October 6, 2010

MILLENIUM PARK AND CENTRAL LOOP

{The Eye: Chicago - an installation by Tony Tasset is a three story replica of his own eye}


{The Legendary Chicago Picasso}


The one thing that I truly loved about Chicago was their open art spaces. The art itself was very contemporary with an industrial feel, ranging from the Chicago Picasso by Pablo Picasso (duh!) to the random gigantic eyeball  The Eye: Chicago  by Toni Tassel. Of course, let’s not forget about the infamous Cloud Gate by Anish Kappor (found at the AT&T plaza at millennium park). More commonly known as “the bean,” a stainless steel sculpture that reflects the Chicago skyline and entertains tourist and locals alike, who photograph their reflections.


{Cloud Gate by Anish Kappor}


{Chicago Girls making memories}


THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO


{That's right! The Art Institute of Chicago has free admission on Thursday evenings}


The Art institute of Chicago, outside of Paris, boasts one of the best collections of Impressionist and Post Impressionist works. If you adore Degas’ ballerinas and love rebellious Van Gogh, you must devote a couple of hours to this place. There's also a big section on American Art and a new site-specific installation by Jitish Kallat titled Public Notice 3 on the stairway going to the second floor.


 { Public Notice 3 connects two important world events - the First World Parliament of Religions
held on September 11, 1893, and the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center
and the Pentagon on that very date, 108 years later}

{ The LED screens display a speech delivered by Swami Vivekananda
in which he talks about the evolution of religious tolerance/ intolerance}

If art spaces are the soul of the city, then Chicago has a lot of soul and you will be inspired at every corner you turn!

Tomorrow: What to Eat & Where to Party (I go off the beaten path)
October 4, 2010




{Chicago on a lovely sunny day -
the perfect weather }

I think it’s essential to get the feel of a city and where things are before you set out to really explore it. I can’t think of a better way of getting to know a city than by bicycle. Why bike? It’s faster than walking and more intimate than a Decker bus, and the tour guides will tell you funny stories along the way. For example, did you know what Chicago is know as the Windy City no because of the wind but because its politicians are full of "Hot Air". Ha ha ha.

That and the guides are always really good looking ...


{Bobby's bikes are state of the art hybrids and they even have a front pouch for your water bottle}

{I told you he was cute ;)}

We took the afternoon Front Lake Neighbourhood tour with Bobby's Bike Hike Tours. Mark, our hilarious tour guide started off the tour by taking our group to Streetsville, known for its "Viagra Triangle" (where older gentlemen take their much younger girlfriends out to lunch) and the original Playboy Mansion.  Do you see a trend here?


{The Playboy mansion was later on sold to The Art Institute for $1, since Hugh Hefner considered himself an artist and wanted to benefit future artists as well.  Years later, The Art Institute sold the mansion for millions to condo developers. Units start at 2.3 millions in case you're interested}

We continued our ride to the beautiful waterfront.  On a regular day the waterfront buzzes with hundreds on Chicago peeps, reminiscent of Miami beach.  This time around we just happened to catch a few people engaged in a friendly game of volleyball.



{Chicagoans getting their game on}

{it really does feel like you're in Florida, the 32 degree weather we had that day sure helped}


After visiting the Lincoln Park Zoo, we ended things off with an impromptu photo shoot.


{Our lively tour group}

Thanks to the fellas at Bobby's Bike Hike for an unforgettable experience!
 September 29, 2010










{GPS - essential for a road trip }

16 hours of driving + 5 cups of coffee + a 100 miles (probably more) later = great adventures in Chicago!

{Chicago Girl cranking some tunes}


Chicago is a fantastic city with an older-and-wiser feel than Toronto. It is the home of 9.6 million habitants   that are lucky to enjoy a fantastic waterfront and one of the best art museums that I have been to.  I had a great time partying, eating, going to sporting events and even walking a million miles. I can't wait to share it all with you!

For now, I will just tease you with a couple of pics that sum up the perfect road trip.

Here are some highlights:


{Cloud Gate Reflections}

{Downtown at Night}


{Biking around the city with Bobby's Bike Tours, make sure this is on your to-do list!}


{The Navy Pier is the #1 Tourist Attraction in Chicago,
and if I may say so, a very romantic destination}


Stay tuned, part two and three are coming shortly...


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