Hey Actifitters,
I had to renew my passport and the closest place for us is the French Consulate in Chicago. I wasn't sure how to get there, plane, bus, train... Finally I decided to just drive, that wasn't too expensive and much more flexible. So after less than 2 hours of sleep, I started the 4+ hour drive. Because of a little traffic and also because I started a little later than I should have, I didn't have much time before my appointment, but I still could check out some of the great places near the Consulate. First one is the infamous Chicago Bean (official name is Cloud Gate I think). This unusual sculpture is always a most stop whenever we're in Chicago. Most people want their reflections in it.
But I think it looks even better with part of the Chicago skyline behind.
Right next to it is the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. That thing looks cool and I hope I can catch a concert there some day.
My next stop was at the Millenium Monument. These columns and the fountain look great by themselves, but again the skyline behind really adds to the beauty. I'll use it for my entry to Around The World contest:
One of the things I really like in Chicago architecture is the variety, old and new mixed in. This building is one I always found beautiful, the Carbide and Carbon Building. I thought the bright neon green pick up truck in front of it was a funny contrast too!
I was getting late again, so I quickly went to my appointment. I didn't remember but their view from up there (37th floor of a building on Michigan Ave) is really cool.
After it was all done (successful passport renewal request done!), I took more time to quickly visit the city of course. I first went up to the river.
I heard they have architecture tour from a boat on the river. Next time I'm in Chicago and the weather is sunnier, we need to try that. For now, it was just a (fast) walking tour.
The Chicago Tribune building is also a nice one.
And bonus, it's next door to the Ice Cream museum. I am not sure what it's all about but it's very pink for sure!
I crossed back the river from the other side for different views.
That infamous parking structure that you can see in several movies or TV shows.
There's obviously lots of construction going on at the train station, but trains are still running.
And again, the skyline! Yes, I say that often when I'm in Chicago.
Every direction you look, beautiful buildings all around!
The first time I went to Chicago 20+ years ago, the first thing I wanted to see was the Fountain, that I now know is called Buckingham Memorial Fountain. Just coming from France, I only knew it was in Chicago because of the Married with Children TV show! Anyways, I made the stop again. It was switched off though.
Finally made it to the lake shore. I wished I had more time to walk along the shore as we usually do, but this time, I had to rely on my phone zoom to enjoy places like Navy Pier or the Shed Aquarium.
Roamed around a little bit more, taking it all in as much as I could, and it was pretty much time to drive again. One last view of the tall buildings. It's funny how the Hancock Tower looks so small on this one, when it's actually the tallest one.
After the uneventful 4+ hour drive back, I found a Kaia really excited to see someone after spending the whole day stuck inside. It was raining, so I didn't feel like a walk to the forest, and we ended up just playing in the yard for quite some time. She was so energetic she was mostly a blur but she had fun!
Well, that was a really long and tiring day but it went well and Chicago is really one of my favorite cities. Considering it included at least 9 hours of driving, I'm also really happy with my step count, my record in quite a while. I'm doing quite well in #Poliac current session, hopefully it gets me another win.
As always, thanks for stopping by and see you tomorrow.
[//]:# (!pinmapple 41.88267 lat -87.62321 long d3scr)
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