Dec 25. Day 2. Chicago Union Station.

We arrived in Chicago at 9:45AM CST, with a 4+hour layover before the California Zephyr leaves at 2PM bound to San Francisco. Part of the upgrade package we have on this trip is the access to the Amtrak Business Class waiting lounge, similar to Airline lounges at the airports. Free luggage storage is also included. We checked in our luggage and decided to visit the Skydeck at Willis Tower, aka Sears Tower. It’s a short walk from the station, on Adams street side. The Skydeck is a scenic view of the whole Chicago area from all angles – South, East, North, West – from the building’s 103rd floor. The West side has the special section called the Ledge – a retractable glass flooring area to have a view of what’s directly beneath you. It’s like floating in air right outside the building. It was a bonus experience to this journey. Dare to stand on the Ledge, they say.

Took a short walk around the street corners after the Skydeck viewing and went back to the station. Weather was a bit colder than New York. Grabbed some McDonalds for quick lunch at the waiting lounge. The lounge has a WiFi connection providing us the time to catch up on news and greeting friends a merry and joyful Christmas.

Again, Merry Christmas.