Okay, but why was I in Chicago in the first place?

Disclosure: I am participating in the Verizon Voices Boomers program and have been provided with a device and six months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product.

The Verizon Voices Boomers

On Wednesday, I shared my experience traveling to Chicago and on Friday, my experience returning home. But I never shared the reason why I was in Chicago in the first place. It turns out, I was selected to be one of sixteen other mom bloggers over the age of 50 to participate in the Verizon Voices Boomer program. Verizon provided for my travel expenses to and from Chicago and showed me a really good time! 

I arrived on Sunday and met my cousin, Kelly, and her friend for dinner at a really wonderful place on E. Delaware Street called Little Market. Kelly lives in my hometown of Manheim, PA and just happened to be vacationing in Chicago at the same time I was there. How fun is that?!

Verizon put the Boomers up at the fabulous Allerton Hotel on Magnificent Mile. After a restful sleep, I met my fellow bloggers and the directors of the program in the the lobby of the hotel on Monday morning. We then walked to the John Hancock building for a day of instruction. We received the first of two devices -- the Motorola Droid RAZR MAXX HD. For me, I was learning a new language! Up to this point, I've always had a "dumb phone." It was for calls and text messages and that was it. I never felt a need to be connected 24 hours a day. If I was home, I was on my desktop or laptop. If I was out and about, I felt everything Internet-wise could wait. I pretty much still feel the same way.

However, I am enjoying the convenience of not having to log on to a computer, even when I'm at home, to check my emails and Facebook updates. Yes, it is convenient. Plus, with the unlimited data plan Verizon is providing me with for the next several months, I do like being able to tether my laptop to my own mobile hotspot wherever I go. Nice feature!

I'm sure I'll be sharing more about what I like about the smart phone as the months go on, as well as the apps I discover. But I wanted to tell you a bit more about my time in Chicago.

On Monday afternoon, we boarded a trolley for an hour-and-a-half tour of the city. I took full advantage of my new smart phone camera, snapping picture after picture of the sights. I've never been the touristy type, so this was a rather new experience for me. I must admit I was disappointed that the originally planned architectural boat tour was canceled, but found the trolley tour to be interesting and fun.

A nasty storm blew in as we were nearing our final destination and we all got a bit wet running from the trolley into the John Hancock building where we crowded into the elevator for our trip up to the 100th floor (my poor ears) for a magnificent dinner and even more magnificent view! Verizon didn't skimp on wining and dining us! The food was incredible.

Shrimp appetizer

Main course

View from the restaurant on the 100th floor of the John Hancock Building

On Tuesday, we met again for another info-packed morning learning all about some of the wonderful products available through Verizon. Then it was time for lunch and goodbyes. 

I can't tell you how privileged I feel to be part of the Verizon Voices Boomers program. The only problem for me right now is my ears, particularly my left one. Ever since my flight home, I cannot hear at all on that side. So, when those famous words, "Can you hear me now?" are spoken, I have no choice but to say, "No, as a matter of fact I can't." It has nothing to do with the phone, however, which I'm still getting used to.