The Good Part of Milwaukee

Today, I continued my quest to visit every MLB stadium. I think of it as recon (will that ever not look like an accounting term?) for when I do watch a Dodger game, with company. I'll know the lay of the land. I'll know what tickets to buy.

I bought my tickets during a flash sale. They were $6, plus fees, bringing the total to $9, which was a steal. Dodger tickets never go that cheap. I'm glad for the cheap tickets because I had to tack on the Amtrak cost of $50.

The 126 was surprisingly on time today, and I feel like we flew to Union Station. I suppose the whole transit fare works out because I paid $5 for transit on two days rather than a pass for just one. I went in and found myself in the Great Hall. Yes, that is what the sign calls it. I ought to look up why train stations are so large, with such high ceilings. It's not like the trains or platforms are that high, are they?

I recognized the train station from My Best Friend's Wedding, only in the movie, it was busy and full of people. This morning, it was nearly empty. There were only a handful of people quietly sitting at the pews. Come to think of it, New York Grand Central is never as busy as you see in movies either. Movie magic got me.

I walked around to get a sense of where I needed to go. I was my own camera person again, so I got some establishing shots for vlog.

I watched The OC as I waited for my train to board. When it was time, the doors to Track 17 opened. Side note, the odd platforms were on one side, and the even platforms were on another, so I couldn't have a Platform 9 3/4 moment. The platform was in a cemented tunnel, kind of creepy. I expected it to be open like... the movies, but also like the Eurostar station in Paris.

I took a seat that faced the direction of movement. A kid to my right kept sneezing, which gave me a bit of concern. He was wearing his mask though, so okay, sure. Chicago and Milwaukee are end of the line, which I didn't know at the time. I counted the stops in between to make sure I didn't miss my stop. I don't know why I had such anxiety traveling on the train. I guess it's a path less traveled. I kept telling myself people do it all the time on the Eurostar. So stop being an American chicken and act worldly! 

The tracks were mostly rural, passing through some woods, some plains, and some farms. I was officially in Wisconsin, which is new territory for me. I tracked our location through my phone. Again, I didn't know it was end of the line so I had to be alert.

When we got into the city, I took in the view. Milwaukee looked beautiful. The building with the green roof, clock tower and thermometer caught my eye. I saw the Miller brewery. I noticed the massive blue bridges. Milwaukee's station is smaller than Chicago's. I felt frazzled once I got outside. Should I attempt the bus? I didn't have exact change for the fare and it would take a while. The game was starting soon. Should I call an Uber? That's always easy. Yet, I didn't feel like giving Uber my money. So, I opted for a cab.

Google Maps said it was only a 6 minute drive, but it felt longer. The bridges stacked atop one another, like in Portland. And like in Portland, it gave me anxiety.

The cab driver drove past a drop off spot, and went further towards the parking lot. There were many cars driving in, so we were slowly moving forward. I tried to just take it in as part of the experience. On Monday, there weren't many cars, and a lot of people used public transit to get to the White Sox game. 

There were a lot of kids and groups, which makes sense considering it was a weekday day game. lapped the stadium. The concessions were all the same. I'd say Guaranteed Rate and Dodgers Stadium have a one-up there. They had standard offerings. I was tempted with the ice cream since it's Wisconsin dairy, but it was custard so, pass.

There was no gatekeeper for the field level section. I am learning that you should just buy the cheapest ticket you can and don't sit. It's more fun to walk around and stand. Lowest level had the best offerings. Second level was fine. Terrace level was lame, but it had the Chalet with Bernie's slide.

My seats were next to the slide. This seemed like a good idea until I got there. The seats were not shaded and the sun was blazing. If there had been a home run, I couldn't see Bernie slide from my seat. That simply was not okay. I spent an inning in my seats and left to get food.

Concessions were all the same, and they all had a long line. It was ridiculous. I just wanted a hot dog. When I finally got to front, I decided on a bratwurst. However, they said it was a 5 minute wait. While I was waiting I saw two of the cashiers cough, and neither of them changed their gloves. Like, no thank you. I opted out of food and got another drink.

I found my way to the shaded side of the terrace. But of all the sections I could have sat in, I was in family seating, so there were a bunch of kids. That's no problem, but that section had no cup holders. What the fizzle? 

I enjoyed the view from there much better. Milwaukee scored a run and had the bases loaded. How I would have loved to see a Christian Yelich home run. I would have liked to see any home run and Bernie slide. It wasn't in the cards this time. Neither was a win for the Brewers. I'm bad luck for the home team this time around. (Sorry not sorry?)

I realized I got jipped out of a 7th inning stretch at the Sox game since it was a double header. There was no "Take Me Out to the Ball Game." After they sang it at the Brewers game, they sang some barrel song. A couple danced on top of the away dugout. Are they allowed to do that?

I left before the game ended. Paula's sister was graciously meeting up with me. She and her boyfriend picked me up at the drop off area. They told me about a great food truck for burgers. Unfortunately, it wasn't open at the moment. So, they took me to the Milwaukee Public Market. I got pad see ew, which was pretty good! I do miss asian food.

After we ate, we walked along the river for a bit. They told me this was the good part of Milwaukee. I look forward to exploring more when I go to a Dodger game. The boyfriend was very good about getting me to the train on time. I told them my train left at 5:30, when it left at 5:45. I got to the station just as they started boarding.

Back in Chicago, Union Station still wasn't movie-crowded. Christina picked me up and I was exhausted from the day!