cultural attractions

I think we can all relate: no matter where you live, if there are attractions that, well, attract tourists, we seldom go. Hancock? Can't recall what year was the last time I was up there. Museum of Science and Industry? Only been once, hated it. And so on. We become tourists in our own city only when out of town guests somehow provoke us to take them places. And then, predictably, we think, "We should come here more often."

Here's the secret to going more often: buy a membership.

No, really. We got in on a Groupon deal for the Art Institute a year back (well, 13 months), and found ourselves there, oh, three times. Not much, but given the deal (and the discount at Terzo Piano, the restaurant in the Modern Wing), it was worth it.

Conrad wanted to see a show today. He'd heard from a colleague about an exhibit of Henri Cartier-Bresson photography, and wanted to go back. Alas, the membership had expired. A few clicks and a $80 charge to the credit card later, and we're members again. And for sure, we'll go a few more times this year.

In any case, it was a lovely morning to get out of the apartment (even if it had cooled off and clouded over by the time we left the Art Institute). We admired the view from Millennium Park and the Nichols Bridge over to the Modern Wing,

headed in to Terzo Piano for a light lunch,


and happily took in the show. I promise, we will go back, with or without out-of-town visitors!