After a final swim in Cancun's warm Gulf of Mexico waters, I packed and headed for the airport where I bought a few presents, including a cuddly sea turtle for your first Chanukah, my darling Yael.
We flew almost exactly due north to Chicago where we arrived on time. But what a shock to the system to leave the bliss of 22 celsius and arrive in minus 15 celsius with a bitter wind that made the temperature feel at least 10 degrees lower. Chicago is known for its brutal winters, with frigid winds blowing from Canada across Lake Michegan. It was absolutely horrible just leaving the airport to hop into a taxi. This transition brings a whole new meaning to the term Climate Change.
I dined with my friend, Nick Kalm, at a favourite Chicago restaurant called Ditkas, which belongs to an American Football legend called Mike Ditka. Now 71, Mike can often be seen chatting to people in this atmospheric steakhouse. Just for the record, he was the only individual to participate in both of the last two Chicago Bears' championships, as a player in 1963 and as head coach in 1985.
Your grandfather had a wonderful boned steak which was about the size and shape of a small squash racket. It was far too large, but I ate it all.....and enjoyed it very much. I just can't understand how vegetarians survive.
Grandpa Jonathan
Chicago, USA
