Chicago

Chicago, IL - March 2011

Remember a few posts back when I mentioned I was heading to Chicago? If not, that's certainly okay because it's been waaaaaaaaay too long since I've updated my blog. I've since been to the West Coast and the biggest news is that as of a few days ago, it's FINALLY warm here in MN. We officially have grass again and although the leaves on the trees aren't in full bloom yet, they are indeed sprouting! It's almost unbelievable as this winter was a brutal one that lasted for 6 MONTHS it seems. There are still huge piles of snow that have yet to melt (I'm talking to you Sears parking lot snow piles!).

Anyhow, below is a picture recap of my trip to Chicago, which started off pretty rocky as we drove in a blizzard for the first 3.5 hours. The conditions were NOT ideal to say the least, as we were only able to drive a mere 35 mph to avoid driving into the ditch. We were pretty much on the edge of our seats because we witnessed more than a few semi's and cars in the ditch only a few hours into our drive. Once we managed to get out of the storm, the rest of the drive seemed like a cake walk. We opted to stay at the City Suites hotel conveniently located right up the block from an El station (don't stay here if you want complete peace and quiet), which was really reasonably priced. That same evening (after taking a quick cat nap), we headed down to Subterranean to see Eli Paperboy Reed & the True Loves.  It was a cold evening and we were still pretty wiped from our drive, but the club was intimate and we got to see an act that's been on my list for some time.

Being we weren't in town for too long, the rest of the trip was spent walking around Millennium Park, visiting the Chicago Cultural Center (2 free great exhibits there at the time: Finding Vivian Maier and Chicago architect Louis Sullivan) and heading for drinks at Berlin (conveniently located across the street from our hotel). I wish I could have stayed longer, but good thing this awesome city is only a day's drive away!

The lovely Mr. Eli "Paperboy" Reed singing his soon-to-be classic line of,
"if you want the love of a man, come and get it!"

Indoor/outdoor view from inside the Chicago Cultural Center.

The Louis Sullivan exhibit -- it made me long for the days gone by when awesome detailed architecture existed.

Dylan viewing the spectacular photography by unknown/recently discovered street photographer Vivian Maier.

A beautiful room in the Chicago Cultural Center adorned with different pieces of art all encased in gilded ornate frames.

Beautiful original tile work found along the trim inside the Chicago Cultural Center.

Genius architecture inside the Chicago Cultural Center -- remind you of M.C. Escher a little?