Erik's place was a short walk from the airport and his mom gave me a coke as soon as I arrived. She was friendly and helpful. I didn't spend much time at the house, but it was a nice residential neighborhood and I felt like I was back home in Southern California when I was walking over. The bed was comfortable and Erik had lots of materials about visiting Chicago out to plan my trip better. The train ride into the city was only about a half hour, so I could enjoy the skyline on the way in and out.