Staycation

So, COVID has been messing with my travel plans for a long time now. In the summer of 2020, I was planning to go to Hawaii to celebrate my brother's graduation from college out there.. but, COVID put the kibosh on that. So, we all stayed home and celebrated virtually. 

Then, earlier this month, that same brother - who's still living in Hawaii, was getting married! Woo! Another great reason to pop over to Hawaii! So, several folks in the family and I started making plans to go back out to visit for the wedding. However, from August to October, circumstances and conditions and COVID changed in such a way that I opted not to travel... again. Boo! (happily, the wedding happened and Zoom made it possible to celebrate with them virtually.)

Still, I was feeling frustrated 'cuz I was looking forward to a relaxing, fun time somewhere that wasn't home.. twice, and my plans were thwarted.. Twice.

However, after some introspection (and maybe a little pouting), I remembered that I live across the street from a great city. Chicago is full of fun things to do. So, I decided to take myself downtown to have a little R&R, somewhere that wasn't home. Time to make some plans.

Finally, the day of fun arrived and I waved goodbye to the fam and hopped on the train downtown. Things were off to an auspicious start when I came up from the subway and it was p.o.u.r.i.n.g rain... and I'd forgotten to bring my umbrella. So, first order of business - find an umbrella. 

Once that was accomplished, I set off for my first planned, pampering activity: Pedicure time! And this place meant serious business with their pampering! Soaked, scrubbed and trimmed, my feet and calves were covered in moisturizing cream and then double-wrapped and set to soak it all in:

And finished off with this zesty, bright green!

Feeling delightfully softened and smoothed, I headed back out into the rain. There was a little while before I could check into the hotel, so I took my time heading there and wandered and enjoyed the city.

outside art

Finally it was time to get in from the rain and check out my hotel. It was right downtown, so the location was great... but the room was very small.. haha. But the place had lots of character, which I always like.

The view wasn't much to speak of (though, the peeling pant kinda looked like the bat signal)... 

...the place was an excellent place to crash between my wanderings.

The next morning I was very happy that the rain took a break so I could enjoy the architecture boat tour. The weather was perfect and the guide was brilliant. 

Then, in the afternoon, the rain came back.. which was ok, since I was headed to the Art Institute. I love that place! My favorite is to start in the modern wing; it stretches my brain to ponder on the more avant-garde exhibits. 

After that, it's on to the more classic exhibits. 

They also have visiting exhibits.. currently Barbara Kruger has a big installment. There are pieces sprinkled throughout the museum, with a whole bunch concentrated in one of the larger galleries. There's been lots of buzz about her work so I was excited to be able to check it out. 

That day my step count was over 16,000.. I was very happy to get back to the hotel and just chill. The following morning it was time to head home. I enjoyed a quiet, chill morning listening to a podcast before checking out and heading back to the train.

It was a lovely break and I felt really good. Now to convince Hubby to take a his own staycation so he can enjoy a little escape as well!