Eighteenth Stop: Chicago, IL / Back Home to Milwaukee, WI

New photos in the Roadtrip Chicago album.

I left St. Louis around 3 p.m. arriving in Chicago just before 8. I picked up Karl and Shannon, and we drove to meet Rashad at San Soo Gab San for Korean barbeque. Amazing as always, and Rashad, a first-timer vows he will return soon. Later that evening, Karl and I tried to find a poker game, only to find none, so we hopped online and played some NL hold-em on Partypoker. I think I won $30.

Next morning, we went for dimsum, but Phoenix had too much of a wait, so we went to Three Happiness. Big mistake, as this place has really gone downhill. After a bit more chat, photos of the cat, and general loafing, I headed home.

Gas Prices:

St. Louis, MO: $2.05
Chicago, ILL $2.24

After watching the bike race that goes right by my house, I was off to the grocery store to get stuff for the big cookout. I was up until 4 a.m. getting things ready.

Next morning, I started grilling at 10 and kept things warm until it was time to serve. I made burgers, brats, italians, grilled tofu, and grilled curried chicken. Also served corn on the cob, and the usual chips, veggies, fruit, and cookies. A ton of people turned up, around 40 in all. I was short on coolers, but a few people came through with some so that was fine. In addition to the folks in the photo album, Eric S, Eric L, Sanjay, Tiffany, Adam, Rachel, and a couple friends of Sean's showed up. It was nice to see everyone, and we had a perfect day for it. The weather was beautiful. Sorry that some of you missed coming out, but hope you had a good day.

My grandmother arrived from Singapore yesterday during the cookout and I think she was a bit taken aback by the huge crowd of people in the yard. In the end, she had fun though.

The party marked the end of my six-and-a-half week road trip. Here are some statistics from the trip for those interested in trivia:

Total distance driven: 7166 miles.
Money spent on gas: $716.60.
Number of oil changes: 2.
Number traffic tickets: 3 (2 speeding, 1 seat belt).
Highest speed attained: 123 mph.
Highest premium gas price seen; $2.69 / gallon in the mountains of California.
Number of nights gone: 45.
Number of nights spent in hotel: 9.
Most expensive hotel price: $79 (Hampton Inn).
Least expensive hotel price: $19.99 (American Inn baby!).
Biggest bet in Vegas: blackjack $200 (won).
Best meals: 1. Nobu, Las Vegas. 2. Pink Pearl in Vancouver. 3. Silver Dollar in Thorp.
Best snack: Bison jerky from North Dakota.
Best cocktail: Gimlet at Red Square in the Mandalay.
Best sunset: Sunset Cliffs, San Diego, CA.
Most fun moment: Swim up blackjack at Tropicana.
Least fun moment: Two days of being sick with the cold in San Diego.
Scariest moment: Hydroplaning at 80 mph while going downhill in the rain outside Redding CA.
Most relaxing moment: 1. spa day in Portland, 2. Uncle John's hottub at 2 a.m in Vancouver.

That's it for now. I need to get ready for Tyan's wedding. Lots of relatives flying into Chicago, need to rent a suit, buy shoes, and get my pre-MC duties on.

Thanks for reading, peeps, and hope to see you soon.

Comments

[jimbo]

Tyans getting married.....???? wow congrats to the family.....but now that eliminates the main reason to talk to you...THE HOOKUP. justkidding.
welcome home.

[Vanessa]

The cook-out was a blast, wai!

Great food...great people...grand old time!

It was great seeing Sanjay, Big Dave and little kal...(who is just adourable) and Sean...(it was great to put a face to the name-great guy).

Good crowd.

Vanessa

[Sean]

Completely great time...thanks to Wai and moms and pops Soo for letting us vagrants take up space at the Casa De Soo. Good food great conversation and a kooky old man accross the streets either turning tricks or looking for his meds, either way I giggled.

Plus once again Vanessas innate fear of cameras led to another picture worthy of Glamour magazine. It was nice to finally get to meet and greet you though, and your daughter is a doll.

Mid to end of September I am going to have a "Good-bye and Good Riddance to Summer" picnic and everyone within the scope of this web site is invited....more details as I ask permission from the wife.

Thanks again Wai.

[Vanessa]

Wait a minute...I thought that frickin' pic of me was deleted...Danielleeeeeeee!

And thank YOU Waiken Soo for posting it. You're most kind...*wink*

well, there it is everyone...my wrinkles at its best...guess, I'll be returning the wrinkle serum from Estee Lauder TODAYYYYY.
48bucks down the drain!...*sigh*

And thanks Sean for the kind commentary...=)
And don't plan on getting a cut of the commision cheque from Glamor magazine by posing as my agent....LOL!!!

The Infamous Vanessa

[Jmack]

Sounds like a kick butt party!
I'll have to rest up before the next one.

[waiken]

glad you guys could all show up. we'll have to do it again soon.