Mr Button was looking forward to seeing the sights of Chicago and it didn’t disappoint. We decided to do a hop on hop off bus tour to see all the sights, although, as Mr Button noted, the tour guides could give the British a run for their money in the sarcasm stakes.

First we checked out the ‘bean’ a large reflective orb that is mesmorising. We then headed for the Aquarium, unfortunately the gigantuan queue meant we went all that way just for a hotdog, albeit a nice (vegetarian for me) pickle laden hotdog. We then went along to the Navy Pier which is basically Weston-Super-Mare by Lake Michigan, it even had a Ferris wheel ala Weston, sponsored by MacDonalds of course! Mr B, not being the shy retiring type also ingratiated himself with the local segway mounted police (see photo).

It was a long day finished off by a not-to-be-repeated drive through Taco Bell experience (at least until we are better acquainted with the menu). I had mush in my taco, Mr Button had mush with bits in his.

Today we hit route 66, which was very exciting although as we were driving a long way we decided to use mostly highways but did detour to see the Gemini Giant. Someone even shouted ‘tourist’ out the window at us which was nice of him to welcome us to good ‘ole route 66. We also made a brief stop at the Cahokia Mounds an ancient sight of grassy hills, the museum was interesting but as it was 105 degrees Fahrenheit outside we decided against venturing outside, Mr B got so hot he came out in prickly heat.

We are now staying at The Wagon Wheel Motel, an original route 66 motel the only one we are staying at on our journey. We are relishing it’s neon kitschness and enjoyed our meal at next door’s ‘Missouri Hick BBQ’, Mr Button felt positively red necked.