I enjoyed the down time yesterday, sitting, eating and shopping. It was late night shopping on the Magnificent Mile, so I headed for Macy's which is in the Water Tower, along with a gazillion other shops. I bought supper and some snacks for my next train journey at Meal Ease. I was quite restrained with the retail therapy as I just don't have the room in my luggage! Back at the hotel the spa managed to fit me in for a manicure, so my nails look all glammed up! I...

I took a beautiful but brisk walk along the Lake Shore. It's still very cold today. No time for dilly dallying! Michigan Lake is vast! I keep thinking I'm on the coast. I was actually in search of a food store or deli which reception had told me about ( but I don't think it exists as I walked a long way!). People are really helpful redirecting me and as luck would have it I was near the main shopping area, Magnificent Mile! Temptations everywhere. I came into t...

An absolute must, especially when you feel travel sick! I know, only I would opt for a cocktail as a cure. I tried the elderflower daiquiri. You'll be glad to know I did order a bite to eat. It turned out to be the weirdest tasting salad which ended up being a talking point with the bar tender and another guest. As a result I was invited for dinner at an Italian restaurant downtown which was packed out. I ordered a half portion. Gradually catching on to the mega-...

My hotel, the W Lakeshore has great views of Lake Michigan. My room is on the 22nd floor and I have a view of the city with some great skyscrapers. I walked to stop 7 to pick up the tourist bus. The double decker wasn't running because it's too cold, so I picked up an old fashioned trolley bus. The guide was quite a character and had the entire bus in stitches. I stayed on the entire two hour route to get a feel of the town. I noticed the Aon office and Fairmont ...