The art of a good night’s sleep

I can feel myself getting sick. I’ve felt it for days, but originally brushed it off as altitude sickness when I was in the Rocky Mountains.

But now … in Chicago … I can feel a gland pop up on the side of my throat. I can feel my head begin to thump.

This is not good.

Erica and I had wanted to go out on our first night in town. Wanted to explore the city beyond just the Hyatt Regency, but, after dinner and drinks, we just couldn’t move beyond the safe confines of our plush hotel room.

And, for both of us, that is just fine.

Our trip en route to Chicago from Omaha was uneventful, just like our drive through Nebraska.

Crossing into Iowa from Omaha was absolutely beautiful.

Fields of green and yellow, dotted with trees against a bright blue sky and fluffy, popcorn clouds provided for those special moments of awe. With so much gorgeous out of our windows, it made the trip fly by.

Clocking in at around 470 miles, we figured we’d get there in less than six hours.

Then, Katie, who we were visiting the next day, called. When we thought we were about half-way there.

“So, I will think of you in six hours when you get in to town,” she said before we hung up the phone.

“Oh, no,” I corrected her. “We only have three hours left. We’ll be there before five.”

About two hours later, I realize she’s right.

We are stopped. In horrific traffic. For more than 20 miles. For two hours, we creep along as cars snake their way in front of us. The skyline of Chicago teases us in the far distance.

I just want to get there.

Finally, we exit off of the highway and being our drive through the city.

Coming from my home of Las Vegas, entering Chicago is like another world. The buildings here tower over us as people begin to leave their offices and head home. There is this hum … a pulsing energy that reaches up through my car and wraps around me.

I can feel the city in my bones. That hum of excitement. That LIFE.

It’s simply magnificent.

When we finally arrive to the Hyatt Regency, we have 10 minutes to freshen up and meet someone for dinner and drinks.

Erica and I walk into our room and immediately love it. It’s spacious. It’s got two inviting beds. And, the view is nothing short of fantastic.

We rush through getting ready, throwing a little color on our faces, changing out of our driving clothes and into less casual clothing.

The two glasses of wine and food are just what we needed at Big Bar, one of the drinking and dining options at the hotel.

We sit at a high top as we look out onto the city, thanks to one entire side of the restaurant being made of glass.

We have enough energy for one more drink before we head back to our room.

Tucked into the 31st floor, she and I both sit and stare out the huge window at the night sky. Dotted with twinkling lights that reflect into the Chicago River.

It’s nearly magical.

After showering, I climb into my own bed. And bliss.

My head sinks in to the mountain of pillows under it. I curl up, pulling the thick comforter under my neck. I’m tucked in without even having to exert any effort.

It is absolutely lovely.

The next morning, we are supposed to wake up early and head to Hinsdale, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, to go and meet Katie.

But, I cannot move. The bed has wrapped its sweet arms around me and won’t let me out. It has nearly removed the sick from my body.

Finally, two hours later, Erica and I both get up and head to Hinsdale. Refreshed. Relaxed. And extremely well-rested.

Editor’s Note: This post is a part of the #winosontheroad series. Over Yonderlust and d travels ’round went road tripping and exploring America from Colorado to Maryland in June 2012. Be sure to check out all of the posts of life on the open road.

I was a guest of the Hyatt Regency during my stay, however all opinions are my own. If you have questions regarding this, please read my disclosure policy.