Travel News Sept/Oct 2022
...THE WINDY CITY 21
plenty of child-friendly attractions. After a genteel rotation, we headed to Giordano’s restaurant for a slice of yet another Chicago classic – its famous deep-pan pizza. How could we resist? That afternoon we headed north
of the city for a stroll around Lincoln Park Zoo, a free attraction with gorillas, giraffes and an African Lion among the animal highlights. Back in the city, dinner at spy-themed SafeHouse restaurant had us entering an unmarked door and into a world of espionage and intrigue. As the kids unravelled the cryptic clues strewn
carriages, seemingly unchanged since the 1990s due to a lack of investment by the US government. Something railway fans have long called for but, despite the election of train buff ‘Amtrak Joe’ Biden, remains way down the President’s priorities. The staff, however, are a friendly bunch, and taking the train will always be my preferred mode of transport over cars and planes. As an antidote to non- stop Chicago, this leg of the trip most definitely delivered. Taking a two-day journey, arriving on time is a bonus, not a
throughout its cold war interior, us parents quaffed spytinis and chowed down on Bay of Pigs pork dumplings. Suffice to say, we escaped unscathed, except for our ever-expanding girth. Chicago you’ve been a blast! And we’ll be back for more before we head home. Now though, it’s time to head west across the Rockies and to our next destination of San Francisco – a mere two-night train ride away. The California Zephyr is regarded
as one of the world’s great railway journeys. Run by Amtrak, the USA’s national railroad carrier, this silver- hued train snakes its way through the continent’s most imposing mountains and equally spectacular scenery. Our accommodation consisted of two private roomettes – each with bunkbeds and enough space to stow our hand luggage; the lower level of this double decker train containing the communal shower and toilets. The Orient Express it ain’t but what the Zephyr lacks in opulence it more than makes up for in the sheer grandeur of this great journey. In keeping with the all-you-can-eat holiday theme, sleeping car passenger fares include a hearty breakfast, three- course lunch and dinner. Suffice to say, this isn’t a trip for the body conscious. But it must be the only restaurant where you can glimpse moose trotting across the Colorado river followed by mooning white water rafters - a long-held tradition round these parts. Those of a nervous disposition are advised to focus on their French Toast. Having waited many years to
revisit this route, I was somewhat surprised by the familiarity of the
certainty. And so it was we got into San Francisco several hours late; the train journey actually ends at nearby Emeryville and a courtesy bus takes you into downtown San Fran. What a joy, then, to flop into our Hilton San Francisco Union Square family suite with exceptional views across the sparkly nightscape from yet another lofty perch. This, the concierge informed us, is California’s largest hotel, and from its cavernous foyer to three tower layout housing over 1900 rooms, it’s not hard to see why. A swimming pool and the city’s highest skybar complete this all- encompassing overnight experience. But what of the city below? Adventure awaits. For now, though, it’s time to stretch out on our comfy double beds, those train bunks already a distant dream… Next time, Heidi and family take
in San Francisco’s many attractions before heading south to Los Angeles for a week of theme-park fun.
TRAVEL INFO
• American Airlines, United and Aer Lingus fly direct to Chicago O’Hare International Airport with US Preclearance at Dublin Airport. Heidi and family flew with Aer Lingus.
• To find out more about Chicago’s extensive tourism offerings visit
choosechicago.com.
• To book Swissotel Chicago visit
swissotel.com/hotels/chicago/.
• To book Amtrak tickets visit www.
amtrak.com.
• To book Hilton San Francisco Union Square visit
hilton.com.
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