CHICAGO!!!
and the end of a fabulous trip.
A beautiful start to our last day on the cruise.
Our first view of the skyline.
We were welcomed by God Himself as we came into port. God's rays always reminds me of my oldest daughter who loves them as much as I do.
and this little guy was buzzing around like a mosquito as we made our way to the pier.
We took the architectural tour and that was fascinating. I was skeptical when I saw it on the agenda - whoop, tall buildings, glass and brick, double whoop. I repeat it was fascinating. Our guide knew Chicago, knew architecture, and knew history. If ever you visit, take the tour and if this man is your tour guide consider yourself a lottery winner.
No commentary needed - mainly because I was loving what he was telling us but can't remember a bit of it - the joys of old age.
Of course the one above was my favorite...look at all that delicious rust. Yummy.
Close second was the layers of this building.
Our first view of the skyline.
We were welcomed by God Himself as we came into port. God's rays always reminds me of my oldest daughter who loves them as much as I do.
and this little guy was buzzing around like a mosquito as we made our way to the pier.
No commentary needed - mainly because I was loving what he was telling us but can't remember a bit of it - the joys of old age.
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| Angles, shadows, colors, design |
Of course the one above was my favorite...look at all that delicious rust. Yummy.
Close second was the layers of this building.
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| I liked the contrast of the new with the old. |
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| Final stop on Amazing Race 29 |
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| Peek-a-boo |
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| Road map |
I can't believe the trip is almost over.....neither could this guy.
After the tour we had lunch at a delightful small Italian restaurant and then off to the Chicago Institute of Art and Millennium Park. One of the Magnificent 7 wasn't feeling up to par so she and I hung out in the Miniature exhibit instead of doing the traipse through the museum tour. Not a problem since she is delightful company. The miniatures were amazing and very very hard to photograph so here are the best of the crappy pictures. Look at the detail in some of these. These are doll house size rooms.
They had a large cathedral scene - larger than the rest because, well, cathedrals are generally larger than your bedroom or kitchen. The detail was a-m-a-z-i-n-g!
Whew, I needed a nap and what better place to take one than the Parmer House, a historic hotel close to downtown. It was built in 1925-1927 and is the largest continually operating hotel in America. The original hotel was built by Potter Parmer as a wedding gift for his bride. The hotel was only 13 days old when it burned to the ground during the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. He immediately rebuilt the hotel across the street and rumor has it that, while certainly not sparing any expense to make it grand, he also tiled the barber shop with silver dollars.
Not sparing expense in the building and decorating, but not sparing expense in your Quarter Pounder with Cheese is a bit over the top. :)
This is a very very very small portion of the ceiling in the reception area. wow.
And so ends the tour. Thank you to everyone that made it so special - The Magnicent 7, the leaders, the staff on the Victory, the guest lecturers, tour guides, and people along the way.
But we aren't through with Chicago yet!
Pat's aunt and cousins live here and we spent the next day before a late departure for the airport at Navy Pier enjoying their company and what the Pier had to offer.
There is no getting around the Ferris Wheel as you approach. It is gigormous and we were going to ride it!!
But to get to it you had to walk through the Crystal Garden, a one acre greenhouse.
and past some pretty flowers
and some interesting tributes to Mick Jagger.....
and even a little girl climbing a wall....like a champ!
Finally we got to the Ferris wheel and maybe had a second thought or two. That thing was HUGE!
And from up there we saw.....
And of course we can't forget our friend, Chuck....
Too soon it was time to say our goodbye's and head for the airport. Sorry it was over but what wonderful memories we brought back. Besides, this was waiting for me....
and it doesn't get much better than that.
After the tour we had lunch at a delightful small Italian restaurant and then off to the Chicago Institute of Art and Millennium Park. One of the Magnificent 7 wasn't feeling up to par so she and I hung out in the Miniature exhibit instead of doing the traipse through the museum tour. Not a problem since she is delightful company. The miniatures were amazing and very very hard to photograph so here are the best of the crappy pictures. Look at the detail in some of these. These are doll house size rooms.
They had a large cathedral scene - larger than the rest because, well, cathedrals are generally larger than your bedroom or kitchen. The detail was a-m-a-z-i-n-g!
Whew, I needed a nap and what better place to take one than the Parmer House, a historic hotel close to downtown. It was built in 1925-1927 and is the largest continually operating hotel in America. The original hotel was built by Potter Parmer as a wedding gift for his bride. The hotel was only 13 days old when it burned to the ground during the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. He immediately rebuilt the hotel across the street and rumor has it that, while certainly not sparing any expense to make it grand, he also tiled the barber shop with silver dollars.
Not sparing expense in the building and decorating, but not sparing expense in your Quarter Pounder with Cheese is a bit over the top. :)
This is a very very very small portion of the ceiling in the reception area. wow.
And so ends the tour. Thank you to everyone that made it so special - The Magnicent 7, the leaders, the staff on the Victory, the guest lecturers, tour guides, and people along the way.
But we aren't through with Chicago yet!
Pat's aunt and cousins live here and we spent the next day before a late departure for the airport at Navy Pier enjoying their company and what the Pier had to offer.
There is no getting around the Ferris Wheel as you approach. It is gigormous and we were going to ride it!!
But to get to it you had to walk through the Crystal Garden, a one acre greenhouse.
and some interesting tributes to Mick Jagger.....
Finally we got to the Ferris wheel and maybe had a second thought or two. That thing was HUGE!
Hi, Becci! I haven't been to downtown Chicago or Navy Pier in years so it's neat seeing all the new buildings and what's been done to the Pier. Wow! Thanks for taking me along through all of your beautiful pictures. I'd say the Victory at Sea cruises are A-1 in every way! And what a welcome home canine committee of one!
ReplyDeleteHi there, Rosie! I just love going with you on your adventures and reading your fabulous commentary! I haven't been to Chicago since I was a little girl! Love all of your impressions and angles and interpretations! It's always nice to come home after a trip..........especially with a cute little greeter that you have! Give her a smooch!
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