Ann Arbor → Chicago Speedrun Guide | Day 1 (Part 1) 🚌🌅

Day 1: Special Forces Timeline 💥 12:30 AM – 5:50 AM | Night Bus Ride A rough start — got on the bus and found it mostly filled with passengers carrying all their belongings, with strong and mixed smells lingering in the air. An older man stood in the aisle, halfway down, and it looked like he was about to reach out — not sure if to say hi or ask for money. A bit unsettling, not gonna lie 🥲. The bus did have a restroom, which was… functional. Could’ve been worse! 6:00 AM | Navy Pier — Caught the Sunrise! Made it just in time 🌅. The sky shifted softly from pink to fiery red as the sun slowly rose above the skyline. With the sound of the lake breeze and occasional cries of seagulls flying past, the moment felt incredibly peaceful — almost surreal for a bustling city like Chicago. Breakfast Quick stop at McDonald’s — classic on-the-go fuel 🍔☕ 8:00 AM Millennium Park / The Bean A must-see, and the perfect spot for meme-worthy photos 😂📸. We captured some absolutely hilarious shots of my friends — The Bean delivers every time! Buckingham Fountain Majestic and photogenic! The morning light made the water sparkle 💎. 9:00 AM | Shedd Aquarium A compact but lovely aquarium 🐠. Got to touch two types of stingrays — one near the entrance, the other close to the popcorn stand inside. Both were delightfully slippery! I also appreciated how they kept animal shows to a minimum — respectful and educational 👏. Fun easter egg: They sell octopus plushies, but we couldn’t find a real octopus in the exhibits! When we asked a staff member, she said there is one — a very large but shy octopus hiding somewhere in a tank. A little quest for those who visit! 🐙 Lunch | Remington’s Hearty portions and solid flavors — definitely recommend! 🥩🍝 #Umich #NorthernMichigan #PureMichigan #FallColors #AutumnAdventure