First Annual "Run-Away-From-Home Excursion"

My recent adventure in Chicago was an absolute success. I ran away from home about two weeks ago and enjoyed my first solo excursion - and I loved it, loved it, LOVED IT!

The primary objective of this trip was to release stresses from work and home, and to get back to knowing who I am and what I want. I guess in short is to get back to ME! Over the past several months, there have been things that have affected me physically and emotionally, that I have not wanted to acknowledge. This trip was intended to give me the chance to clearly think and understand what is and what isn't. I know this may sound strange, but, it's a Roz Thing... ya know "not meant to be understood by others".

Enough of this stuff, on with my trip:

I spent approximately five days wandering the streets of downtown Chicago, taking in the sites, sounds, and food.

The trip was a much needed escape from my day to day life. I enjoyed being on my own and doing what I wanted. It was great!!

For 5 days, my home was the Hilton Chicago on Michigan Ave. When I checked in, the front desk agent gave me one of the larger King bedded rooms, because he was unable to upgrade me to the executive level rooms. How nice of him!

A couple of days into the vacation, I wondered around the hotel taking photographs and just being nosey. This hotel is magnificent. I'll add some photos to this posting soon (they're in my laptop, I'm currently on the desktop pc).

In the mornings I walked to various coffee houses, Starbucks and Caribou primarily, had quick noms and headed out for places unknown. I had an inkling on where I was going, but no definite location. Where ever I ended up was fine with me. On Friday, I did try to score a ticket to the Cubs game but couldn't find anything. This is definitely a "Cubs" town - borders on fanaticism

During my visit, I walked through Grant Park several times, visited Shedd's Aquarium, went shopping on the Miracle Mile, hung out at Millenium Park, cruised Soldier Stadium, visited a couple of museums and galleries, and spent the day at Navy Pier. I also went on an Architectural Cruise and took the water taxi a couple of times.

I'm not really one for talking to strangers, but I didn't care. They don't know me and would probably never see me again so I went outside of my comfort zone and spoke to several people during my visit. One of the most interesting was the group Germans who sat next to my table at Kitty O'Shea's. We sat on the patio talking and drinking for about and hour or so. It was fun.

While at Navy Pier, there were several couples I saw who were taking photos of each other, I walked up and asked them if they would like me to take their photo - they eagerly agreed. I understand what it's like to not have a photo of you and your significant other together. I did this for quite a few couples, it was fun. Once again, I'm successfully working outside my comfort zone - Yay me!

After the fourth night, I had decided I was ready go home. I spent my last day, just roaming around walking with my little camera in hand. Then eventually headed to O'Hare Airport.

My run-away-from-home excursion was an absolute success. How do I know this? I had a big smile on my face when I returned home, and I told Hub that I'm doing it again next year!!!!

I've already begin research on where I want to go - I've always been interested in going to San Francisco, Myrtle Beach, Boston, the list goes on and on!

As stated earlier, I will post photos of my first annual "Run-Away-From-Home Excursion".