A Long Walk: September 2006

CHICAGO!

Gazing into the "bean" (Cloud Gate) at Millenium Park

My first friend in Chicago - At O'Hare, we sang Elton John's "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues".

After tipping my new Chicagoan friend, I got on the "el" (Elevated Train) and rode the blue line to the hotel, the Palmer House Hilton.

The lobby at the the Palmer House, where we stayed in a two bathroom suite. Gotta say, loving the his and hers bathrooms!

We went to the House of Blues the first night and had a good time. The band took a break and got really high, so the next set was entertaining more for their giggling and paranoia than for their music. Walking back to our hotel, we saw a Morton's of Chicago sign. I have been to the Morton's in Uptown Charlotte years ago, and it was easily the best meal I'd ever had. Nick suggested we go there the next night for dinner, and I was thrilled!

A Great City

Sunday, Nick headed back to McCormick Place for his convention, and I met up with Larry, my Chicago Greeter. We explored Lincoln Park, Old Town, part of the Gold Coast and the Lincoln Park Zoo.

The Chicago Cultural Center (the older building on the left), view from Michigan Avenue. This was the first public library in Chicago, built after the Chicago Fire.

The "new" public library. Gargoyles! The architectural design in Chicago is phenomenal. I will definitely take an architecture tour next time I am in town.

The Red Line

Chicago Theater! Right down the street from Marshall Fields.

Me and Abe Lincoln in where else... but Lincoln Park!

Me with the flamingos in Lincoln Park Zoo. I wanted to have a new photo of me with flamingos, since the last one I took was in Florida in a completely different experience. New memories are the best.

One Month Anniversary

Long days at the convention and touring the city - now the REAL fun begins!

Nick and me in the cab on the way to Morton's.

GOOD jazz at Andy's

My love, my dream, my handsome, sweet man - Nick H.

The woman of his dreams

Water and Art

Shedd Aquarium

Komodo Dragon! Asleep...

Ulysses S. Grant - Grant Park

The Art Institute of Chicago

When I rounded the corner and saw this original Edward Hopper, I gasped. This is Nighthawks.

Monet's Waterlilies

Millenium Park

These faces are supposed to be "modern day gargoyles". The facial expressions slowly change, and faces of all ethnicities are used. There are two facing each other, and water runs down both.