Growing up in a small down and spending all of my adult life in Montgomery, AL, I would describe myself as a small town girl with an interest in the big city life. Traveling with my job requires me to be away a few times a year and affords me the opportunity to catch a glimpse of cities around the country. Last week, I attended the National Charter Schools Conference in the big city of Chicago, IL. Arriving a bit later than expected, things were off to a rough start! Although the flights were smooth, awaiting an airport shuttle to take me to my destination swiftly was another story. Approximately 45 minutes later we finally left the airport stuffed in like sardines and headed for a hour's drive in traffic. Which turned into an hour and a half drive with seven stops with mine being the 7th!
Pulling up at the Hyatt McCormick Place I was relieved, car sick, and exhausted all at the same time. Confident of my confirmed reservation I wasn't worried that I'd arrived at 7:30. Unfortunately they were oversold. The nice gentleman behind the counter proceeded to give me options. I told him he must be mistaken that I'd called on Friday and confirmed my reservation. He apologized and then gave me my options again. Describing a 27th floor room with a view, luxury suite, at half price, it sounded like a good deal. And then he said "However, this room doesn't actually have a bed but a pull out sofa". HUH? You mean I've come all the way to the big city of Chicago, home of Oprah, the magnificent mile, and original deepdish pizza to stay in a luxury hotel on a pull out bed? Really? In disbelief, too exhausted to argue I agreed and insisted on a food and beverage credit which he happily obliged.
Late for the exhibit hall already, I dropped my bags with the bellhop and hurried on to the conference hall which was a 15 minute hike. Exhausted and hungry I arrived to the closed and closely guarded exhibit hall. Using my sweetest southern drawl, I was able to beg my way in promising to set up in less than 30 minutes. Hurriedly I set up the display only to find it broken; however, I was able to rig it up and managed to head out within my borrowed 30 minutes.
Stopping by the hotel restaurant I grabbed a quick supper and finally headed to my "luxury suite". As I walked into my room, I was amazed at the beautiful view. Windows all around with a stunning skyline and city lights all aglow. Settling down after a long day of travel, rushing around, and a rough airport shuttle ride, I pulled the blackout shades and slept like a baby on the pull out couch, after all, 6:30 am would be coming early in the morning.
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