International hostel - you can get a private room for $35 (if I remember correctly) a night, but the bathroom is shared. (Didn't say among how many rooms, whether it's just two, or if it's for the whole corridor). there's a link above, might be worth to ask them via email.
Best restaurant in town, Charlie Trotters.
Go up in the John Hancock tower to the observatory on a clear night, then stop by the Cheesecake Factory at street level for a drink and dessert.
My experience with Chi-town steakhouses was not the best. They don't serve meals, they serve steak. And while I love a good steak, having that be the only thing on your plate for $30 is a bit hard to take.
Just about all Chicago deep dish pizza is good. Genos, Unos or Due, or Giordanos offer up some of the best.
If one does not drive, how does one get around in Chicago? Is the "L" still running? Safe? Other than taxis and rental cars, what are the other choices?
Mapleleaf wrote:If one does not drive, how does one get around in Chicago? Is the "L" still running? Safe? Other than taxis and rental cars, what are the other choices?
I'm not the expert here, but the experts have reported that the L is running and taxis are probably better than a rental. As near as I can figure; in Chicago you don't just rent the car, but you rent a space everywhere you want to park it as well (at mini-bar prices).
Yeah, parking is evil. Downtown anyway.
The buses are pretty good too, same caveats as the El (better during the day/ during business hours than not, etc.)
note to thomas, or whoever is keeping track: i just booked rooms & flights, so i can be moved to the definite column. my spouse will also go, but we may split early from sublime's rec room, since pizza's not her thing.
Mapleleaf wrote:If one does not drive, how does one get around in Chicago? Is the "L" still running? Safe? Other than taxis and rental cars, what are the other choices?
I would strongly recommend against renting a car. It is expensive, and you'd probably need to pay extra for overnight parking (not many hotels downtown have free parking). If you're staying in the city for a day or two, take taxis -- in the end, it will still be cheaper than renting a car. For longer stays, buy a
CTA visitors pass. A visitors pass allows unlimited rides on buses and the el for 1, 2, 3, or 5 days. They can be purchased at special vending machines at the airports and at various locations throughout the city (see link).
yitwail wrote:note to thomas, or whoever is keeping track: i just booked rooms & flights, so i can be moved to the definite column. my spouse will also go, but we may split early from sublime's rec room, since pizza's not her thing.
Thanks. I'll post an updated list next weekend.
Yitwail, that's great.
I bet we work out a selection of food as the time gets closer...
surely we don't need to order just pizza. i like the idea of ordering in - but we can do pizza, thai, italian, chinese....whatever. have a few dishes of each or whatnot. that will all get figured out i'm sure.
dagmaraka wrote:surely we don't need to order just pizza. i like the idea of ordering in - but we can do pizza, thai, italian, chinese....whatever. have a few dishes of each or whatnot. that will all get figured out i'm sure.
the mrs. loves thai food. if that's available, her only difficulty will be deciding what to order. :wink:
ossobuco wrote:Brooke, I look forward to meeting you, as I do to meet Bill. I conject we all disagree on batches of substance, but, still... there we are, and I'm pleased you'll be there.
Osso ....... I will be very pleased to meet you also, as I hold a great deal of respect for you. Can't wait!
cjhsa wrote:
Now I see that Brooke is gonna be there.... oh man, the temptation!
Smootch
C'mon cj ........ you can find a way to come!
Seriously, there are many of you I would love to meet. Can't wait!
When is A2K going to be in the SE United States?
Mapleleaf wrote:When is A2K going to be in the SE United States?
You mean, this should be announced like the Olympic Games before the forthcoming event? :wink:
I did a search to see if Gustav actually attends A2K gatherings. To my surprise, he had been dragged to a New York gathering by Dagmaraka. Will you be bringing Gus to the Chicago gathering, Dag?
Yet another update (same as on the `just the facts' thread):
Definitely (14 total):
Cicerone Imposter, Dagmaraka, georgeob1, mac 11, joefromchicago, justa_babbling_brooke, Occom Bill, Ossobucco, timberlandko, sublime 1, Thomas, Walter Hinteler, yitwail, Mrs yitwail.
Probably (10 total):
blatham, Craven de Kere, Eva, jpinmilwaukee, Lola, Smog, sozobe, swimpy, wandeljw, yitwail
Maybe (23 total):
Calamity Jane, Coastal Rat, devriesj, dyslexia, ehBeth, Francis, FreeDuck with Mr.Duck and the ducklings, gustavratzenhofer, Husker, JamesMorrison with wife, kickycan, McTag, Merry Andrew, Mr. Stillwater, Phoenix, realjohnnyboy, satt_fs, shewolf
Probably not (7 total):
Clary, Diane, dlowan, J_B, Jespah, Noddy, Ticomaya
Seemed interested to me, but haven't said anything explicit yet: (2 total)
Lion Tamer, Piffka
Thanks, Thomas!
I got on Friday my new EU-passport, the week before my new EU driving licence, last November my tickets and hotel vouchers ... I'm ready. :wink:
Actually, I am dying to come. I won't be able to make a decision though, until probably right before the event. Things are a bit hairy right now with my mother, and so I really don't want to make any plans, until I see what is happening at this time.
<Things are or might be hairy with my mother as well, no matter if I'm here or in Chicago, I've learnt over the years :wink: >
