploration" alone. Yup, only me and Wilma, and our handy Apple Maps. Millennium Park is our first goal. This park is where the Cloudgate (The Bean) is located. Make sure to be there early to get a good snap of The Bean that is not much crowded. Performances are being shown in Jay Pritzker Pavillion  
during summer and audiences can lay back and enjoy it at the Great Lawn. Flower lovers can visit Lurie Garden. The Crown Fountain and Wrigley Square and Millennium Park Monument is also there. Cross the BP bridge and you'll be connected to Maggie Daley Park. Great exercise with great views.

Head North towards N Michigan and Wacker Drive (Chicago River) and you're in at Magnificent Mile; the upscale section of Michigan Avenue. I got my Harry Potter candies like chocolate frogs, Bertie Botts every-flavor-beans, and butterbeer from Dylan's Candy Bar courtesy of my Aunt Araceli. We also visited Victoria's Secret for Wilma to have a couple of new undergarments. Popular landmarks like the Water Tower and John Hancock Center can be found here.

We also went to Navy Pier. We enjoyed the breeze as we stroll along the pier while watching the carnival rides. You can also book a reservation to get into a yacht on sunset.

Millennium Park - Jay Pritzker Pavillion  

Magnificent Mile - Water Tower 

Navy Pier's Centennial Wheel - A 360 Degree View of the City‎ 

Navy Pier - Crystal Gardens

WILL: Beside museums, you can enjoy the streets of downtown Chicago. But get ready of your feet, you need to take 20-30k steps for you to checkout this three sites. 

Our very first stop was Millennium Park. In here the "bean" is located, the Jay Pritzer Pavilion and the famous sculptures of different artists. Cloudgate is definitely a must to see if you visited Illinois. 

We do not have plan to visit Magnificent Mile. I am bit in to shopping but we cannot help it because the Ledge was just located in there. Haha! So no brainer, we just stroll and Abbey was so happy that his long time plan for him to buy me a Victoria's Secret lingerie came true. Hehe. Of course, I gladly accepted that shopping spree. :) You can see almost the brands you are wanting to see and there's a promotion on every store. 

Navy Pier! Oh because we have nothing to do on our 4th day "gala". And we saw that Navy Pier is just few streets from Tilt!, we opted to explore the area. What we saw there? A ferris wheel (Navy Pier's Centennial Wheel), the Crystal Gardens (located at 2nd floor), parked yachts and a windy place to relax and enjoy the breeze from the lake. 

On those 3, my favorite is Navy Pier. 

***

Millennium Park
(H) 6 am - 11 pm Daily
(A) 201 East Randolph Street (between Michigan Ave. & Columbus Ave.)
(T) 312-742-1168


The Magnificent Mile 
(A)North Michigan Avenue, Chicago


Navy Pier | A Chicago Landmark
(W) https://navypier.com
(H) 10AM – 10PM
(A) 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

(T) 1-800 595-PIER (7437)

Skydeck Chicago's LEDGE & TILT! Chicago's Newest Thrill Ride

ABBEY: These two attractions are a must-see for every tourist in Chicago. Our passes were included in the CityPass we purchased. 

With CityPass, no more lining up the long queue, we were at the express lane. 

The Skydeck is at 103rd floor of Willis Tower (formerly Sears) while The Tilt is at 94th floor of 360 Chicago (John Hancock). Both gives an excellent view of Downtown and Lake Michigan. 

The Ledge is an all-glass box protruding outside the building which gives you the feel of walking in the air and fear of falling down. You can snap all the pictures you want but be mindful of other guests. 

However in The Tilt, you need to top-up 6USD to have the experience. And also no cameras. You need to buy the official photo if you want a copy. Hold on to the sidebars and be ready to tilt. Not one, not two, but three angle starting from 90 degrees.

It was thrilling and exciting. Hope for a nice weather to get a good view.

Skydeck Chicago's LEDGE - Pose Number 1

Skydeck Chicago's LEDGE - Pose Number 2

TILT! Chicago's Newest Thrill Ride - You cannot bring your won camera in Tilt! :(

WILL: If you will search the history of Chicago, they are one of the first to have skyscrapers and the best way to get a birds' eye view is to escalate your way to Ledge and Tilt! buildings. 

Willis Tower where the famous Ledge is located is 103rd storey high. There is around 4 ledge that you can queue up and take the best and most daring photo you can have. That is, if you are not afraid of heights. Haha! 

The John Hancock building where has a jaw drop attractions Illinois have. Imagine? You were tilted out of with only feeble glass to catch you or a bar to hold on to. Haha! Gosh! My sweat came out immensely when the crew started the "tilting" process haha! 

I enjoyed most is the Ledge. Why? You can gain friends while you are on queue. You help to get a group photo and someone will take yours in return. 

