Christmas in Chicago -- Part Deux
After going to see the animated windows at Macy's on State Street, we went to a deli to warm up and feed our faces. I had a ruben sandwich and she had a half a roast beef sandwich with a cup of matzo ball soup. We then headed to Millenium Park on Michigan Avenue. It was named so because it was supposed to be complete in time for the Year 2000 celebrations. Well, Chicago politics being as they are, the cost overruns kept pushing back the completion date to 2004. At least they got it done.The "crown jewel" in my opinion is a stainless steel sculpture named "Cloudgate," done by Anish Kapoor. It is called "the bean" by the locals because of its shape. As you can see, it is a photographer's dream. You can see different reflections of the Chicago Skyline during the day or in the evening. The first picture is of Sandra and Oscar. However, you can see me taking the picture in the reflection as well. The special thing about this picture is that this is the spot where I proposed to Sandra in December of 2005.
Another picture of Cloudgate with a partial view of the city skyline.
A close-up view of Sandra and Oscar at Cloudgate.
A view of the cloudgate sculpture from the West side of the sculpture.
This is the skating rink that doubles as an outdoor cafe in the Summer months. It's Chicago's version of Rockefeller Plaza, so to speak. Needless to say, we didn't go on the ice to do any gravity checks.
After seeing numerous skaters fall flat on their rear ends, we decided to top off the day by going down "The Magnificent Mile," a stretch of Michigan Avenue that's home to some pretty expensive shopping. It is also home to some pretty lights all along the mile. We went to the Ghirardelli Store and shared a Mint Bliss Sundae. MMMMMMMM..... Sundae. It was pretty cool seeing all of the hustle and bustle going on during the next to last shopping weekend before Christmas. Here is a picture of the Water Tower, one of only two buildings that survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
Of course, the famous carriage rides were busy as well. We didn't have time to go on one, but I did take a quick picture of one of the horses on the corner.
This was a quick picture of the lights on Michigan Avenue. I wish that I took a better picture, but I hope you get the idea. Anyway, Sandra and I had a fun day, but she was getting a bit tired. We hopped in the car and headed back to our abode.To everyone out there, please have yourself a very Merry Christmas with your family. Be safe and take care!!!
posted by Eugene @ 9:36 PM
3 Comments:
Wow, Eugene, these are amazing photos. Hey, if the Vet thing does't work out...... ;) Truly gorgeous, you make me want to get my old camera out and take photos rightr away. Loved them, thanks.
Hmmmmm.....Last time I was in Chicago, I lived there, it was 1973. No, wait, we visited a cousin in 1976, after we moved back to NY. So, that was the last time. It's been too long.
Um, Sweetie, you proposed to me December 29, 2004. We were already married by this time last year. Not that I have any particular reason to remember such things.... ;)
These are terrific. Eugene and Sandra, have a very Merry Christmas. :)
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