Chicago: Part 3 (Wednesday Night)

Sears Tower

I realize most of the things I did this trip were the same as last trip, but the Sears (err, Willis) Tower is one of those sites where it doesn’t hurt to go a second time.  We went a half hour before sunset, and let me tell you that it was worth it.  We stayed until nightfall.  I’ll let the pictures do the talking.

Daylight

 Skydeck

 Chicago River

 Lake Michigan

 Sunset

 Chicago River

 Lake Michigan with rising moon

 Dusk

 

 

 

Saved the best for last.

Moonlight on Lake Michigan shows different parts of the lake are frozen.

 

Portillo’s

We met up with Kon at Portillo’s after the Skydeck.  We got Chicago style dog: pickle spear, spicy peppers, relish, onions, tomato, mustard (no ketchup!) on a poppy seed bun.

Best followed with their signature chocolate cake.

B.L.U.E.S.

For authentic Chicago blues, Ayk and I headed to the north side of the city.  We wanted to go to Kingston Mines, but they were closed, thanks to the Health Department.

Comforting

Instead, we went to B.L.U.E.S., which is just across the street and owned by the same people.

While sipping some local beer and chilling to the music, I ran into Colleen, my adviser from Zeta.  Small, small world.

Colleen and me

We left the bar and head back to Kon’s in need of some sleep after a busy day.  G’night, Chicago!

 

Chicago: Part 2 (Wednesday Day)

 Wrigley Field

On my first trip to Chicago, I made a point to go to every site featured in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off – one of my all time favorite movies.  I made it to all of the sites except Wrigley Field.  It was too far away by subway.  With a car, it was a quick drive.

Hey, batta, batta, batta!

 

Harry Carey: the patron saint of hot dogs

Athenaeum

We wanted to see an architecture museum, and found the Athenaeum on Google.  Turns out it wasn’t an architecture museum, but an old theater.

In the end, I think this was a better than any museum.

Water Tower

The Water Tower is one of the few buildings downtown that survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.

Inside this historic landmark, we got a friendly tour from Mike.  Ayk was more interested in the mechanics involved; I was more interested in the aesthetics.  Hence why I have pictures and no recollection of how the operation actually works.

Cultural Center

This building boasts the largest Tiffany window dome alongside intricate mosaic walls. 

Here we watched a classical cellist and pianist perform.  For free.  This is why Chicago rocks.

The Bean

Yes, it is as cool as it looks.

Art Institute

When I went in March, I spent 5 hours here.  I saw every exhibit.  This time, we only spent 1 to 2 hours there.  Initially, we weren’t going to go until we found out that weekdays at the Art Institute are free in January and February.  We got to see priceless works of art.  For free.  This is why Chicago rocks.

Chicago: Part 1 (Tuesday Night)

Chicago: Home to a loveable truant, two bear-themed sports teams, and my friend Kon.

After our underwhelming stop in Cleveland and our listless drive through Indiana, we were so happy to be in Chicago Tuesday night.  We met up with Kon, a friend I met through Jessica, at Gino’s East for their signature deep-dish pizza.

My first time in Chicago I had Giordano’s deep-dish and fell in love.  I’m glad Gino’s was just as good as Giordano’s.

Layers of deliciousness.

The food coma was pretty intense.

Kon succumbing to the power of the deep-dish food coma.

We shook off our sleepiness and headed back to Kon’s place where we played with their adorable new kitty Franky.

Tina, his girlfriend, joined us later.  I didn’t get a good picture of the couple (Franky stole my heart and became my muse), so here they are at Kingston Mines last year.

She’s also working on a screenplay.  That's right, they have an adorable kitten, a place with a great view and a movie in the works.

Be jealous.