Sunday - I got into 'Chicago' at 9am and after collecting my luggage I walked to the "EL" metro station - red line from "Jackson" to "Fullerton". Once arrived at the station I walked down "Fullerton Ave" to "Orchard St" and onto "Arlington Ave". My hostel was easy to find "Arlington House Hostel". It is $26 a night and about 30mins from the city centre. In a really nice location, old oak tree lined streets and brick buildings. Then after a nap I took the "El" to "Addision" and got tickets fro the "Cubs vs. Cardinals" game. I met Crystal and Carol (daughter and mum) at the game and we chatted throughout the whole 3h. It was a great match and what a really nice stadium (ivy walls and old fashioned stands), it ended 5-4 to the Cubs! They gave me a lift home at the end of the game and we arranged to meet up on Wednesday. I am looking forward to it. Monday - I got up at a leisurly pace and then set off to find "Lincoln Park". I walked all the way up "Fullerton Rd" and came to the park conservatory, which housed a very nice exhibition of ferns, orchids and other tropical plants. When you stepped out of the conservatory you got great views over the gardens and skyscraper skyline behind. I then had a wander around the FREE "Lincoln Park Zoo", it was ok but most of the animals looked really bored. From there I took "Wells Rd" to "Oldtown" (which had to be rebuilt after the fire in 1891). I wandered past "Second City" (home of Jerry Seinfeld and Mike Myers) and all the way down "Chicago St" where I reached "Water Tower Place" and the "John Hancock Center". I then had a look in a few shops on "Magnificant Mile". Next I went to "Olive Park" which has a beach onto "Lake Michigan", it was really pretty with the sun setting. Finally I walked to "Navy Pier" and got a great view of the city. When I got back to the hostel I got talking to Becky (dorm-mate from Burnley) and we decided to go to the outdoor film showing on the following night. Tuesday - I took the "EL" into the loop getting off at "Jackson". From there I walked up to Amtrak to get my tickets for forthcoming journeys. On the way back I photographed "Sears Tower" (it was $10 to go up - a bit steep!) and got accosted by a monk who told me all about his beliefs and gave me a book. I then walked down to "Grant Park" to see the magnificant "Buckingham Fountain" - it shot huge jets of water into the air! Next I wandered past the "Art Institute of Chicago" and down to "Millenium Park". I began at the "Crown Fountain", a 50f block of glass bricks that has a LED display of faces. Then I walked to the "Jay Pritzker Pavillion", a huge outdoor concert venue designed by Frank Gehry. Next I ventured to the spot of the "Cloud gate", but was sad to find that most of it was under cover as it was being cleaned. It is a huge stainless steel sculpture that reflects the sky. Last up was the "Millenium Monument" where I met Becky. We went back to "Grant Park" to watch the outdoor movie. There were so many people there with picnics, blankets and chairs. We sat on our plastic bags to watch "The Hustler" starring Paul Newman, it was a cool film! Wednesday - Today I spent the day with Carol and Crystal! I met them at 11am outside the "Chicago Institute of Art" and we each paid $7 to enter. What a huge building it was, it had 3 floors and loads of exhibitions. We began at the photography show on the ground floor. It featured pictures of Paris shot in the late 1890s to 1910. It also had an exibition that was fascinating to me; it was where a plain room had the upsidedown reflection of the skyline outside. It was created by putting drapes in the windows and just having one hole which the light came through - very cool! We then looked at some famous USA childrens book art. Next up was the miniture room which featured dollhouses that displayed the furniture and style of houses through the ages. Then we grabbed some luch at nearby cafe before heading back to the Institute to look at the Impressionist artwork. I saw the originals of "Monet", "Shubert", "Van Gogh" and "Picasso". It was amazing to see these quality paintings up close. Finally we went to the "Americana" display featuring art, furniture and sculpture from 1800 till today. After 5h in the Institute we left and wandered about the "Millenium Park", passing the fountains and grabbing a drink and sitting for a while. Then we decided to walk around the shops of the "Magnificant Mile" for a while. After a bit we found the "Nordstrom Building" and inside a posh little chocolate place called "Ethels".For $15 we did fondou! We got strawberrys, mashmallows, shortbread, pound cake, bananas and warm melted chocolate. We all loved it! Then we headed off to "Nordstrom Rack" a huge discount store for the big brands. I got a $20 Roxy hoodie and $25 Puma trainers! Finally we left the city behind and before dropping me off we headed to a mexican place called "Chipotile" and had very good food. I really enjoyed my day out and it was nice to have such great company. Hopefully we can keep in touch. Thursday - Off to Washington DC today, another overnight train journey.