Train Ride - Take Two

The folks woke up Monday morning refreshed and ready to tackle the train ride.  Dad had checked out the new station and it would take him into downtown Chicago.  They now had cash and exact change.  They did not know if that was necessary, but they were not taking any chances.  They arrived at the train station a half hour early.  No one was working again because it was a holiday.  Finally, the train arrived and they boarded.  The man came by to collect money.  He told them they could buy a weekend ticket that was just $7 and it was for unlimited rides.  They only needed it for two rides, but since regular tickets are $6.25 each way, it was a deal.  They settled in for the 1 hour and 15 minute ride.  Dad said he thought their stop was the last one, but Mama was still on alert at each stop in case he was wrong.  Announcements were not made at the stops, so she had to keep an eye out for the station names.

On the train - see, they have tickets!

There is seating upstairs.

They finally arrived at their destination which was the final stop.  They then had to fine the correct L train to take.  It's like a subway, only above ground.  It took them a while because Mama forgot her map and you know how men are about asking directions.  They finally found their line and off they went on the L train.  They arrived just steps from Dad's work place.

This is Dad's work place for the next month.

Chicago!

Downtown Chicago is pretty!

 

Dad wanted to eat at Dick's Last Resort. He said he has seen a few of them in other cities.  However, he was quite surprised by the restaurant.  He did know that this is a place where the waitresses are rude to their customers.  Yep, that is what they do.  Mama really wasn't in the mood for it, but they stayed.  The waitresses are very loud and they tell you up front that they will insult you and take your money.  There is a sign saying that if you sit outside, you will not get a paper hat, so DON'T EVEN ASK.  Mama didn't have a clue what the hat thing was all about, but she learned.

Mama's hat - the waitress didn't know we lived in a RV park, but the insult was how old she was implying Mama was.

Dad's hat said "I'm so old that I fart dust.  The waitress had an "old theme" going for my folks.

Okay, then, on to the food.  Mama ordered a bacon cheeseburger.  Dad ordered a BBQ pork.  It came with coleslaw on it. He thought it was okay.  Mama said her burger was good, but she was nervous with all the yelling going on. One waitress kept yelling at her customers to put their hats on.  Mama was glad she didn't have that waitress.

Bacon Cheeseburger

BBQ Pork with coleslaw

Mama said she would not eat here again.  The food was fine, but this is not her type of restaurant.  Oh and she paid the waitress in cash and she didn't even ask her if she could keep the change.  The change wasn't that much, but once she did that, Mama refused to leave her any more tip money.

Dick's Last Resort

Dad decided to see how long of a walk it was from work to the train without taking the L train.  It was a pretty good walk, but Mama said I could have easily handled it.  The train ride home was uneventful and somewhat boring.  They left the RV at 9:30 a.m. and arrived back at 4 p.m.  Mama said all they did was ride the train and eat lunch.  She was tired when they got home.

Mama says there are a lot of things that they want to do that are not in Chicago, so she may not be going back.  It's a pretty city, but it sure is a long ride to get there.  Dad is going to try driving instead of taking the train.  It's about a two hour commute when he takes the train. He has been offered free parking, so maybe driving will be better for him.

Joey,
The Greyhound Who Is Still Not Sure About This Place Called Chicago