Let the games begin.

The Bertelson National Lampoon Vacation to Japan has started off with a big glitch. We were at the United ticket counter 2 ½ Hr.’s early as should be but it was not enough. For the first time ever we have to deal with FLIGHT DELAY.

Our first plane to Chicago is 4 Hr.’s late, this of course has messed up our connecting flight to Tokyo. The counter guy was really nice and did his best to get us on another flight with a different airline but it was looking real sketchy. He kept our other itinerary in case we did not make the new one he tried to put together for us.

This was the case.

The other airline told us that we did not have enough time to make the flight so they would not even give us a chance. So after running up and down half of Miami International Airport 2 times with 6 BIG pieces of Luggage, 4 already cranky kids and 2 frustrated parents, we ended up with a rescheduled flight on United to Chicago but it did not leave till 1p.m. so we were now definitely, definitely not going to make our connecting flight to Tokyo. see this photo

The day is far from over though. We held our spirits up during the completely booked plane ride to Chicago and touched down around 4pm. After a grueling 3 hr. wait in line, that my WONDERFUL, but not happy wife (and the girls - see this photo) endured at the U.A. customer service counter, we had 2 rooms for the night at a hotel close to the airport. The airline paid for the rooms.

During the time that Alice was in line with the 3 girls, Matt and I had got the luggage and secured it but they would not let us back into the area where Alice was in line. (Security reasons) So we did what most father /son would do - go explore.

We went across the street to the fancy schmancy Hilton Hotel. I was hoping, (dreaming) that this would be the hotel that they put us in but that wasn’t going to happen. We did find the subway and bus station and it was down under the airport. You could walk from the hotel to everything from under ground.

As we got to our Hotel things started to look a little better. They had free dinner as well as free breakfast and we just got there in time for the last call on dinner. The food consisted of burgers, dogs (Chicago) and chicken breast and the stuff to go with it. For free we couldn’t complain.

Although Melanie did spot the Steak and Shake on the way to the hotel and already threw the hint to Mommy that she would like to go there later. And they did, the girls that is. They also managed to visit the TARGET in the same plaza. You know how junk food and shopping can make things a little better.

Well Alice was really tired and after their swift visit to TARGET and Steak and Shake she was out like a light. The 3 girls had their own room and just watched TV and hung out. Matt and I decided to try and get in a little adventure. We figured out how to get the city on the subway and off we went.

Time was not in our favor. We wanted to check out what they call the TASTE OF CHICAGO which goes on for a couple of weeks in the beginning of July. We were just too late. They were closing down for the night. It was only 10pm on a Friday but that was the way it was. We walked a couple streets and started heading back to the subway (Jackson Street).

Let me tell you, when the clock strikes 10p.m., the city of Chicago makes a big change. I mean all the cops go home and the street people come alive. On our way back to the subway I was approached 2 times in 10 minutes. The first person mumbling something about china white and a cigarette. The second person just wanting some change. Anyway I said to Matt we need to walk a little faster and get to the subway. We made it with no further incident.

The next little event was the highlight of the evening. There was this guy playing an electric guitar with an amp and peddle down in the subway. I put a couple bucks in his case and asked him if I could take a picture of Matt standing next to him. With a big smile he handed Matt the guitar and said you can even hold this for the picture. Well since Matt plays I said to the guy that he can play. With a bigger smile the guitar guy said go for it.

So he did. The guitar guy took a smoke break and Matt jammed for like 15 or 20 minutes. He even got some CASH from the bystanders for him. Bummer I didn’t bring the video but I did take a really cool picture of him playing. We got back on the subway and sat back for the 40 minute ride to the airport where we would catch the shuttle back to the hotel. We were entertained buy a group of young partying teenagers most of the way back. ( very loud and obnoxious) I was never like that. YEA RIGHT!.

Almost midnight and we figured that we might as well go over and get a little munch at the Steak and Shake too. Good thing the hot light was not on at the KRISPY KREME next door, but I'm sure it will be in the morning. In bed by 12:30, we have the big plane ride ahead of us for tomorrow.