Chicago re-re-re-Visited

Check Chicago River cruise and other photos here

Sears Tower Skydeck photos are here

Sunday May 6th Chicago Once again

One fine Sunday morning vivek said "Lets us do Chicago again" . I eagerly jumped into the car. A visit to Chicago was always a pleasure.

The weather was pleasant and we touched Chicago by 10 am or so. Chicago downtown area amazes me each time we enter it. I don't know why my spirits feel uplifted. Is it the tall tall skyscrapers ? the chill in the air? the neat architectural wonders ? But this time I squealed in delight. Chicago was totally decked in bright tulips - a feast for the eyes. "vivek Vivek " I cried "It is so so beautiful" . I was so excited seeing that vast sea of flowers everywhere. "Ah this is the famous US spring" . The tulips in bright yellow and red danced in the famous chill wind of Chicago everywhere . Huge flowerpots lined the roads all covered in flowers of different colours some heady fragrant ones too. Ya I did smell them!

We had eaten the packed sandwiches in the car. we drove in circles trying to locate a free parking space on the road but could not . At last Vivek was tired and put the car in the parking lot (24 $ for 8 hours) and set out to explore on foot.

We saw the famous drawbridge open and close What a sight. The traffic comes to a standstill, the huge road opens in the middle to allow ships sailing in Chicago river to pass thro'. I was waiting for this to happen. The bridge closes to allow normal traffic to resume. What perfect bridge mechanism. It is definitely marvel of mankind's ingenuity in constructions.

Chicago river is a lovely sight to see with all those famous buildings lining its banks.

We first went and booked for a Architectural river cruise ( $20 per head) . We roamed a bit to kill time and sat in the famous cruise at 12:30 pm. The guide was full of jokes and explained about each and every building. It was a dream time for me. I clicked so many photos.








Bridge Opens We are in cruise






Sears in the background - Me in Cruise

We passed Sears Tower the TALLEST building in the world . Chicago is world famous for its architecture. Each building is an unique architectural wonder. One must not miss this cruise.

After an hour of absolute delightful time we got off and walked across to the famous Chicago School of Architecture's Museum which is a must see. It houses world famous paintings. One can spend hours and hours staring at those marvelous paintings "How did the painter visualise such minute details as to near perfection or how did the artist bring so much of life in colour? Of course there were some not so good ones too like a painting with just 4 little arcs on a huge white paper - or some black and white rectangles - lucky guy the painter I told vivek.

The section on Miniatures are too good . Dont miss it. The attention to detail is mind blowing . There were miniature houses with staircase and doors with views to other rooms and view to garden paths ., miniature church .. I cannot describe the beauty of these. One must experience only. The photos did not come out well here as the glass reflected light.

Painting of Mother and Child

A painting of a pretty woman

It was 3:30 and we were hungry. We ate a subway sandwich which was filling and healthy. I just loved that.

Then we went by bus to Navy Pier a amusement park developed along Lake Michigan I simply enjoyed myself with Vivek here. It is so beautiful and teaming with life. We saw Crystal garden a beautiful garden with fountains like tap water , crazy mirrors, stain glass exhibition .... The lights were coming up and the skyscrappers of Chicago looked dazzling like jewellary. We lingered here till 9:30 pm and drove back home. Another lovely unforgettable day ended in USA

Navy Pier Amusement Park