I already posted some comments about my visit on Erica Ann's 'Decision Made and Going for It' thread. Now I want to elaborate on what made this visit so wonderful. This was my first chance to meet Erica Ann and her spouse, Ellen.
My Friday trip started with the announcement that my flight to Chicago would be delayed 50 minutes. President Obama and his family were flying into Chicago, so the arrival Air Force One had thrown many other flights off schedule. I didn't waste the extra waiting time sitting around, however. This was my first flight since I transitioned to full- time living as a woman, and I was very excited. I spent much of my time at the airport walking the concourses (I wanted to be seen) , talking to merchants and smiling at children.
In some ways, my time at the airport was similar to my first outing as Danya. That was several months before I transitioned, on a 2 1/2 hour outing at the Mall of Death (otherwise known as the Mall of America.) I had called a certain person here, who goes by the name Jesus, from the mall to share my excitement. For the first time, I felt like part of humanity rather than an observer. My airport experience was similar.
I love airports and flying. All kinds of adventures can await at oft-visited and new destinations. I was excited to get away from home and my stressful job for a few days.
Being on the plane as me, Danya, was wonderful. Everyone treated me well. The couple sitting next to me spoke German and I could understand part of what they were saying.
I had just gotten off the plane at O'Hare when Erica Ann called. She is such a sweetie! We confirmed that I would let her know what door I would exit from the United Airlines terminal.
I enjoyed the long walk from the gate to baggage claim. A long section of the concourse ceiling was festooned with glowing lights in all colors of the rainbow. I felt like a celebrity arriving in town.
Unbelievably, my luggage was waiting in baggage claim when I got there. United, and many other carriers, now charge $15 each way for a checked bag. I had wondered if this meant there was less chance of lost luggage. Probably not.
I exited the terminal and phoned Erica Ann. She pulled up shortly and we met for the first time! I could hardly believe this was happening. We've spoken many times on the phone and she has sent me photos. She had always claimed she looked better in person and I found that it's true! I thought she looked great in her photos, but they do not do her justice.
Erica Ann then treated me to a wonderful Italian dinner with drinks. We discussed our next stop, Hunters Night Club, a popular GLBT spot. Our waitress, Allison, is married and knew all about Hunters. She's been there before. She said her husband wouldn't mind her going because he would know she'd be 'safe' among the particular folks who frequent the club.
After dinner, Erica Ann and I stopped in the women's rest room where she shared some lip gloss with me. Did I mention how sweet she is?
Then we were off to Hunters. This is a terrific club. It is well-appointed with a modern interior, great lighting effects and a wonderful sound system. Then there were the 6 - 8 bartenders, all but one of them gay. Several were quite hunky.
We stayed at the bar quite late. It was a fascinating, fun place with quite a few transgender folks. Some were cross dressers, others transsexuals. Erica Ann, who seemed to know 3/4 of the people there, minimum, introduced me to a number of her friends.
Several times, I strolled over to the dance floor where I grooved to the pounding music as I admired the shirtless male dancers. I was still unwinding from a stressful work week.
Saturday morning, I was awakened by a phone call from Erica Ann. She seemed remarkably perky after our late night outing.
After I showered I discovered something truly awful.
I'd left some of the clothes I wanted to wear, half my makeup and one of my prescriptions at home! I never before have forgotten more than one thing on a trip. This was my first as Danya, though, and I learned a lesson. It takes more preparation, as a woman, to pack properly.
Erica Ann was very helpful when she heard the news. We stopped at Walgreens where I picked up the items I needed. Of course, nothing there could replace my missing clothes.:-\
Then we drove to her house, which she designed herself. Her educational background is in architecture. The house is beautiful, as I saw on the grand tour.
This was also my chance to meet Ellen. She is a remarkable woman who has gained a tremendous knowledge of transsexual women, their family issues and many other related things. This is not terribly surprising, since she is married to Erica Ann.
What made her delightful, though, was her obvious love for Erica Ann for exactly the woman she is. It was a treat to watch the two of them interacting. They mesh very well.
Ellen also extended her caring attitude to me, quite freely and liberally. Ellen is an attractive woman, too.
After eating lunch at their home, we were off to downtown Chicago. Erica Ann drove with Ellen navigating. Chicago is one of my favorite cities. As soon as I was able to make out the skyline, I started to get excited. We went to the Adler Planetarium, where we saw a show and toured the facility. The view of downtown from the planetarium is stunning, and one I have appreciated before. The waters of Lake Michigan separated us from the lakeside parks, and beyond those the imposing towers of the city. Chicago is, literally, 'my kind of town.' I love very large cities.
After exiting the planetarium building, we drove into the heart of the city. We went by many buildings I have walked near on hikes through downtown Chicago. I saw many familiar things that got me even more excited. Like the huge Picasso sculpture in front of the civic center. No one can agree on what this artwork represents. Some say it looks like a horse, others a woman, yet others an angel. Kids are known to enjoy sliding down its base.
I knew the names of some of the buildings we passed. I've always been interested in architecture and Chicago has lots of great examples. Erica Ann added to the fun of our drive through downtown by explaining the architectural fine points behind the construction of many of the buildings. I was impressed, we had our own very knowledgeable tour guide right in the car!
Erica Ann and Ellen took me to Pizzeria Uno, the original one, where deep-dish pizza was invented in 1943. We had a wonderful meal. Only later did we find out that 30 minutes after we left the restaurant, the President and his family ate at another 3 blocks away.
After we made our way out of the city through very heavy traffic....wait, I forgot to mention that we passed even more buildings that I know. Like Marina City, the Water Tower (one of the few downtown structures to escape the Great Chicago Fire) and others. We traveled many streets I have been on before, like Michigan Avenue and Lakeshore Drive (earlier in the day).
So, we made it out of the city. As we were driving back, Erica Ann and Ellen discussed going to Hunters that evening. I was feeling exhausted and was about ready to say I would stay at my hotel and sleep. I would have been really disappointed, though, to miss Hunters again. We worked out an arrangement where I would have a chance to nap and drink plenty of coffee before they picked me up from my hotel.
When they called to be certain I wanted to go, I was ready for action.
Off we all went to Hunters.
I had even more fun my second evening there. Now I was very relaxed. Unlike Friday evening, I danced. I had no more than two drinks when I went to the dance floor, so I wasn't heavily intoxicated. Nonetheless, I was quite uninhibited. I danced with men and women, and I was in fairly intimate contact with some. At times, I twirled light sticks as I danced. I never enjoyed dancing as a man. Saturday night I quite easily got into the mood and spirit of it all. I had a blast.
Once again, we were out very late. That was fine, though. I had a great time talking with Erica Ann and Ellen and some of their friends. It was really cool being among so many transgender folks, too.
One of Erica Ann's friends treated me to a martini. This same friend treated several of us to shots of a chocolate liqueur that was quite tasty.
When Erica Ann and Ellen dropped me at my hotel, I practically fell into bed. I was exhausted but slept very well.
Sunday was a bittersweet time. I was looking forward, at least a little (well, not all that much really!), to returning home. I had enjoyed my visit so much, particularly the chance to get to know Erica Ann and Ellen and have fun together, that I didn't want to leave.
I was feeling a little down when Erica Ann picked me up to drive me to O'Hare
Danya (imported) wrote: Thu Oct 09, 2008 5:32 pm
. We had a very nice conversation
on the way.
I am incredibly fortunate to have had the chance to spend so much time with Erica Ann. She is a wonderful, caring woman. I am delighted to have her friendship.
Hugs to all,
Danya
Thanks for your observations and good wishes.