I was in Chicago from 18-23 June, 2006 for NPE, the largest exhibition of plastics related stuff. We stayed at the Intercontinental Hotel on Michigan Ave, and made our way each morning to McCormick place where the convention took up four halls. The convention showcased everything from the raw materials to heavy duty machineary that could make anything from garbage bags to injection molded ping pong paddles. It was quite amazing to see all these businesses and companies catering solely to the plastics community. It was also very eye opening for me to see the new technologies within the plastics industry.
But during my 6 day stay in Chicago, I got to do some pretty fun stuff. Mikey lives in Chicago now, so I got to see him. And Amy B was in Chicago for a conference Monday and Tuesday, so I got to see her as well. And I got to see Lili and her family while I was in town as well. It was a mini Mudder reunion.
What did I do during this trip to Chicago? Hmm....let me see.
- I got to see Indiana from Navy Pier
- I went to Millenium Park, a newer addition to the Grant Park area in downtown Chicago
Me at the Millenium Park Grand Theater and Big Reflecting Jelly Bean where you can see the Chicago skyline- One of our vendors, Huntsman, gave us tickets to a box suite, so I took Lili to see Jim Thome hit a solo home run at Komisky Field where the Sox won 1-0 against the Cardinals. WHoo hoo!
- I got Frango chocolates from Marshall Field's
- I saw the NBA finals at ESPNZone.
- Mikey and I went to Bijou's Cafe for a late night dinner after the Sox game. He also showed me his sweet apartment and his future awesome condo
- Mikey, Amy, Lili, and I went to eat some yummy deep dish at Giordano's. Then headed up to the John Hancock Tower's Signature Room where we had some dessert and got a terrific view of Chicago. The best view was in the ladies' room =)
- Lili and I went to the Field Museum of Natural History, which had a King Tut exhibit but was sold out for the day, but we got to see some other very cool stuff.
Me in front of the Field Museum
Me in front of Sue, the Trex
- Then we went to the Art Institute where I got too see some of my favorite Impressionist painters and some other cool art that I can't really name, but thought it was cool.
Me in front of the Art Institute
- Lili and I also passed by the spot where we would watch the Fourth of July fireworks from near Buckingham fountain during the Taste of Chicago. I spent my 2000 and 2001 Fourth of July's there =)
Lili in front of Buckingham Fountain
And I did a lot of walking. Between the convention and site seeing Chicago, my feet were tired, and I was zonked at the end of the night. But Chicago was a lot of fun and I miss it already =)
