The Oprah Experience

Yes, it was very cool. I was thrilled to say the least when my friend Nicola called and asked if I wanted to go to the show with her. Who wouldn't? And the fact that we had to leave on the first day of school and be gone for most of that week was, um, inconvenient. But she managed to get the time off work and I managed to have a supportive husband and we were off and running with our plans.

It took about 10 hours to drive to Chicago but the roads were clear and the driving was easy. Nicola had assembled three 'trip' CD's for us to listen to so there was no lack of great music. We hadn't seen each other in a while so there was no lack of conversation either. That's what I love about good friends - lots of time can go by between chats and it seems that gap melts away upon the next conversation.

We got to our hotel thanks to Joyce the voice (GPS system) and found fabulous food at PF Changs just around the corner. We hit the hay early as we had to be at the studio by 6:30 am to begin the adventure. We arrived on time and joined the already long line up. After about an hour and a half we boarded a bus that took us to the movie theatre to screen "Sicko", Michael Moore's film about the health care system in the US. It was horrible to see (his version) of what happens to our neighbours to the south. I felt truly blessed and decided at that moment that there was nothing that could entice me to ever live there.

Following the movie, we made our way back to the bus and grabbed the provided box of lunch on the way. We sat and ate the sandwich in the bus as we waited for everyone to get on (there were 4 or 5 buses) then back to the studio we went. By now it was about 11:30 or 12:00 and we waited in line again outside Harpo Studios as everyone had to go through security before getting in. Of course it was mostly women, who almost all had purses that needed to be checked, so that whole process took ages. Once we were in, we had to go up a flight of stairs to a waiting room. This room was too small for the number of people that went into it, so there was standing room only and by this time people were sweating a lot and complaining about sore feet and backs.

Finally, people who had been called to join the show were being called down to the studio and soon Nicola's name was called. Holy cow! We were seated in the fourth row and I had an aisle seat! I had a direct view of Oprah. At this point I didn't even care what the show was about, I just felt good that I was there.

The show seemed short after all the waiting, but it was interesting and it was terrific to hear Michael Moore be so passionate about the topic. Several people from the audience had questions and comments and Nicola had her hand up but was not called upon. Ah well, maybe we'll see ourselves on TV anyway. Immediately following the taping, we were asked to stay seated so that Oprah and the green room guests could exit then we were allowed to file out. We were directed right out of the building and when I asked where the store was I was told I'd have to buy t-shirts online. All this way and I still have to pay duty and shipping for my souvenir!

Nicola and I went back to the hotel room and freshened up then shopped like crazy along the Magnificent Mile. It was fun and exhausting. We found a terrific place to eat called the Weber Grill then made our way back to our room again and prepared to pack up and head home the next day.

We would definitely do it again but maybe just go to a show rather than go to one where we have to screen a movie first! We should be so lucky.