The newlyweds spent seven funfilled days in the windy city of Chicago.  Rob and Craig both exclaimed, "It was our best vacation ever!" 

Their journey started off wonderfully.  The couple had struck up a conversation with their jet seat mate, Nicky.  She was on her way to Orlando to meet her boyfriend in Disneyworld.  After casual introductions and exchange of pleasantries Nicky bravely inquired, "Can I ask you a question?  Are you guys on your honeymoon?" 

"Yes we are," exclaimed the couple.  "What gave it away?"

"I can just tell," Nicky stated.  Either Nicky had psychic powers or the joy and energy of the occasion eminated brightly off the duo.  The Dirty Martini Lounge believes it was the latter.

Here are the honeymoon/vacation highlights:

Architectural bus tour by the Chicago Architecture Foundation

River and lake tour by Wendella Tours

Wicked, the musical

Gay Pride parade

Shopping, shopping, shopping

Eating, eating, eating

Drinking, drinking, drinking

Lincoln Park - the zoo and conservatory

Driving by Barack Obama's house

Sitting along Lake Michigan watching people go by

Finally consumating their relationship after 6 years of waiting

faithfully for the state to grant equal marriage rights

Rob and Craig stayed at the Hotel Seneca just one block away from the Magnificent Mile.  It was a great location - fantastic shopping, great eats and very close to public transportation.   The city of Chicago has a lot to offer - everything from world reknown museums, great architectural history, beautiful public parks, wonderful food choices to the magnificent Lake Michigan.

The Navy Pier is a famous Chicago attraction.  In the background, the John Hancock building towers above the rest.   Rob and Craig stayed across the street from the John Hancock.  They could hardly see the top of the building from their hotel window.

Rob and Craig were excited to experience a Pride parade outside San Francisco.  Of course, with all the energy about California's same sex marriage, the couple were bummed about not being in SF.  But Chicago did not disappoint.  In fact, the picture above shows an Illinois couple who were recently married in California.  They proudly waved a sign exclaiming "Thanks California."  Rob and Craig were quick to display their wedding rings to the parade couple - connections can be made in the most fantastic ways.  Many parade participants displayed placards espousing equal rights marriage, as well as domestic partner benefits.  It was a definite reminder that our country has a long way to go.

The honeymooners were encouraged to see the many straight families along the parade route.  Pride parades across the country are becoming more and more a family event.  "It's great to know that children are becoming exposed to the LGBT community at such a young age," states Rob.   One family next to Rob and Craig had three generations enjoying the festivities, they all waved enthusiatically to the contingents.

The largest crowd of the Pride parade were the Obama supporters.  Approximately one hundred, mostly pink clad supporters shouted words of praise for the next president of the U.S. (fingers crossed).  Many were wearing tee shirts proclaiming "I'm Out for Obama!"  Rob and Craig immediately looked at each other and said "I want one of those shirts."   Unfortunately, the couple was not able to find one for purchase.

The Pride parade overall had a very home town feel to it.  It lasted just about two hours.  What was wonderful is that it moved at a fairly quick and steady pace.  Not many gaps were to be had.

As the final contingent passed Rob and Craig, the rain clouds let loose.   Many scrambled to gather their belongings and rush for cover.   It was a refreshing end to a fabulous good time.

After the parade, our adventurers travelled towards downtown.   Many sightseeing opportunities popped everywhere.   In Lincoln Park, our duo visited the Conservatory and the Zoo.

Rob and Craig also got to see Wicked, the musical about the witches, leading up to the time before the Wizard of Oz.  It was an absolutely enchanting time.  For many of us, the Wizard of Oz was a special event while growing up.  The Cabrera and Blyeth families were always excited when it aired on TV.

Wicked provided a new perspective on a very familiar story.  No scene spoilers here, but Dorothy is only mentioned once in passing.  So the DML gives Wicked two thumbs up.   If it comes to your town, go see it.  Really, it's a must.

The honeymooners love food.  One of the things they wanted to try was an Italian beef sandwich.  Craig became aware of this epicurial delight while perusing one of the Chicago magazines found in their hotel.  So it became the couples quest.  After much inquiry and investigation, the couple were pointed towards Al's, on Wells and Lasalle.  Lo and behold, the locals were right on.  Italian beef sandwiches are slices of beef and onion, with sweet or spicey peppers added.  All of that is placed in a sizable bun.  The mouthwatering masterpiece is then dunked, en masse, in delicious au jous.  It is absolutely delicious, another must experience recommendation by the DML.

When the Dirty Martini Lounge asked the honeymooners, what was the most memorable time for you, Rob and Craig both answered "spending time together."   Of course that was so predictable and yet so romantic.  Rob adds, "My favorite time of all was sitting with Craig along Lake Michigan and just talking.  We were just soaking in the view of the lake, the city and the passersby.  A couple of hours passed quickly during this magical time."