Windy City

Joe and I took some time and went to Chicago this past weekend for a mini vacation! Well, not really....I had an audition, and Joe eagerly came along for the ride. What a trooper though, supporting his crazy wife's musical habits. I mean seriously, if the audition in Chicago is a success, and an invite is extended, Joe and I could very well be living in Japan by the end of August!! Many kisses to Joe for being so supportive in my precarious career choice.

We did enjoy ourselves while in Chicago though. Our first stop was, Mitsuwa; the largest Japanese grocery store in the mid-west. Boy howdy, we went nuts-o here, their sushi accounted for three of the seven meals we had while in the windy city. Oye....my mouth is watering just thinking about it. We also bought various kinds of candy, mostly for its nostalgic effect, and scored a slender tea thermos I've been trying to find.

May I recommend...

The All Rise Gallery for your future Chicago accommodation. A lady by the name of Lisa Flores runs an art gallery on the third floor of a four story building in the Wicker Park area of Chicago. She has three extra rooms she rents out to those not residents of Illinois. You get free reign of her kitchen, the art gallery, and licks from her German Shepherd/Chow mix, Archer. The rail stop is just right around the corner from her place and will take to directly downtown within 10 minutes. And, it's cheap. We were able to stay at a flat $75 a night. Gosh darn good for 2 peeps in Chicago. So, the next time you're looking for a cool, cozy, personable place to stay in Chicago, look up the All Rise Gallery, and Lisa will hook you up.