Our One-Day Whirlwind Trip To Chicago - Part 2

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 This episode is Part 1 of the Chicago recap. Find Part 1 in episode 70 last week.

Word of the Episode: Porta Potty

• Definition: A portable, temporary toilet facility.
• Etymology:
  • “Porta Potty” comes from portable potty, but its popularization is linked to a brand name, much like Kleenex.
  • “Potty” derives from “pot” (as in chamber pot) with the diminutive suffix “-y/-ie.”
• In other cultures, “toilet” is the more common term; in ASL, “toilet” is used rather than “potty.”

Chicago Trip Recap – Part 2

Ancient History Museum Visit

• Officially: Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures Museum (near University of Chicago).
• Focus: Mainly Middle Eastern antiquities with artifacts, statues, and ancient texts.
• One child loved it; others were grumpy from heat/walking.
• Entry is donation-based, allowing the family to re-enter.
• Highlights for the hosts:
  • Ancient writings about everyday life.
  • “Ancient book” made of stone tablets fascinated their child.
• Kids got silly over anatomically accurate figurines—signs of entering adolescence.

Navy Pier & Surroundings

• Rode the Centennial Wheel (Ferris wheel with skyline & Lake Michigan views) — some enjoyed it, others (especially the mom) were anxious about heights.
• Lunch at Giordano’s (deep-dish Chicago pizza) — appreciated but all preferred New York–style.
• Enjoyed Ohio Street Beach — cold water, skyline views; a highlight for dad.
• Nearby Polk Brothers Park splash pad — big hit with the kids.

Millennium Park

• Visited Cloud Gate (“The Bean”) — initially dad wasn’t enthused, but it became one of the top highlights.
• Bought ice cream treats.
• Stopped at Crown Fountain — large artistic waterfall display, but less fun for play than Polk Brothers splash pad.

Plans Cut Short

• Intended to visit Chicago Bulls stadium and Leaning Tower of Niles, but:
  • Bulls shop/museum was closed.
  • Heavy traffic (possibly from an accident) made it impossible to head north without risking missing their flight.
• Chose instead to head toward Midway Airport, with a couple quick pit stops.

Return Flight – A Possible Mid-Air Close Call

• Dinner at the airport.
• Mom reports seeing a helicopter very close beneath the plane’s wing mid-flight and believes the pilot may have adjusted course to avoid it. Passengers nearby noticed too; dad and other kids were unaware.
• Landed safely, retrieved their car, and drove home just after midnight.

Takeaways

• This episode used conversational, humorous storytelling that ties small linguistic explorations to lived experiences.
• The trip was a packed, whirlwind adventure completed in under 24 hours.
• Hosts invite listeners to share thoughts—especially about Chicago pizza recommendations—and whether the itinerary was truly “flabbergasting.”

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Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice.

Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique.