This past weekend, I did something that is very unusual for me: I traveled without my children.  I flew into Chicago for Travel Blog Exchange, a conference of travel writers, and I had a few extra moments to enjoy the city by myself.

I arrived by plane, took the train downtown, and went on foot from there.  Here’s how I entertained myself:

1. I stopped in at the Chicago Cultural Center to get some travel information, and I didn’t have to restrain anyone from taking each and every brochure from the rack.  I considered doing some things that involved sitting still and being quiet.  I did not consider the children’s museum.
2. I walked across the Chicago River to the American Gothic Statue.  I took a photo of it.  I showed great restraint in not borrowing anyone else’s children for the photo op.
   

   American Gothic Statue, Chicago. Photo by minnemom on flickr.

3. I had lunch at Water Tower Place’s FoodLife food court area.  I ate what I wanted.  I only carried one plate.  I did not have to remind anyone to sit still or sit down or finish eating so we could (insert desirable kid-friendly activity here).
4. I walked through the American Girl store.  I did not hear any pleas for a doll or clothing or a photo session or lunch in the cafe.  I did not leave the store lugging huge bags of merchandise.
   

   American Girl Place Chicago. Photo by minnemom on flickr.

5. I went to the John Hancock Center.  I was a party of one, so I managed to squeeze into the elevator instead of waiting for the next one.  I observed other people’s children being tired and impatient and worried about the height of the building and speed of the elevator, but I was responsible for no one’s behavior but my own.
   

   View from John Hancock Center Chicago. Photo by minnemom on flickr.

6. I went to the Borders bookstore on the Magnificent Mile.  I did not visit the children’s area.  I did not remind everyone to stick together and use quiet voices.  I did purchase a book.  Yes, it was a family travel book.  Did you really expect anything else?
7. I stopped in at the Hershey store.  I did not put on the candy-maker’s hat and make my own mix of Hershey’s goodness.  I did eat a mint-frosted mint-flavored brownie.  I did not ask if it contained peanuts or tree nuts, or if it was made in a facility that used those items.
8. I sat in a hotel lobby and watched people for a length of time.  I did not need to find enough places for six of us to sit.  I did not remind anyone to sit still.  I did not take anyone to the bathroom.  I did not bribe anyone with promises of candy or a ride on the Navy Pier carousel.
9. I ate tapas at Emilio’s with other travel writers from Uptake.  I carried on adult conversation.  I oohed and ahhed over a baby that was there, but I did not snatch him from his mother’s arms.  I ate new things without worrying about how much everyone else was eating and whether they’d be hungry an hour later.
10. I saw Brooke White in concert at BowlHer.  The other people in the room knew who Brooke White was as well, because, like me, their bedtimes are later than 7 p.m. so they’ve been allowed to watch American Idol.  I stayed as long as I wanted because I didn’t have anyone pulling on me to move on to the next thing.  I enjoyed it thoroughly.
    

    Brooke White at BowlHer, Chicago. Photo by minnemom on flickr.

My day in Chicago was quiet and peaceful.  I did whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted.  It was all about me.

And do you know what?  I missed my family the entire time.  I love traveling with my family, no matter how frustrating it is at times, or how much it costs to pay for six admissions to a venue.  The next time I go to Chicago, I’ll be sure they’re with me.

Linda (minnemom) writes about the adventure of traveling with a large family at Travels with Children.
Their favorite family spot in Chicago is the Museum of Science and Industry.

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