FGS 2011 - Part 1 - Tuesday

You will probably be able to read about this FGS conference by many bloggers.  This will be my first conference since becoming a blogger. 

The conference actually starts tomorrow.  This morning, Tuesday, a took the Metra from Morton Grove to Union Station in the Chicago area; then the Amtrak from Chicago to Springfield.  Guess what?  Three of the four people sitting in front of me were also coming to the conference.  Harold, from Indiana, and Jacqueline from Evanston, sat together.  Then is seems that Harold had never met Jane from Michigan, but I believe Jane had helped Harold out with some research.  SMALL WORLD!!

I checked in and then went looking for someplace for lunch.  You can't believe all of the Welcome signs in the cafe windows.  What a nice feeling.  Unfortunately, in the few blocks I walked, I'm going to be unable to visit all of the very interesting restaurants during the time I'm here.  I like to walk before and after a day sitting during a conference.  I also walk during the lunch break, if I'm not signed up for a lunch.  If you're looking for someplace, walk Adams and Monroe, and 6th and 5th streets.  (That's what I've done so far.)  I had a great chicken, walnut, raspberry salad at Trout Lily on 6th Street.

Next stop:  the convention center to pick up registration materials.  I still need to get myself organized for tomorrow.  Oh, yes.  On the way back from the convention center, I found an Irish pub that is supposed to have music Wednesday, tomorrow, night.  I don't know whether or not the music is traditional.  But I may stop by.  The Celtic Mist is on 7th street, just across from the Abraham Lincoln Hotel. 

As I walked into the hotel lobby, Amy had just finished checking in and was going to drop off luggage.  She was meeting a friend in a hotel restaurant and invited me to join.  Instead I'm here, back in the room.  I  figured out how to connect to the internet, unpacked, and I'm resting. The next 4 days are going to be busy, exciting and fun.

Come back and read additional parts. I'll try to let you know about my experiences as if you are here.  And, don't forget to check out the other bloggers who are writing about this FGS conference.

Disclosure:  I've mentioned a couple of specific restaurants, but I have received no compensation or discount from either of them.