Both buildings are definitely recommendable.

***

Skydeck Chicago / LEDGE

(W) theskydeck.com

(H) March through September from 9am-10pm / October through February from 10am-8pm

(A) 233 South Wacker Drive 103rd floor Willis Tower, Chicago, Illinois 60606

(T) +1 312-875-9447

TILT! Chicago's Newest Thrill Ride - 360 Chicago

(W) www.360chicago.com/tilt

(H) 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM

(A) 875 N Michigan Avenue, 94th Floor, Chicago, IL 60611, United States

(T) 888 875 8439 

Chicago CityPASS 
US$99.75
(W) www.citypass.com/chicago

The 5 Best Museums In Chicago

ABBEY: We've toured five museums in Chicago and I don't know how long we walked but still there are lot more things to see. We purchased Chicago City Pass for 199USD for the following visitor attractions:

1. Shedd Aquarium

2. Art Institute of Chicago

3. The Field Museum

4. Museum of Science and Industry 

5. Adler Planetarium 

Adler Planetarium:

This is our first stop. We were there way before it open and we're on a full battle gear against cold. We were greeted by the exhibition of the man on the moon; how US President John Kennedy on 1961 challenge the nation to step on the moon before the decade ends. And the rest is history. Since it is all about Earth and other celestial bodies, it has abundant displays of instruments used for the studies like armillary spheres, telescopes, maps and solar system models. 

Shedd Aquarium:

We did revisit Shedd aquarium after our first tour as the tickets for the show is already sold out. The museum is curated in circular form and I find it easy to navigate and see all the exbitions. Creatures from the Amazon, Carribean, Asia, and all over the world will amaze you like beluga whales, penguins, crabs, turtles, and exotic fish. The presentation of each aquarium is great as you can see what's there on the tank. Make sure to plan your visit and to be on the show on time.

Field Museum:

Field Museum is the home of Sue the T-Rex. She's the most complete fossilized skeleton of Tyrannosaurus Rex. It was incredible. Her head is rested at the 2nd storey and cannot join with her body as it is too heavy. The process of extraction of fossils were also told in the museum. One of the exhibit is about Species; how it is being classified and its evolution. There is a display of a number of birds wherein at first glance they all look the same and belong to same specie but reading at the writeup, they weren't. Another exhibiton shows more knowledge about Chinese trade history.

Museum of Science and Industry:

This museum reminds me of Science Centrum Philippines. It engages the visitors to their experiments. And I was hooked. The scientist in me is jumping for joy. There is a video and display how a baby was formed from first month to delivery. Another is to see your veins at a beam of light. Then compete using only your brainwaves to move a ball towards your opponent. Wow. Truly, less stress and more happy thoughts goes a long way. There is also a large tesla coil that generates thousand of volts. You can also see simulations of avalnce and storm at the museum. Our visit here is so much fun and great.

Art Institute of Chicago:

Ok, this is for the "serious and refined" ones. And there is a lot of walking to do if you want to cover more ground. I was told that I need to deposit my bag at the counter for a dollar fee. It became free as I don't have any during that time :) Art Institute of Chicago was proud that one American returned to its fold:  Whistler's Mother. There are also works of Van Gogh on display.

The 5 Best Museums In Chicago - The Field Museum 

The 5 Best Museums In Chicago - The Art Institute of Chicago

The 5 Best Museums In Chicago - SHEDD Aquarium

The 5 Best Museums In Chicago- Museum of Science and Industry

The 5 Best Museums In Chicago - Adler Planetarium

WILL: Whenever you will search for "What are the things to do in Chicago" google will always come up of the with their prestige museums. They have a lot actually but you must not missed this top 5 colossal buildings. 

1. Museum of Science and Industry. This is our first stop and we enjoyed it with Austria Family. We didn't manage to look all of it because it is really huge. You need a whole day to check and try, yes try, because there is interactive displays, all of it. My favourite, the real submarine of Germans, The U-boat (U-505) and the show of Tesla's Alternating Current. Don't you dare miss it. 

2. Adler Planetarium. This is my first time to a planetarium and it justifies that we are just a speck in this galaxy..in this universe. USA, NASA determined to learn what are the history, the composition and even studying if we really can live in our neighbouring planets. We spend almost 3hours in Adler (without watching any shows). 

3. Shedd Aquarium. OMG! This is the time we decided to buy the Chicago CityPass ticket. For us to be qualified on express (VIP) lane. Why? I can't stand the freezing wind. We thought the queue will be fast enough to accommodate us but we are wrong! We stand waited for almost an hour. 

When we got our CityPass confirmation online, we immediately went to the express lane and sadly to say on that afternoon, all shows were booked. So we just went there and catch a glimpse of fishes. Oh! They have this "Amazon River" portion which you will be gladly see the huge fishes and ANACONDA! Yep! There is live anaconda in that area! Scary! 

