//We have reached our final destination – New York and what a hotel view, we are on the 33rd floor right on top of Time Square. Bruce Springsteen is playing at a residency at theatre below us (tickets were going for $1000+ and sold out months ago unfortunately). The video walls have got bigger and more spectacular than last visit- there is so much atmosphere.
//There’s been a lot of talk about Apple coming to Melbourne and wrecking Federation Square, well take a look at this. This is Apple’s store in Chicago an absolute incredible piece of architecture that compliments everything there and takes advantage of the spectacular surrounds. The building is not a shop although it does stock all their products and you can buy them, it is a destination, for people to gather, learn, explore and enjoy a really cool place.
//Hidden under the streets of Chicago’ Michigan Avenue is one of the best dive bars we have ever visited. The Billy Goat Tavern is a legend in Chicago and has become a rich piece of Chicago’s folk law, being located in the halfway point to Chicago’s two main newspapers the pub became a popular drinking spot for journalists who fueled the legend. As it goes the original tavern owner took a goat to the baseball and was ejected as the goat smelt and was a goat, he then put a curse on the club during the 1954 world series, and they never one another until the curse was broken in 2016. The pub was also made popular by a funny skit by Saturday Night Live where Bill Murray and John Belushi faithfully who took over the pub and basically imitated the cooks and staff. If you see the skit on You Tube the staff sounded and acted exactly.. piss funny. Anyway back to the pub, the beer was cold and cheap and the Cheezeborgers as they call them were delicious. The tavern has spawned a few others in a chain around the city including the airport and even in one in Washington DC. Well worth a visit for anyone heading Chicago way.
//Much of Chicago’s city along the river is elevated above a huge network of tunnels and a lot of it is now used for moving traffic through the city or servicing the businesses above. There are over 40 blocks where the street level has been raised two or three levels and many of the buildings have a grand entrance below ground that is no longer used and a newer one above. A few interesting businesses thrive underground including the Billy Goat Tavern that we visited but there are plans afoot to turn turn some of the underground into an attraction similar to New York’s elevated High Line and add bike tracks, walking paths and cafes and the like giving visitors a glimpse of what is some pretty spectacular architecture hidden from the normal eye.
//Chicago has a pretty impressive skyline with some incredible buildings (and guess who has the most dominant one in the city – and has put his name on it so big there is no mistake he owns it!). The river network has a cool walking track that is lined with cafes, bars and gardens, a great way to see the city up close.
//Its taken 3 1/2 trips and thousands of miles but we have finally reached the end of Route 66- Welcome to Chicago.
//You never know what you will see next along the route. While most of the scenery is corn fields you sometimes come across some interesting things coming into some of the small towns and villages. One highlight was a zoo with animals made out of junk, and lets not forget Elvis standing proudly infront of the diner which made a great spot for lunch.
//we continue the mother road up to Chicago and drop into Pontiac for a bit of a look. Was a great little town with a few good museums to check out- best of all they were free.
//Its always a bit of fun exploring the food rows at Walmart, Breakfast foods caught our attention today. Look at some of these healthy treats. they are sure to whack on the pounds.
//St Louis is the home of Budweiser, not one of the nicest beers going around but they sure do have an impressive setup. One of the highlights of the tour was the horses, we visited their 5 star stables and met a few of the trusty steads before heading off to check out the magnificent brewing facilities. Boy they must have had some money when they built this place.
//With a name like the Cats Meow we had to try this dive bar out and it didnt dissapoint. Cheap beer and a friendly atmosphere.
//We are half way into our roadtrip and spend the weekend in St Louis. This city looks about the same size as Adelaide and dominated by a massive stainless steel arch on the banks of the Mississippi. We take a ride to the top for a spectacular view and get to see close up what a engineering marvel this structure really is. The base of the arch contains a huge museum that was really well done.
