Wednesday we were prepared. We were up fairly early, and headed downtown. We got to the Shedd around 8:15 or so, and there was no line at all. We were both quite pleased. We walked right in, and bought the basic ticket (no dolphin shows or the 3-D movies). Mer grabbed a map, and plotted out a course that would take us around the aquarium in a systematic order, so that we would not miss anything.

The main level of the Shedd is in a semi-circle around a huge aquarium tank. The starting point for us had us looking at freshwater river habitats, mostly South American. There were lots of turtles, tons of fish, a few rays (we both like rays very much), a slew of poison arrow frogs with crazy colors, and a couple of snakes (one of which was huge and we never did find the head of the thing).

The South American river section led into a North American fresh water section that included local Chicago waters, but first we toured the big main tank that looked as if it was probably salt water. It sure had some big fish in it, including some very large rays and a big turtle. Back in the North American section, there was a lone freshwater otter (they prefer to be alone, unlike the saltwater variety), and a huge turtle, and lots more fish. I generally found the local fish to be less interesting than some of the other fish – they are not so colorful.

We then wandered downstairs to look at the sea otters. They really are adorable and sure seem to have a great time. We walked around the main stage area where the shows are held, and we got to see the beluga whales being fed. They seemed like play creatures as well, and seemed to enjoy playing and swimming. Next to the beluga tank was a very large and vocal sea lion. We watched him for a few minutes, and then wandered over to the cafe to get some very welcome breakfast/lunch in the form of pizza.

After lunch, we headed downstairs to look at the otters from under the water, and we got to see underwater views of the dolphins and belugas. Dolphins in the water are very beautiful and graceful. Past the beluga tank were the penguins, most of whom were asleep or staring fixedly at a spot on the rock, but there was one lively penguin who was swimming laps and playing with a floating basketball.

We finished up our tour of the aquarium by going to the lowest level, where they have a special exhibit on coral. As part of that exhibit, they had a whole shallow tank full of rays, and tanks and tanks of coral and the fish that live near coral, including some medium-sized sharks. I was especially fascinated by two fish who can change color to look like coral. I mistook them for coral at first, and only their blinking eyes gave them away. It was pretty amazing.

We left the aquarium around 1:00 or so, and we congratulated ourselves on seeing the whole place, and for getting there early. As we were leaving, we saw that the main floor of the aquarium was pretty mobbed, and as we went outside, we saw there was a long line again. Lesson learned – get there early.

We wandered toward Shannon’s office again, this time going by Buckingham Fountain. It was still hot, so we were again grateful to get to Shannon’s cubicle. He was in a meeting, but we helped ourselves to the bathrooms, the water cooler, and Shannon’s computer to plot our next destinations. Having down that, we headed out to find the Red Line again, which we took north toward the Water Tower and the Magnificent Mile. We wanted to go see the Newberry Library, which is a public research library, and which Meredith wanted to see again (we had stopped by the lobby once several years ago).

Along the way, we planned a refreshment stop at Ghirardelli’s. They are famous for their chocolate, and they did not disappoint. The handed us a free square of chocolate as we entered, and then we proceeded to order some very welcome hot fudge and marshmallow sundaes. Again, a very welcome break.

We proceeded to the Newberry, and discovered that we were not allowed to go see the stacks unless we were researching something, which was disappointing. However, we did go into their small but interesting exhibit on King Henri of France (circa 1600), whom history seems to regard as a pretty good king. He build many buildings and public works, got France out of debt, and reigned for a very long time. The exhibit showed many period documents, including some of Henri’s own writings. After perusing the exhibit, we spent a happy half hour in the small and eclectic bookstore of the library. After this, we walked to the Brown Line and headed home.

Shannon was home, and Jo soon arrived. Jo felt she needed to get ready for the upcoming Maine trip, so she stayed at home, but Shannon and Mer and I got in Jolene’s car and headed south to Hyde Park to visit James. It was a long time coming, though – almost an hour and a half to get the 25 miles or so. Lake Shore Drive was down a lane or two downtown. According to James, it had been so hot that the pavement had started buckling and rippling, and the city had to start repairs (which must not have taken too long since it appeared to be open the next day).

Anyway, the four of us walked from James’ apartment in the back of a house, down to Medici’s, a restaurant that Shannon and James both like very much. We ordered some excellent food, and we talked for quite awhile. James is likely to get a position taking care of computer needs for the University of Chicago for their new campus in China. That was exciting to hear about. While we were at the restaurant, the heavens opened up and it just poured and poured. We were pretty happy not to have been caught in that rain. It had stopped by the time we finished eating.

We walked back to James’ place, and he asked us to go over his extensive book collection and to help ourselves to 10-15 books. He wanted to give his books a good home since he was likely to be gone for three years. Mer and I found a bunch, and then James threw in a pre-sorted bag of his books on religion that he wanted us to have. It was very generous of him. We then lounged about and talked some more, and James gave me and Shannon a very smooth and good root beer. We headed out at around 9:30, and tentatively made plans to get together with James before we left.

Water, ice cream, books, food, books, and good conversation. A good day in Chicago.