It was pretty late by the time we got to our room so we didn't do much that night.
SATURDAY:
The next morning we woke up to pretty decent weather and more skyscrapers than I had ever seen. Our hotel was on E. Wacker, right across the river from the Chicago Tribune and a new Donald Trump project. It's a monstrous structure and I'm not sure I like it. It'll be beautiful, no doubt, but it doesn't fit the feel of the city.
SATURDAY:
The next morning we woke up to pretty decent weather and more skyscrapers than I had ever seen. Our hotel was on E. Wacker, right across the river from the Chicago Tribune and a new Donald Trump project. It's a monstrous structure and I'm not sure I like it. It'll be beautiful, no doubt, but it doesn't fit the feel of the city.
The river is a ribbon of calm weaving through hustle and bustle. I wish we could've taken a water taxi somewhere.
Water is such a peaceful vehicle for me. It's one of the things I miss the most about San Diego. But back to Chicago!
It was a nice morning so we decided to walk to Millennium Park and check out the scenery to the south. It was on that stroll that I noticed the tulips. TULIPS must be the official flower of Chicago because they were everywhere. Every planter (and there were many)was full of a different color tulip, a welcome splash of color amongst the drab greys, tans and blues that makeup the canvas of Chicago. My favorite were the fire-esque tulips in Millennium Park.
(The people gathered in front of the Millennium Park Monument were protesting genocide in Ukraine) We couldn't stroll through Millennium Park without stopping to sass the bean. Okay, so it's not a bean but you could have fooled me. It's actual name is the Cloudgate to Chicago...how boring is that? I was more amused by it's jellybean resemblance.
It's called Cloudgate because the fisheye reflection of the city on the sculpture's side provides a "passing through the gateway" feeling for visitors. How touching.We spent a few minutes there and took the obligatory bean photos.
The Ashleys really know how to work it.
Our stroll continued south, where we happened upon a beautiful little courtyard behind the Art Institute.
The fountain was beautiful.
There were some other cool statues.
After some more picturing (yes, I made it a verb)we turned around and headed back towards the hotel. I recognized the group, Anonymous, holding a flash protest against the Church of Scientology.
After a late breakfast we decided it was time for some shopping. I scored a cute dress at Forever 21 ($7!)and some scarves from H&M. I also found a ring a Cartier I think my husband should buy me for our 5-year anniversary later this year. :) We went back to the hotel and rested for a bit. I was proud of myself for getting up so early but was definitely feeling it by the afternoon. After a quick nap we caught the Blue Line (?)to the Abbey Pub for a Todd Snider show. He was on tour opening for Was (Not Was)and WAS amazing.
It was late when we got back from the show but had to have a drink at the bar in our hotel. The BIG Bar is the longest freestanding bar in North America (Hyatt must be so proud). It was pretty much a meat market but we missed any shenanigans and headed off to bed.
SUNDAY:
We woke up to a cold, rainy day and decided it was perfect weather for visiting the Art Institute.
I couldn't take any pictures of the paintings but here are some of the miniature rooms.
After the museum we walked to a Starbucks for lunch. There, my wallet was stolen. FUN. I didn't realize this until we checked out of the hotel and were trying to pay the cabby at the subway station. Ashley was able to cover my portion of the cab fare and buy me a train ticket. Thanks Ash! I started to freak out, thinking I wouldn't be get on the plane. At this point I wasn't even thinking about what kind of mind-numbing enjoyment might be purchased on my debit and credit cards. I calmed-down when I remembered my passport was in a different pocket of my purse. Travel crisis averted!
