Monday, October 22, 2007

Sweet Home...Chicago!


"The Bean" is cool.

This year I had the fortune to stop and spend time in Chicago en route to my most recent travels. Chicago is my home town, and where most of my family still reside. In addition to watching a Cubs game, a must do for anyone who visits during their season, (a season that ends shortly after the playoffs begins, unfortunately), there are a million adventures to be had in the city.

One of the most recent additions to the downtown area is the Millennium Park. As our infamous Mayor so succinctly describes it:

"Millennium Park honors and builds on several proud Chicago traditions at once - beautiful architecture, landscaped and protected parklands, and the ongoing celebration of the arts." - Mayor of Chicago, Richard M. Daley

One of the favorites of the park is what Chicagoans refer to as "The Bean". It is a coffee bean-shaped silver sculpture that reflects the city from 360 degrees. It is fun to watch kids run up and look at their reflection in the mirror. Here's one of me (arms outstretched) with a view of the north part of the city behind me.


"Me & The Bean".

Another amazing feature is a state-of-the-art music pavilion designed by Frank Gehry, which is the first of its kind in the country designed to mimic the acoustics of an indoor concert hall.


The state-of-the-art music pavilion designed by Frank Gehry.

So, all in all, Chicago is a great place to visit, even if it's just for a quick stopover. And, while you're there, don't forget to eat some Garrett's popcorn and get yourself a deep dish pie.


Oops...my ride is here. Gotta go!


An escort by Chicago's finest.

Adventure On!
Kristen

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