24 November 2010

A Room with a View...

in Chicago of the John Hancock Tower from the Sofitel Water Tower. This was my fifth or was it seventh visit to Chicago?  Hard to remember because Chicago is an annual business trip which means that I don't get to do much other than work....
With the exception of a trip eight years ago with my niece and best friend to visit American Girl and the tremendous museums the city has to offer, it is always been "fly in and fly out" within two days.

Due to the increased airfare for short term business travel this year (e.g $900.00 for two nights vs. $250.00 for a three night stay), I decided to stay and walk about for an afternoon and evening before I made my way back to O'Hare and home.

My first wish was to re-visit the Art Institute of Chicago and say "hello again" to the O"Keefe's there. However, as I got closer, I realized quite a bit had changed. Millenium Park, built over railyards and abandoned land, had been completed while I was flying in and out of Chicago over the last six years. Frank Gehry not only designed the concert pavillion but also a winding bridge that connects the park to another pavillion and the waterfront.

Chicago's motto "Urbs in Horto" (City in a Garden), evident in the numbers of trees and plantings throughout the city, continues with the thoughtful design of green space and public spaces throughout Millenium Park.
I can say I've been to the Bean! .... a curious and enormous stainless steel sculpture named "Cloud Gate" that looks like, yup, a bean.

Great place to people watch as they gaze at their reflections and the city skyline reflected back at them.
Continuing on, I found Lurie Gardens and Gehry's walkway which I could probably spend days gazing at and photographing... 
The Art Institute of Chicago, guarded by this fellow,
has added a new Modern Art wing since my last visit. So not only did I get to see Georgia's Sky above Clouds IV again, gaze at Van Goghs and some Hoppers but I also walked through the new wing and viewed a great selection of photography, paintings and sculpture. This museum is one of the great ones that should be on everyone's 'must see' list. 
Chicago is an amazing and beautiful city. On my last night the streets and public places were abuzz with the upcoming marathon. I haven't even mentioned the architecture, the food, the neighborhoods, the river tour and the people that make it delightful and unique. Next visit.



12 comments:

Unknown said...

Beautiful photographs of Chicago.
Costas

Amanda Summer said...

am taking notes for my next trip to the windy city --- terrific suggestions!

and love that new header foto........!

Brian Miller said...

nice...been years since i was in chicago...so want a return trip...

red-handed said...

Someday I want to go to the Art Institute. Some day.

Monkey Man said...

Thanks for sharing the beautiful photography.

Betsy Brock said...

Beautiful! I've never been!

C.M. Jackson said...

thank you Costas!

C.M. Jackson said...

Amanda--loved your shots of the changing faces of Greece--beautiful! Chicago has so much to offer--hope you get to visit soon and let me know if you have any questions! Best C

C.M. Jackson said...

Brian---the boys would absolutely love the Field Museum (lots of dinosaurs, indian artifacts), the Science and Tech museum (coal mine they can explore with all of the equipment and other techy stuff) and the Shedd Aquarium --the Missus would love to window shop along the magnificent mile and maybe catch a play ---did I mention deep dish pizza? Hope you get to go soon--Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! c

C.M. Jackson said...

red--you must get there-fabulous school as well! best c

C.M. Jackson said...

Monkey Man--thank you!! tough to stop taking 'em in a city like Chicago.

Anonymous said...

I live here in the chicagoland area...you have some great pics....it was great stopping by and I will be following oyur blog as well....

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