During my first trip to Chicago, Cousins Ron & his wife Aretha, journeyed me thru Chi-Town on a grand tour. Our first stop was Chicago's own China-Town. You would think you'd left the U.S. with all the architecture and Chinese style structures in place. Aretha enjoys the Original Noodle Restaurant. I learned how Noodle type restaurants are coming to popularity throughout the state. (The two love bird s are found kissing in the first picture, in what I call the China-Tower).
We moved on to quite a ride thru the city, Ron missing no beats, knowing all the history and details of his city, having been born and raised there. He was a fantastic tour guide with wonderful stories and historical facts. When he'd see a new construction or a new Restaurant, he'd take notice of it's new name and location.
We drove for miles passing by the most beautiful park scenery and excellent architecture, with Lake Michigan to my right, it was slightly iced at the edges. All boats had been removed until springtime when everyone returns to flock to it's beach side.
We also traveled down Michigan Avenue known as Magnificent Mile. Aretha and Ron shared details about their city being the Largest Green-City. This ensures that, although much brick and concrete exist, developers balance their space with greenery, keeping plant life, trees and flowers plentiful throughout all the cities communities.
Next stop, we head on over to Harpo Studio where The Oprah Winfrey Show is produced. It was beautiful that evening on March 13th, the sunset was upon us and beginning to set...the Harpo Sign gave off the most incredible orange glow.
We moved on to quite a ride thru the city, Ron missing no beats, knowing all the history and details of his city, having been born and raised there. He was a fantastic tour guide with wonderful stories and historical facts. When he'd see a new construction or a new Restaurant, he'd take notice of it's new name and location.
We drove for miles passing by the most beautiful park scenery and excellent architecture, with Lake Michigan to my right, it was slightly iced at the edges. All boats had been removed until springtime when everyone returns to flock to it's beach side.
We also traveled down Michigan Avenue known as Magnificent Mile. Aretha and Ron shared details about their city being the Largest Green-City. This ensures that, although much brick and concrete exist, developers balance their space with greenery, keeping plant life, trees and flowers plentiful throughout all the cities communities.
One of the famous landmarks we passed was Grant Park where President Obama made his victory speech. Chicago is more than just a cold dark and windy town as I previously envisioned it. It's really a very beautiful place and yes, cold indeed. I'm told you get used to it.
We continued on thru downtown past Big John (The John Hancock Bldg) Chicago City seemed to go on and on showing off all it's tallest Buildings. I'm told Chicago houses about 8 million residents. We also passed through the 4 Presidential Towers. They are managed by Waterton Associates, the Presidential Towers are a residential complex comprised of 4 identical towers completed in 1985 (seen in picture #7). Sitting next to them, to their immediate right is the Sears Tower.
We continued on thru downtown past Big John (The John Hancock Bldg) Chicago City seemed to go on and on showing off all it's tallest Buildings. I'm told Chicago houses about 8 million residents. We also passed through the 4 Presidential Towers. They are managed by Waterton Associates, the Presidential Towers are a residential complex comprised of 4 identical towers completed in 1985 (seen in picture #7). Sitting next to them, to their immediate right is the Sears Tower.
We ended out tour that evening with a Fan-TABULOUS meal at Leona's Italian Restaurant ( I'm calling it my second Italian Birthday meal), my first was Maggiano's Earlier this month. I just love Italian food!
Thanks Aretha & Ron, we must come again!
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