We arrived in St Joseph, MI, on Wednesday afternoon to see Barbara, Marty and Bea and to begin our search for the right Recreational Vehicle (RV) for our trip around the States.  Marty had suggested we visit KrenekRV further along Interstate 94 from St Joe and consequently we rocked up to their lot on Thursday lunchtime to be greeted by Rob one of their salespeople.  Our research before reaching the States had been somewhat perfunctory and were mainly focussed on the generally overpowering wooden interiors they all seemed to possess

Rob showed us a range of RV’s including used, short ones, and one long one (more a tour bus than camper van).  Sadly all possessed similar wooden interiors which Rob assured us was the only décor available as more modern inferiors didn’t resell as well. Having got over our disappointment our feelings were swayed by one in particular which was a Forest River Forrester 2861 DS with cherry wood interior.  Alex was impressed by the external kitchen and speakers, meaning we can cook outside while raving to our own beats.

We returned on Friday and had a road test drive which showed that it was easy to drive and we can manage it OK.  After a tough negotiation (where Alex suggested I sit on the other side of the desk for my particular method of helping Rob out) we have placed a deposit on Reggie (as he has been christened) and we are hoping to pick him up on Wednesday.

We’re going to spend Monday and Tuesday drawing up a shopping list for everything we need and after picking him up we’ll have a manic shopping expedition before setting off to spend two days in North Michigan trying him out.

…is as lovely as ever!  Windy too!

Had a good flight and checked into the Virgin hotel right beside the L – which is the elevated loop railway right bang downtown.  The hotel was great – we were in a corner suite on the 22nd floor, result of a lovely upgrade and it being a Sunday night I expect.  Anyway it was bigger than our flat in London and not good preparation for an rv!

Sunday night we had a terrible supper – large meatballs (tennis ball size) in red sauce and on every corner there were homeless people with the most heartbreaking signs as to why they were in dire straits.  Matt the old softie found it very upsetting and we were both a bit disorientated (probably due to it also being 3am for our body clocks) but America seemed a bit big and scary -not to mention fattening!

Anyway we got into the swing of things. Found a foodie website and for the rest of the nights had super food, in neighbourhoods not in the centre of town.  Like all big cities we learnt to get over the beggars – but they do need the Big Issue in Chicago… not great but we needed to get a bit more streetwise.

We saw Hamilton at the theatre which is quite something.  It has only been on in Chicago for about three week and the great and the good were all out the night we went. Fascinating to be British during such a show.  The audience go absolutely nuts all through it – cheering and making so much noise – and then when it is over the cast did one very subdued bow and left the stage despite a standing ovation from everyone.  Being British was also amusing as the King was clearly the butt of all the jokes… but I think he stole the show!!

When we arrived to see Barbara on Wednesday night she could not believe that we had managed to get tickets as they had been on hold for ages trying to get them… but we did have to pay an arm and a leg for them.  It was a real experience as it is a completely different style –  it is a hip hop musical and when it comes to London in 2017 do go.

Otherwise we did the architectural tour to see all the skyscrapers – amazing development taken place since we were last there 19 years ago.

Chicago is a brilliant city – well worth a visit and we had a lovely time.

So on Wednesday we picked up our hire car – a little jeep thing and hit the Skyway toll road to get to St Joseph. Really complicated road works and we forgot about the time difference between Illinois and Michigan so managed to not only head towards Indianapolis but also to miss the volleyball match of Bea, the daughter of our hosts.

I suspect that it will not be the last navigational disaster or raised voices that takes place…  More later!

A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As you know we are setting off to tour the States – we hope in a recreational vehicle (RV)…  We will keep you posted as to how we get on and share a few photos of our journey and any encounters with bears!

At present we are still not packed, but we have done the vital jobs of clearing out the fridge, emptying the bins and cleaning the bathroom!  The flat looks lovely now for burglars.

We promise the content will improve – but for now farewell….

A & M x