As our time in Chicago continues we notice a few things. First of all, people in Chicago seem pretty friendly. Secondly, we are walking over a sewage system. Every once in a while you turn the street corner in downtown and it smells strongly of sewage. Once in a while I'd look down and see if there was a reason why and one time I saw a man hole that explained it all. Chicago is a marriage between old and new. You see it in the buildings, in the cuisine and you can smell it too.
The first things we did on day 2 was head to the Riviera Tour. This tour takes you along the river and gives you a history run down on why Chicago looks the way it does. It is 90 minutes long! Along the way you are asked to pay attention to certain buildings and you were taught the historical significance of their structures. You also learn a lot about architects that designed the buildings and their preferences. If you love art you might find it very interesting. I found it interesting for about a half hour then I started getting a little sea sick. Just some buildings we saw on the tour.
Modern Classical skyscraper
The old post office
Old warehouses converted into condos
One of the major reasons we wanted to go to Chicago was to visit Millenium Park and see the Bean. I don't know if that is the official name but it just looks like a huge silver bean. It did not disappoint. A must see if you go to Chicago. It really takes your breathe away and sort of mesmerizes you.
This amazing bean is sooo reflective you can see all the buildings it faces in it's shiny surface.
Underneath the bean is an optical illusion. You don't know how deep it goes.
We also saw this metallic monstrosity. Isn't it wonderful?? This is concert venue. How awesome would it be to attend a show here.
We went to the Art Institute. It's a huge art gallery with a diverse collection. They had a special exhibit on Impressionism. I didn't take any pictures except for this Japanese sculpture of a god that has three eyes. His role is to enforce your beliefs in Buddhism so you can always stay conscious. He looks angry but he's on your side. :)
We had dinner at Catch 35. It's a seafood restuarant in the business/theatre district.
Here is our meal.
Lobster bisque: soooo good. I wish I could have it now.
Steamed muscles with garlic wi e sauce: meh. I have had better. Something was missing in this dish but I can't put my finger on it.
Thai inspired scallops: I've never had scallops with a Thai flair but this was really good!!! A little sweet but still savoury with just a touch of Asian flavour. Really nice.
Halibut and mushroom risotto: they did a good job with cooking this fish. The risotto was nice as well. The only weird thing about this dish was the dressing that hugged the rim of the dish. It was super sour and I had to avoid it.
I like that downtown Chicago is so walkable. Along our walk that day we saw some neat public art. I'll leave you with these.
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