This past Saturday I headed down to Chinatown for the Chinatown 5K. I believe this is one of the smaller races in Chicago with less than 1,000 participants. The route is pretty much a straight-line down Wentworth Avenue from Chinatown to US Cellular Field and back. I managed to finish 428th near my usual time.
Side Notes:
Previous 5K’s: BTN B1G 5K 2012, BTN B1G 5K 2013
Queens
Upon landing in New York, we worked our way through Astoria, Queens checking out a couple of beer bars including The Queens Kickshaw and Astoria Bier & Cheese. We took the train out to Forest Hills for the Paul Simon concert at Forest Hills Stadium where the show began in a deluge. There have been several reports of this being his farewell show. Aside from the rain, the show was good and the venue was very unique.
Brooklyn
On Saturday we headed over to Williamsburg, Brooklyn for the day. Starting at egg for brunch and then spending the better part of the afternoon at the Brooklyn Brewery. Julie’s friends were able to get us on a VIP list which entitled us to 10 free wooden beer tokens. Afterwards we caught the end of the Germany – Italy Euro Cup game at Greenpoint Beer & Ale and then had dinner at Cow and Clover. We finished the night at Mugs Ale House watching the Mets continue to route the Cubs.
Side Notes:
*We hit the usual stops upon landing in Queens.
** Last time I was at the Brooklyn Brewery.
This past Memorial Day, Julie and I attended Game One of the Stanley Cup Final in Pittsburgh at Consol Energy Center in which the Penguins defeated the Sharks 3-2. In the past we’ve attended Stanley Cup Final games at the United Center and Joe Louis Arena but this was by far the best experience. The crowd at the arena was amazing, the people in our section were great. All around great atmosphere.
The Penguins jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead before the Sharks came back late. The Penguins were able to get a late goal for the win in the final minutes. I’m pretty sure all but one of the five goals scored were on our side of the rink. I’ve only been in the lower bowl a couple of times and never in a playoff game. It’s hard to appreciate on TV how fast the game is and how large the players are compared in person.
Side Notes:
*Max Talbot (and a not pictured Antonio Brown) were a section over from us and down several rows.
**Iceburgh, the Penguins mascot, had a tendency to slide head first down the railings of each section.
***The View From My Seat.
****Julie and I had a great time, we got our free t-shirts and a victory.
***** Previous Stanley Cup Finals: 2013 – Game Two, 2010 – Game Five, 2010 – Game One, 2009 – Game One, 2008 – Game Two, and 2008 – Game One.