teriwtt

actually, Milwaukee is a very pleasant place to live if you can handle the weather, not that it's any worse or better than Chicago's.

Although I've yet to make it to Summerfest, my D has been there several times. The lakefront has really taken off, and it's much easier to get around downtown than Chicago. A couple of months ago, I had the opportunity to see two touring Broadway shows that were both going through Milwaukee and Chicago. I chose to go to Milwaukee, cuz it's so much easier to get around, and much cheaper to park.

And as my H would say, it's less than two hours to Green Bay for a Packer's game. What else could you want?

aibarr

DH and in-laws are all from Milwaukee.

It's a nice city. Its name is originally derived from an Algonquin term meaning "The Good Land."

jym626

Wow! You guys are incredible. Thank you all- especially you, teriwtt!!

Here's the update as I know it. DH called me at around 6 to let me know that (1) DS had gotten to Chicago (they stuck him in first class-- gee what a shame), (2) due to the traffic and road construction, the airport shuttle bus was running at least a 1/2 hr late, so he was going to be able to make it, and (3) his cellphone battery was low, thanks to all the calling necessary to deal with this mess so I was instructed not to call and bother him!

We did look into the megabus, kelsmom, but he was hoping not to have to wait that long to get into Milwaukee, especially since someone was picking him up at the Milwaukee airport and he didnt want to impose further by showing up really late. And also, they moved the bus stop dropoff/pickup location in downtown Chicago due to the construction, and heavens knows he didnt need any more potential complications.

Thanks for all the tips and directions to the trains/buses downtown, GreatLakesmom and Hanna. If he'd missed the shuttle, that was the next plan, I think. I don't think he even considered renting a car, WashDad. Duh. We totally overlooked that. But since he's only 22, they'd probably have jacked up the prices, and since he is being reinbursed by his company (for whom he has worked for, ahh, 3 days now) he didn't want to add insult to injury. But it would have been an option.

And teriwtt-- your kindness is incredible. It will not be forgotten.

barrons-
LOL- John Candy and Steve Martin! Lets hope DS is not sharing a room with anyone tonight.. my favorite lines from that movie - when they are sharing the motel bed (and I am sure I am not remembering the lines exactly right, but...):
JC- "I am warming my hands between the pillows"

SM- "Those AREN'T PILLOWS!!!!"

Momof3-- thanks for your concern. As for Milwaukee, that's where they are manufacturing the device that he is working on at his job, and they wanted him to see its production.

I textpaged him about an hr ago and he was on the bus. So, looks like he'll make it.. eventually. He told me, after he got bumped from the first standby list he was on for a flight to Milwaukee, that someone had been waiting since YESTERDAY to fly standby after missing a connection. I guess the airlines have serioulsy cut back on their flights. There wa no room at the inn! All the flights were oversold and they were bouncing even confirmed passengers. Yikes.

Thanks again to all my cc buds. You are wonderful. I'll post when I hear more.

I did call younger s to see if he'd made his flight (direct- no connections)and shuttle bus without incident to his college summer orientation today. He answered the phone with "will you pay my bail?" Sigh. Such a sense of humor. This will be a long 4 years...

jym626

UPDATE:

DS called tonight to wish me a happy bday. He wasted 13 hrs in unscheduled travel related time yesterday, but got in last night, and was able to get a fair amount accomplished today. So what are they doing tonight?? Apparently the worlds bigfgest music festival is going on in Milwaukee-- Summerfest Summerfest - The World's Largest Music Festival He is paying $12 to get in. Who is he hearing tonight?? Stevie Wonder. I am JEALOUS!!!

Younger s's flight back from NOLA was 1.5 hrs late (and its only a 1 hr flight!!) but he finally made it in safe and sound.

teriwtt

ha! Stevie Wonder is playing for free at the Taste of Chicago this Saturday!

Unfortunately, I'm working this weekend, and can't go. But I am going to see Boz Scaggs tomorrow night at Ravinia (some of you might know what that is).

jym626

Teriwtt-
The Summerfest had more than Stevie last night-- there are 11 stages, and over 700 musical groups over the several days. I noticed that one of the venues had 3 dog night last night! If the ticket was $12 for admission to the whole shebang (I am not sure about that) that is a pretty darned good deal. Of course seeing SW for free is a great deal too, but I think my DS happly parted with 12 bucks last night

teriwtt

The thing with Summerfest is that you often have to pick between two or three headliners in one night, going on at the same time.

I remember a couple of years ago my daughter wanted to see Dashboard Confessional, but they were basically playing/overlapping with John Mayer, so I think they split their time between the two venues. Usually the 'headliner' of the evening will command a bit more money than $12 for a ticket. I can't remember what they paid for John Mayer, but I know the admission included entry to all the venues/concerts that night. Usually the later evening shows at the Marcus Ampitheater cost more, but sometimes they give out a limited number of free wristbands the day of the show.

The whole thing is very cool! I may try to get up there this year next week to see John Mayer - haven't seen him in four or five years.