CTA

Drove out to Julie’s neck of the woods this afternoon. We were off to her Beau, James’, ex-roomate’s condo in Chicago’s distant north-side, for a BBQ.

The gathering was intimate, only a handful of folks – all of them… “theater” people. I was transported back to high school as I sat and listened to them carry on about this actor and that actor, who misses their cue’s and who can and can’t sing. Those folks with the drama bug are really something else. Their passion for their craft is both admirable, and sure a little tedious.

A couple of hours there and a few plates full of BBQ’d chicken and we were back at the hotel to meet babybear returning from work.

A quick shower and costume change and we were off to Hallstead street to rendezvous with a couple of chi-town bears we’ve met through the run in St. Louis. Julie and James met up with us as well.

We only hit three bars, so it may be unfair to judge – but the “Scene” in Chicago.. well.. is just that.. “A Scene”. Lots of standing and modeling. Folks didn’t seem too terribly friendly either – and – of course, there was that creepy predatory vibe. (which you can find in any bar really). We’ve never been big club people anyway – considering that our watering hole back home more closely resembles Cheer’s in attitude than the “dark, loud, hyper-butch-drag meat market” of The Cell Block.

Between stops we did grab a bite to eat at a fun little pub/restaurant called the Twisted Spoke. We enjoyed sandwiches and Julie slugged down a bloody mary which had by far the most elaborate garnish I had ever seen, practically a meal in itself. (Imagine an antipasto tray floating on tomato juice and vodka).

Underwhelmed and exhausted, we said our goodbyes and made our way back to the L-Train station around midnight. The “L” resembles a series of Airstream campers linked together. They lurch along an elevated track that sparks at some spots, flashing the buildings around it with an intense blue light. I wonder if those folks who live in eye-level apartments to the track get a discount?

I found the views from the train platforms surreal and interesting.

We were too tired to really keep each other entertained for the ride back. However, the suspense of watching a drunk college kid’s puke-imminent gestures and transient, stinky gentleman, arguing with NO ONE kept us occupied.

We’re starting to miss home.

I’ll never miss blogging.