Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Trip Report: Chicago-Town, 2009-07-02 to 2009-07-05

Just some random thoughts and notes about the Boys Trip to Chicago:

- I think I've said it many times, but it bears repeating: I love you guys, and this trip was one of the best weekends of my life. I was way too sad when it ended, and I can't wait to do it again. With all of us spread out across the country, with jobs and other responsibilities, it's way too hard for all of us to hang out as frequently as we'd like. These kinds of weekends are precious and fleeting; let's try and do them as often as possible.

- With regards to the previous sentiment, I do not want to hear anything about 'cutting back' or 'in moderation'. These kinds of trips are about cutting loose with The Boys, we know each other and we look out for each other. No one is going to do anything too stupid. You have the rest of your life to be responsible and take in moderation, leave these weekends as they are.

- Some select quotes [please edit and add as you see fit]:
* "My shirt still smells like 'Stripper'." --kp
* "Touching was definitely allowed." --kp
* "We could make a jail cell fun...as long as we had alcohol." --Anonymous

- I'm sorry guys, but I think Alinea ruined everything else for me. The progression of my fine dining experience has a pretty high peak right there. If we follow the progression of our meals, where do we go to top that experience? Fench Laundry? El Bulli?

- We fucking saw Grant Achatz! At his craft! From literally across our table! How many people can say they saw Beethoven as he was composing the 5th, or Michaelangelo painting the Sistine Chapel?

- Museums are fun, but not really conducive for just the group of us doing something together. Also separating for large periods of time isn't so great.

- Did anyone else notice we went through an entire weekend without getting into a huge fight? And this was with both Ajay and I present. How the fuck did that happen?

- If we had to, having 2 hotel rooms was actually a nice change of pace. Certainly, for future trips, free places to crash are great, but being at the Fairmont was not only comfortable, it enabled all sorts of possibilities with it's central location.

- For future planning purposes, let's try to keep each scheduled day as one major activity and at most one other minor/night-time activity. Having too many suggestions and possibilities at once paralyzed us at points.

- Not to say anything negative in regards to Azim's planning. Props for planning Chicago. Props to the Jew for bringing those wines and also chipping in with some suggestions. Props to Kanna for suggesting Second City, and also the great quotes. Props to Jack for booking Alinea.

- I'm really sorry about Hot Doug's. Trust me, no one felt worse for having dragged us all across town, let alone being personally disappointed and not getting some duck-fat fries and a foie gras hot dog.

- Check out the picture of Fu in a suit. Man cleans up nice!

- I like the progressive sophistication we're showing, Fellas. Let's keep it up, but still know how to get down.

That's all I got for now. I'm sure I'm forgetting something, but I really need to catch up on some sleep before my brain is fully functional again.

- Some ideas for future trips:
* Canada (one of Montreal, Vancouver, Toronto)
* Europe (Spain & El Bulli anyone?)
* Miami
* Cabin
* Camping

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