An architectural playground

After arriving in Chicago I did what any self respecting tourist would do - I took a bus tour of the city for the day - well actually 3 bus tours - but they sorta ran all in together. The highlights were the many magnificent skyscrapers in the downtown area - all with their unique architecture. I don't think I've been in a major city that sports so many different styles of buildings as Chicago - from the Sears tower, the Prudential Building, the new Trump Tower, Chicago Tribune, Wrigley, Art Institute and the controversial newly renovated Soldier's Field. I saw them all -and some of them several times. They had a satellite bus tour, the "ethnic" tour that included sites in Chinatown, Greektown, little Italy and of course the "Oprah" stop - had to do this.... I took a picture of the outside of Harpo Studios and visited the Oprah store - didn't get any sightings of Oprah, though. The tour guide did say that she sometimes drops in unannounced to the store but it wasn't my day. Also went to Navy Pier and had one of Chicago's finest all-American hot dogs - tomorrow night promises deep dish pizza.

I am staying with Betsy Sobiech as well as visiting Emily Dabney - who lives in Oak Park. I am recuperating from my long day of sightseeing, listening to a live band during happy hour and dinner out at an Italian restaurant, at Betsy's condo in the historic Hyde Park district. She's already pointed out Barach Obama's house but he wasn't home as there were no black SUV's guarding the street.

My impression of Chicago other than its fabulous architecture and beatiful lakeshore area (the infamous Major Daley inspired Millenium Park)is that it's very clean, orderly and easy to navigate. There's alot of space devoted to parks, fountains, and benches. I've heard some interesting political stories about Chicago - I'll have to google them to find out how true they might be!