Chicago and Ohio part 2

(Renae's thoughts) Chicago was an entirely different experience to other cities as we had the privilege of staying with friends. These were the friends that Adrian made in Bolivia, who I had not met before. It was the best way to experience Chicago - with great, fun people who can tell you about their experience of the city.

We arrived on 4th July and caught the wrong bus, so we missed the fireworks, but got a fairly unique experience out of it anyway when we got stuck out in some random neighbourhood! Highlights of our time in Chicago were the baseball game, trying Chicago style pizza (so cheesy but not too bad), going to church with Katie, sailing on Lake Michigan (and jumping into the water) and of course our last day in Chicago. This was Adrian's birthday, so we went to the 96th floor of the John Hancock building for cake, went to the zoo and saw a free concert in Millenium Park with our friends.

Chicago seems like a very 'livable' city, except for the heat! I don't think I could stand the humidity. Aside from this, it's a beautiful city and greatest of all are the people - so laid back and kind - which really made the difference.

We also took a side trip to Ohio to see Kristen. We stayed in Medina, Ohio and loved how green and pristine it was. So well cared for, with manicured lawns and American flags strung from nearly every house. It resembled the neighbourhood in Gilmore Girls :) We hung out with Kristen, met her family, saw an Amish community and ate at an Amish restaurant. Oh, and visited Walmart! We were also fascinated with the fireflies, which we'd never seen before. We caught a few and then released them and tried to video them flying, but weren't hugely successful.

And that was our time in the mid-west!