Tom and I began our vacation this year by driving up to Chicago on June 6. We got there in the late afternoon and stayed on the fifth floor of the Chicago South Loop Motel. I parted the curtains and this was my first view of the windy city ...
We went for a walk that evening into the southernmost extreme of Chinatown and Tom saw the word FREE and was forced to stop in front of the Heritage Museum of Asian Art.
Various periodicals - some dating back nearly a century - were placed into boxes and given away. Tom took a healthy handful.
While walking back to the hotel on 26th Street this was the northbound view of the I-90 Expressway.We had supper that night at a small Chinese restaurant, the Grand Palace, on 26th. The food was excellent but I was bothered by the large koi in a small aquarium with cloudy water. They were packed in there so tightly they could barely turn.
Some businesses - Keeley for instance - displays the company name in both English and Chinese. Or at least that's what I assume.
A view from across 26th Street, our hotel offered nice rooms and free parking - a real plus in Chicago - but breakfast was not included (and should have been for the price).
Another view north from 26th Street.
Here's the hallway outside our room (530).
When we hit the sack on June 6 (Dad's 95th birthday) a heavy fog had drifted across the city from Lake Michigan. Nothing was visible. I awoke after midnight and looked again. The fog was beginning to dissipate and the city lights were beginning to shine again.
The next morning was still hazy but again the skyline was visible.
On the morning of June 7 we met Tom's friend, Linda Odegard, for breakfast. Toni Patiseerie & Cafe was nothing short of phenomenal. Even my cup of coffee went well beyond normal.
My choice: French toast with fresh strawberries and cranberries. Just beyond belief!
Tom and Linda both had crepes with ham and salad. Beautifully presented.
Linda Odegard and Tom at Toni's
Rotunda at the Chicago Cultural Center.
A walkway at the Cultural Center.
Another rotunda.
Walking along S. Michigan Avenue on the way to the Art Institute of Chicago.
Tom was immediately interested in this sculpture, Mended Petal, by Yoko Ono.
The Old Guitarist by Picasso
The Chicago skyline in the background ... and Tom in the foreground.
Nighthawks by Edward Hopper
American Gothic by Grant Wood
The Manet & Modern Beauty Exhibit ...
Boating
Monica Nelson and myself
I haven't seen Monica since she got married in 1993 and moved to Chicago. It was great to see her again, especially in such wonderful surroundings. Here we stand before Portrait of Emelie Ambre as Carmen by Edouard Manet.
We had lunch in an outdoor plaza with a fountain nearby. Tom calls these "Mermen".
Linda Oldegard
And now for some Vincent van Gogh ...
... ah, what a day. Thanks to Linda for getting us into the Art Institute and the Manet exhibit free of charge. Linda is a long-time volunteer there and was a wonderful tour guide. How lucky could we be? From a wonderful breakfast to an afternoon of art - all courtesy of Linda. A day to fondly remember.
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