Chicago! Chicago!

 Chicago!  Let's see, great museums (think Monet, Van Gogh), the Blues (you know, Buddy Guy, etc.), weird pizza, and public spaces the likes of which are an urban planner's wet dream.  There's lots to do.  Definitely go find some music.  I went to a place with the clever name Blue Chicago, with a great band.  the keyboard player was the best i've ever heard, and i'm not into piano.  If you're into art, their art museum rivals anything i saw in New York.  Oh Oh Oh!  and this street had a basement!!!  i wish i could remember the name.  all i know is i was trying to call an uber and he couldn't find me because he was under me.  What kind of fucked up roadway system is that.  Wacker Drive!  i looked on Google Maps.  I still don't know how it's laid out.  

The first time i was there, we stayed just outside town, because i was frugal.  that means we rode the "el" in and out of town and met some characters!  I should have taken the hint when our hotel people insisted on driving us to and from the station.  i chose the hotel because it was within walking distance of the line.  what did i need a ride for?  ohhhhh!  the locals are colorful!  i don't mind colorful, but i could see how some tourists might be off put.  i never felt unsafe tho.  

Now the second time i was there, i was on my own.  i was at a conference and organized mixers and showcase events don't appeal to me.  i want to make my own adventure.  this time i came upon many pan handlers, most of which seemed a tad aggressive.  i did feel unsafe.  

anyway, stuff we did....  Hancock building, cool.  aquarium, i like 'em.  The giant bean, so fun.  Millenium Park, can't get enough of it's gardens and public art and interactive art!  Then there's Oak Park.  that's where Frank Lloyd Wright lived and worked.  i was resentful that i couldn't take pictures inside his home, or maybe if was for an extra fee, anyway, i thought that was a tad fucked up so i didn't buy the privilege on principal.  i feel like there's irony there.  anyway, amazing at how tiny his house was as he shared it with his wife and many children.  By today's standards it was inhuman.  What was way cooler is the surrounding neighborhood was filled with his works.  and who's gonna stop me from taking pictures during a self guided walking tour?  

So of course our feet start to hurt and we pop in one of those nail salons that are everywhere now.  it was the best pedicure of my life!  not only the pedi, but while our toesies were drying we got shoulder rubs.  Then there was brunch and Sangria at some point that day, that was quite nice.  so, Oak Park, go there.  walk around.  enjoy the architecture.  have a drink.