We went back on the following day to see the shows. Tell you frankly, I am disappointed on their Aquatic Presentation. I am proud to announce that there is a hall on showcasing the Philippines' reef. And the 4D show, as ever, it is exciting. Highly recommended! 

4. Su! I want to see Su! She or he? I am not sure but "she" is the most complete trynosaurus rex ever excavated. That is why The Field Museum is a must visit to many tourists. There is so many artefacts and new displays that you need to check to. Honestly, you cannot finish this is on half day if you wish to see all of it. 

I love the live-in-action scientist who are doing their job and you are just on the other side of the glass panels, you can look on what they are doing. Please, do not knock or get their attention. You do not want them to ruin anything right? 

Oh! They have this bugs, that it as small as you cannot imagine. Haha! 

The Field Museum made me think that, me, while doing non-sense activities in life, there are scientists that is studying these small details to learn the history and make the future better for all the species on Earth. 

5. This! Yes! The Art Institute of Chicago made my feet sore. This museum is the home of not hundreds but thousands of paintings, sculptures and work of arts!

I find it weird that there are people interpreting the works of others. They are in conclusion that maybe this, maybe that painter feels this,feels that while painting this or painting that. What if the artists just want to do that? What if there is no meaning at all. Just thinking out loud. 

I love some of the happy paintings that I want to take them home. Haha! "Gloomy" arts are there too. Of course. There is a way of "dot-dot" painting that is really proves the patience and artistry of its maker! I love get that for our future home! 

Now I have somewhat glimpse of what should I buy. :)  

Thank you Ate Abigail, Kuya Victor and Donna for the free tix to Adler Planetarium and Museum of Science and Industry. And the rest, we bought Chicago CityPASS worth US$99.75 each. 

Happy Chicago museum hopping! :)

***

Adler Planetarium

(A) 1300 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, USA

(T) +1 312-922-7827

(H) 9:30AM - 4PM

Shedd Aquarium

(A) 1200 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, USA

(T) +1 312-939-2438

(H) Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat-Sun 9am-6pm

Museum of Science & Industry

(A) 5700 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL

(T) +1 773 684 1414

(H) 10am-5pm

The Field Museum

(A) 1400 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL

(T) +1 312 922 9410

(H) 9am-5pm

The Art Institute of Chicago

(A) 111 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL

(T) +1 312 443 3600

(H) Mon-Wed 10:30am-5pm, Thurs 10:30am-8pm, Fri-Sun 10:30am-5pm

Chicago CityPASS 
US$99.75
(W) www.citypass.com/chicago

Chicago USA: Public Transportation - Experience Chicago Without A Car

ABBEY: We're used to take public transport in Singapore so we took up the challenge of riding trains and buses going Downtown Chicago. As a tourist, we opted to buy a day-pass for 10USD. Unlimited train and bus rides for a day. By doing this, we were able to go to the museums like Adler, the Navy Pier, 360 Chicago, Willis Tower, Chicago Riverwalk, Magnificent Mile and a lot more. 

I cannot help comparing the trains of Singapore and Chicago. Not an insult but for Chicago Transit Authority to improve the system or service. 

The trains are just plain dirty; floor, windows, and seats. They have smell too. I even observed that there are people literally "living" inside the train. Safety and health issues. 

The buses on the other hand are clean. Touch the door and it will open just like magic.

Chicago USA: Public Transportation - Bus

Chicago USA: Public Transportation - Train Station 

Chicago USA: Public Transportation - Train Coach

WILL: It will be our fist time to roam around without relatives. No guides. Kuya just dropped us off at Harlem station and we are all by ourselves. Ha! 

Our fist time to buy a Ventra ticket, we had a hard time because the machine is asking for our postal code number and we do not know how to key-in. The officer saw us and indicated to press "0" for international. And voila! Tickets came out from the machine. It costs USD10 for unlimited one day ride (per person) for trains and bus. 

I am quite shocked to see how their trains and their stations are. The inside of the train is dirty. I am wondering if they are sweeping or mopping the floors. Drinking and eating is not allowed but some passengers were doing it. I saw a passenger that her leg is up on the other seat. Imagine, all the dirt of her shoes will be at that train chair. :( There is a beggar in a station asking for alms. Orange Station was guarded by policemen with heavy arms. I am wondering what is there about that line. 

The busses are tidier. The bus drivers were welcoming and polite. 

Overall, now I know many people are buying cars. Haha! But how about people who cannot afford or just do not want the stress of having their own car? 

***

Chicago Transit Authority - CTA Buses & Train Service

(W) http://www.transitchicago.com/howto/

1-Day Ticket: $10

Good for unlimited rides for 24 hours.