Chicago Part 1: Winter WonderFest
January 29, 2007
The Winter WonderFest is an annual event during Christmas time. The event started December 9th 2006 and I think it ended a few weeks ago on January 7th. It takes place in Navy Pier in downtown Chicago. There was SO much to see and do. I’ll let the pictures do most of the talking (since I’m running SO behind on my travel posts).
Moi posing outside Navy Pier
Ever since Rob told me about Navy Pier I have wanted so badly to go. Why you ask? First, it’s by the lakefront. Second, it has about 50 acres of parks, promenades, gardens, shops, restaurants and attractions. Most of all I wanted to see this…Check it out!
Behind the main building is this HUGE ASS ferris wheel. It’s freaking 15-storey high! I’ve always LOVED ferris wheel rides but because it was winter, the big wheely was closed. *sigh* BUT, the view of downtown Chicago from the lakefront was spectacular. I got an evening shot and a night shot. I was estatic about that!
Entrance to the Winter WonderFest is free but if you want to enjoy ALL the activities they provide you gotta pay $17 for a premium wristband, which includes ice skate rental but a general wristband excludes the ice skates.
The Entrance
So like I said, there is A LOT to see. The first thing that caught my attention and dropped my jaw was this ENORMOUS X’mas tree.
Surrounding the X’mas tree are smaller but stunningly decorated trees given by different embassies in Chicago. Then again there were X’mas trees EVERYWHERE. Everywhere you turn, left or right there is bound to be X’mas trees or decorations. Have I mentioned lately I love Christmas?
X’mas trees…
More X’mas trees…
And more X’mas trees
My favorite tree.
There were also lots of different rides for everyone. Imagine how happy I was when I saw….
An indoor ferris wheel!
I was extremely happy to see the ferris wheel inside the hall so you can imagine how spacious the hall is. It was 50 foot tall!
The view from the on top of the ferris wheel
Rob (looking all cute and kissable!) and I on the ferris wheel
More pictures of the rides…
Giant rocking horse
Kringle Carousel
Reindeer Express Train Ride
Arctic Ice Rink
I tried ice skating for the first time in my life. I was nervous and excited at the same time. I practice walking and standing with the skates on and thought it couldn’t be THAT hard. Boy was I wrong! Once my feet hit the ice my feet were slipping and sliding all over. I could not stand still. I had to hold on to dear life on the side rink because I was so scared of falling. Needless to say I did fall…on my BIG FAT ass. After going one round on the ice rink I decided that was enough and went to sit.
Surprisingly enough, Rob made me go on it a second time. Let’s just say I almost wanted to strangle him for that. He knows I still love him. Hahaha
The Winter WonderFest closed at 8pm. By the time I left the hall, I was taken away by the view.
We took the train back and Robbie suggested Hooters. Since there’s all this hoo-haa about Hooters waitresses, I figured why not go see what’s the big deal.
If you don’t know what I’m talking about, Hooters restaurants are supposedly known for their well-endowned chesty waitresses. When I saw them, they weren’t as well-chested as I thought they would be. It’s more of their uniform than anything that keeps the men coming for more.
See what I mean?
Hooters food isn’t at all that good. We had the chicken sandwich and curly fries. The fries came out cold and saggy while the chicken was dry. They are way overpriced. I guess it’s the skimpy outfits that the waitresses wear that keep the men crawling back there. Men can be so gullible eh?
After dinner, we called it a night…
Our wristbands. Hairy arm is NOT mine. =P
I suspect that my posts of Chicago will exceed 5 so do come back for more. =)