After around an hour and fifteen-minute delay, we finally took off for Chicago. We landed and found our Uber driver and headed into town. As soon as we arrived, it started raining. It was actually nice to see some real rain and the humidity in the air made Lori happy too. Jag was working on some big deal so we had our driver head to his work so we could grab the keys to his place while he stayed at work for a bit.
As soon as we made it to his place, which is in the best location there is, and walked in, we couldn’t believe it. Let’s just say it was a pit. We had to step over three large boxes that were the couch Lori ordered that arrived partially open and missing some pieces. On top of that, what was there, was all disheveled and all over the place. It looked like a college dorm after a frat party. So, we set down our bags and got to work.
First step was to get the three large, and heavy boxes containing the couch, down the three sets of stairs to the front door for UPS to pick them up. With Jag’s wrist, no way he could do it. Two boxes were sealed still and the third torn open with pieces all over the apartment. We needed packing tape so I headed downstairs to the street to see what I could find. I stepped out, looked left and looked right, and all I could see were restaurants, bakeries, bars and cafes in both directions. Good for food and fun but not packing tape. Right next door to his door is a place called Boka. This is a fantastic restaurant that Cousin Jeff recommended but said no way you’ll ever get a reservation for months. I decided I’d just walk in there to see if they had some tape I could borrow. I introduced myself to a nice girl, who is now my new best friend, named Jo, who is the event coordinator, and long story short, she gave me packing tape and on top of that, we’re having dinner there tonight!
Back upstairs to tape up the third box I went. Lori and I then managed to basically roll it down the stairs to the street for UPS to pick up. By this time, Jag was on the way home. When he arrived, we grabbed an Uber to a small Target in the neighborhood. Lori had put stuff away and cleaned up and started laundry. We made it to Target and bought some household stuff but needed a larger store. Our driver, a nice guy from Japan, said he’d take us to Costco, and we cut a cash deal with him to wait for us. We grabbed a few things quickly and he drove us back to the apartment. We didn’t have much time to make it downtown to dinner, so we put stuff down and headed out.
Boqueria, our restaurant, was fun. I ordered this one tappa they were out of and a few minutes later the manager came over, introduced himself and gave me his card with his cell and said next time, dinner was on him. Not sure why the great service as it was only a $20 item, they were out of. He must have thought we were somebody we aren’t, ha. We had a fun time and grabbed another Uber back to Jag’s place. It was only 7 so I said, let’s go back to Costco and pick up a tv now that we know what we need. So, back in another Uber and off we went. We bought a 65″ tv and I was worried if we’d fit it in an Uber, so we ordered the Black XL car. A Korean driver pulled up, looked and the box and rubbed his chin. After a few minutes of negotiating a nice tip, he was putting down his seats and rearranging the car, and we slid the tv in the back standing up between the seats. It almost went all the way up to the driver’s seat. Ten minutes later we were home unloading it in the back alley and carrying it up the back stairs. We decided to leave it boxed up in the apartment and go for a walk.
Heading down the street behind his place are the most beautiful giant stone homes, pressed right next to each other, with courtyards, you’ve ever seen. They must all cost anywhere from $6 to $20 million dollars. I’ll try to take some pictures today. They were really spectacular. We walked a while headed to Annette’s Shaved Ice and Ice Cream, but when we got there, the line was over 20 people long! We decided to pass and headed home. Lori and Jag started to put the tv together and I ordered up some artisanal ice cream from Uber eats. Twenty minutes and $60 bucks later, my driver met me downstairs with four pints of three different flavors of really good ice cream.
By now it was almost 10 and the tv was up and running and things were starting to come together. It’s 6am now and Jag is in the living room sleeping on an air mattress. He gave us his room and were staying with him to save $2k on a hotel. Plus, he really wanted us to. Today we need to go to a hardware store for air filters and some tools, rent a truck and go check out a few couches, get a tv stand and if we’re lucky, a table and chairs and a dresser.
Schneiders Deli, right next door, opens at 7, so I’ll run down and get some real coffee. They make great sandwiches and bagels and have all kinds of good stuff. My stitches are healing up well. I’m surprised I didn’t rip them out moving those three heavy boxes. Lori is looking for a U Haul truck to rent now and then we’ll shower and get moving. As I said earlier, we’re going to Boka tonight. I can’t wait! The food scene here is amazing. It’s ten times better or more than anything Denver has. Within 20 feet of Jagger’s door are two Michelin Star restaurants. Boka and Alinea. Alinea starts at $400 a person which is too much for me for any dinner, but as I said, can’t wait for Boka.
Time to get moving, and yes, it’s raining, ha! God Bless.