out and about in Chicago

I have a couple more dinner posts from Chicago plus a final post to pull in other friends and dining, but I did want to post a shorter, easier entry before I dig into those longer ones.  A breather for me.

As I used to when I was on the Board and in Chicago for meetings or at conferences, I pulled together people for morning walks.  And because the conversation was so often so enjoyable, I didn't take a lot of photos.  I should have.  The Prairie Avenue neighbourhood between McCormick Place and Roosevelt Road is lovely.  There are some handsome older homes and structures in that area

complemented by newer builds that generally fit the scale along the streets shaded with leafy green canopy.  Industrial buildings have renewed or new lives. 

There is public art. 

Little things here and there catch the eye. 

The walks stuck mostly to that area, venturing to the lakefront nearby as well.

So I walked, and sweated,

and chatted, and admired.  What little I did capture, I'm happy to share.  Conrad and I had originally booked a hotel up along Wacker Drive, close to ALA headquarters and the bustle of the city there, but I'm actually quite glad we changed our minds and stayed near the convention center.  The Chicago resident I was years ago would be a little shocked to read that from me! 

spring break vacation, Day 2

Vacation, day 2.  Another day of travel.  That 6AM flight was so darn early, but it was sunny out when we were ready to depart. 

Two flights to go, first on to Chicago, where we had some luxury of time to hang out in a United Club, munch some lunch, and then wander to our gate.

From Chicago,

it was a comparably long hop as the first flight to take us to Providence.  As we got close to landing, there were some gaps in the clouds, and there it was below:  Rhode Island. 

Hooray!

Bags, then the walk to the connecting structure where we picked up our rental car.  I did all the driving in that car, Conrad navigated.  Although it looks like the airport is a goodly way out of the city, on that Easter Sunday it was a very quick drive, perhaps 10 minutes.  We were checked in to the hotel well before it was time to meet friends for dinner.  Given that time, we ventured out to see the downtown surrounding the hotel, admiring the many murals we found there. 

And getting my shoes soaked.  Ah well.  We were a little peckish, so we eventually parked ourselves in a Japanese grocery near the hotel and had a little bite.

We spent the rest of the afternoon unpacking and then freshening up.  Evening rolled around, and before it got dark we were strolling up into the Federal Hill neighbourhood to meet Jack and his husband, James,

at Pane E Vino.

Dinner was leisurely, old school Italian.  I didn't photograph the food, but I remember liking my gnocchi with braised lamb quite well.  We had a round of cocktails, then Jack ordered a bottle of wine for us to share.  They offered us a ride back to the hotel, but the night was not too chilly, and we decided that the walk would do us some good.  A stroll back, some water, and then to bed.  The New England vacation was truly underway!

but look, Chicago is pretty!

A photo-dump post as I pluck away at recovering from COVID and catching up on long overdue posts from this spring.  It's now sunny outside as I write this after days of a May Grey that has been decidedly wet, according to the weather gauge we have on the roof.  Darn it.  I miss all the good, dreary days.  I say that in all sincerity - it would have been nice and cool for morning walks and swims.  Ah well.

But anyway, a photo dump for you.  Glimpses of Chicago from near the hotel and ALA HQ,

along the river,

up Michigan Avenue,

out on Navy Pier,

and even past Conrad's old office building. 

Such a glorious city.  Enjoy!

morning walks in Chicago

In the past few years, when I get together with my fellow Board members at conference or for our meetings in Chicago, I gather the willing (only a few of us) and go for early morning walks.  Debriefing from the previous day, general chat, seeing the city we're in, getting some steps.  It's a nice tradition that will soon come to something of an end.  A post for another time.

Still two more mornings to go here, but my Thursday flight is likely too early to allow for a walk.  Ah well.  We'll have had some solid outings, seeing something a little different each time.

Thursday, a little loop in Streeterville. 

Friday, up Michigan Avenue, back down along the lakefront, then to a Starbucks (where I stopped instead of pausing my watch). 

Saturday, down into Grant Park and then back up along the lake and then the river. 

Sunday, west along the river and then back through The Loop. 

Yesterday, out to and then south along the lake and back. 

This morning, out to and around Navy Pier. 

Not sure about tomorrow.  Maybe south on State Street, past the public library?  Appropriate, right?  We shall see.

My step count on this week here has been pretty good, I'm happy to say!

Hey!

I’m in Chicago for meetings.  Got here last Wednesday, home on Thursday.  Busy busy days.  But, look:  Chicago!

I’ll check in at length again soon.  I promise that a lot lately, I know.

Chicago, quickly

Wednesday morning I did not head to work, no.  It was Burbank Airport for me. 

A flight to Denver, and then a flight from there. 

Final destination:  Chicago.

Look, I love Chicago.  Yes, I was a little tired and kind of peeved

by the transient person smoking on the Blue Line, but I love Chicago.  I always appreciate any chance to visit.  But one day of meeting (that could have been a Zoom!)?  Come on.  Make my long trip worthwhile.

Enough griping, though.  I am in my favourite USian city, far and away.  What even comes close?  Nothing.  And how is this for adding to that feeling:  a welcome bowl of junk food in my hotel room. 

I shan't say how much has been devoured already.

Yesterday morning, after a choppy night of sleep, started out with a good walk with a friend. 

Chicago was kind of socked in, and we had a lot to catch up on, so I didn't grab photos, sorry.  But a welcome walk after a day on a plane.  I put on my official bow tie (insert eye roll emoji),

and headed off for the meeting.  We were done by 3:00.

And then it was a relaxing evening.

I met a former boss of mine for dinner at Purple Pig. 

It was nice to see him, but bittersweet.  We all diminish with age, I know.  I'll leave it there.  The restaurant - his suggestion - was unfortunately loud, but the food was good.  I savoured the confit turkey leg,

and I can only wish that my US Thanksgiving turkey in two weeks will be as tender.  And then back to the hotel with me to grab a boulevardier at the hotel bar and call it a night.

I can't wait to go back to Chicago, for longer.  Please.  But I will be glad to be home as we draw closer to the holidays.