Category Archives: US
It’s not New York. But Chicago…
Yes, Chicago comes in a close second. Chicago in the summer, that is.
I came for business and stayed for a fun-filled weekend with friends in the city.
The weather was perfect – the kind that Southern California is always crowing about (and Chicago is not). And when it’s like that, Chicago comes out to play. In droves.
Chicago actually becomes unbeatable.
When you think about it, this is such an underrated city. Like the Midwest, in general. Taking on the solid, down-to-earth, unassuming qualities of a typical Midwesterner.
Yet it has everything. In droves. Chicago really deserves more respect!
It has fabulous architecture. Surrounded equally by land and water. Fantastic shopping. Super dining. Awesome music. Not to mention lots of opportunities to walk and to play. And did I say, warm and friendly people?
Now, if this visit had been in winter, I just might be singing a different song. But in the summer. ..
Why, I would rate Chicago in summer right up there as one of the best, must-see places in the world to visit before you die. No question!
Of course, you might need friends like mine – Jan and Tom – to really show you a great time. Thanks guys for going all out to show me the city that you so obviously love – my visit was wonderfully, absolutely memorable!*
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* Even the six mile Sunday walk in the sun; I know I needed the exercise! Come to think of it, I walked more this weekend than I have in a long, long while. About time!
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And here are the pictures to prove everything I said above:
[Click on one to see a slide show]
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- Beautiful Chicago – captured from my friend’s balcony
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- Live Concert on Friday night at Millennium Park. Wine, cheese, friends and live music – wonderful!
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- Captivating view of Chicago’s skyline with Lake Michigan in the foreground
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- Chicago is ready to sail!
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- Shopping down the magnificent mile; Michigan Avenue. Any time spent here is too little!
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- Lunch at a “Pour House” on Michigan Avenue…Draft beer anyone?
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- The Boat Tour by Chicago’s Architectural Foundation – what a great experience!
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- So much to see and admire on the tour!
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- Kayaking down the river…in the city center
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- Famous Soldier Field
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- More than just buildings in this beautiful city…how about a walk in the park?
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- An architect’s dream city…
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- And now for a walk along the pier
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- Time to try another place for dinner
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- Yep, we found it!
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- Downtown Chicago…fun weddings are not limited to NYC!
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- Saturday night, dinner at The Boarding House; “the place to see and be seen” – Light fixture made of hanging wine bottles in the dining room
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- And a hanging crush of wine glasses over the bar; food and drink is secondary to the ambience
A Small Way to Say Thank You
I am not sure whether this happens on all airlines or only a selected few of them. Or even whether this is simply an ad hoc, special gesture of hospitality by the crew of a particular flight.
It happened just the other day…
I am used to flying first class. No, not because I pay the pricey fares for that cabin (I’m too cheap for that) but because I am a too-frequent flier. Being a top-tier loyal customer does have it’s benefits. So, more often than not, I find myself upgraded to first class, which I must admit is a nice perk to have after too much business travel takes its toll on me.
Well, on that particular flight, a young kid who was in the military came in a few minutes before take off and sat across the aisle from me. He had a wide-eyed look that said, what am I doing here?
The airline (or that flight crew) had given him a complimentary upgrade to say thank you for his service to the country.
It was obvious he enjoyed the flight, the food, the drinks and just being in first class. It’s easy to get blase about things sometimes, so it’s good to have someone pull you out of the apathy.
Right before he left, this young soldier stopped and thanked the flight attendant profusely. He said it had been a “mind blowing” experience. Now, how nice is that?
Never let it be said that a gesture of kindness and thoughtfulness, even a small one, cannot be meaningful to someone!
The airlines upgrade people like me for one simple, cold reason. It’s business. Frequent fliers are its most profitable customers therefore it pays to be really nice to us so we stay loyal to them.
On the other hand, the airlines don’t gain much of anything except a thank you when they take the time to think about and implement a small but meaningful practice to show their appreciation for military serviceman. There’s something that feels extra special about that. For all the brickbats that these airlines get thrown at them, it’s good to find something that calls for a vote of appreciation instead.
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The Yin and Yang of Life Anywhere 