Parents trip to Chicago

My parents visited me in Chicago for 2 months, here are some of the things we did, I did and they did. This isnt everything, its just some things I remembered, I shall add on as I remember.

I macro planned, didnt micro plan. Broadly I knew what I wanted to do, but not what I wanted to do every day.

Before they got here I arranged for bus transit passes in chicago so that they could go around where ever they wanted without me. They were able to go sightseeing when I was at work, I told them how to get there and they managed. First few days I would take them only in busses and trains and by walk to get them used to it. It did help that many things were close by and they didnt mind walking.

Give them address in piece of paper and instructions on how to take a cab if they get lost heheheh.

Got them a credit card and a debit card in their name in case they need cash.

I planned 2 big weekend plans, one trip to seattle (relatives) and one trip to madison (small city), and left one trip for another city which worked out to be NY. But we thoroughly saw Chicago.

Took them to operas, symphonies, drama, movies, dance shows,3d imax etc. Even if they wernt enthusiastic about it at first, but after tasting the art from around the world they were thrilled.

I took them some of my sports leagues games, instead of watching some unknown player they watched me in action hahahha. But I wasnt able to take them to an MLB,NBA or NFL game. I regret that.

Tried things like mini golfing (they loved it), bowling (didnt like), didnt even try pool (no bar for my mom, but I hould have gone with just my dad.

Took them to one party at a friends place, and a friend of mine meghan and her parents hosted a big dinner for them they liked that a lot.

Made them try all kinds of foods, actually forced it down their throats, just to give them a sample of other kinds of foods. They liked some, hated some but I think the experience was worth it.

2 months was awesome, but in hindsight is a little bit short, i would have preferred 2.5-3 months, but definitely not over 3 months (for my sake and theirs hehehhe).

They came in october and left december, i felt that timing was perfect, as fall is beautiful season and I felt they should get a taste of fall and winter seasons which we miss in India. They were lucky that it snowed heavily one day they absolutely loved that, we lit a fire and all. I was lucky there, but I should have planned a trip to a place it snow area beforehand.

Even if they were lazy or tired somedays I would still take them out, we would walk a lot, sometimes I felt I was a taskmaster. But it will be their one trip, better tired and satisfied than something left undone. We went for long walks, bus rides etc

I would print out news from indian newspapers, english,telugu and kannada and take them home every day for them to read.

Had a party where many of my friends came to visit, they loved the food, parents loved their company.

I would take warmer clothing with me in my backpack where ever we went, even if they didnt want it, just in case.

I would take them to all the things I would do, my favourite food places, juice places, shopping, games etc

I took lots and lots of pictures with my digital camera, and before they left I presented them with an album with about 300 photos. I also game them a disposable camera for them to take pictures on their own.

I took days off work and also came home early every day.

I game them my cell phone and a number to contact me if need be, I actually wanted to get a prepaid phone just for them, that would have been ideal, but I got lazy.

I wish I had taked to the library, they would have loved that.

Friends visited us, that was good, they got to meet some of my friends from India.