Chicago, It's a Hell of a Town

The City By The Lake

Chicago- August 11 - 14

Flowers.... everywhere!

I admire the hell out of Chicago and love its striving spirit. It doesn't rest on its laurels, it digs and plants and builds to be more and better. I could feel it in the flower beds, amply spread throughout the city, in the riverwalk expanding to celebrate the Chicago River, in the magnificent and CLEAN Lake Michigan with its daily swimmers, in the many tours designed to proudly show off the city's fine points. If you're going to be a city, be one that doesn't stop improving itself.

Two wonderful Chicagoans- Judy and Ed

Staying with Judy was having the very best of a city visit. She loves her city, knows it since childhood, loves to share its secrets and drives like a genuine city driver. She supports so many different organizations that a visitor can enjoy art, gardens, and more by her generous intentions. If I ever live in a city (unlikely, but none the less) I will embrace it as Judy does- wholeheartedly.

So much more to know about the buildings and history
of Chicago. The river tour was an introduction.

As I travel and try to grok the nature of a place, I have learned some places to check in on: farmers markets, libraries, parks, cafes, waterways, and whatever sustainability efforts are being made. What are the bones of this locale? How healthy is its culture and environment? What is here to nurture its citizens? Is there effort being made?

Tiffany dome in the Cultural Center

In Chicago Judy and Ed encouraged me to look deeper and take advantage of some of the standout opportunities offered. A river tour with the history of the architecture, the art museum, the cultural center, the botanical garden, Millennium Park. The three days of time I spent looking into the heart of the city gave me the chance to love it a bit, despite my rural leanings. I am grateful for that.

This is the true selfie mecca.