The weather was clear, but still chilly, making it a good day to check out the Observatory. While we were waiting in line N. was fascinated by this Lego version of the building. He's hoping to get the smaller version one day soon.
The elevator ride is only 43 seconds to get to the observatory on the 94th floor. Our ears were popping! There is a self-guided tour to listen to, which was recorded by David Schwimmer. It was interesting. I'll show you the view from each direction.Here we are looking east over Lake Michigan. We could just see the shores of the state of Michigan. Navy Pier is the long, narrow strip. We'll be there several times this summer, I'm sure.
Next, we looked to the south. The Sears Tower is the tall building on the right side of the photo. (In June, it's name is supposed to change to The Willis Tower, which is not making Chicagoans very happy.) We were also able to see Gary, Indiana from this vantage point.
The view to the west/northwest. Wrigley is out there somewhere, I believe. If I was into sports I might be more sure of that statement.
And to the north. Here's a view of the some of the beaches and Lake Shore Drive. We can probably see Wisconsin from here, too.
After our tour, we ate dinner at Water Tower Place. We didn't see Oprah Winfrey there. One year Mark was there with his friends for dinner and they swear they saw Stedman Graham.We waited for the bus across from the Chicago Water Tower, one of my favorite buildings in the city.
Some people were there handing out free hugs.
I wonder if that happy looking lady just had a free hug?
7 comments:
Great pictures!
There were Free Hugs people at San Diego Comic Con last year, as well as Free High Fives. We found ourselves wondering if they were having a competition to see whether Hugs or High Fives would be more popular.
Looks like you had a fun day - makes me miss Chicago :( Did you know that the best view at the Hancock Building is actually from the women's restroom in the signature lounge? True story.
And those people are taking their lives in their hands, handing out free hugs in downtown Chicago - likely to get a punch in the nose in return! Or maybe that's just me :)
Ohhh, I love Chicago. What a nice little glimpse you've given us. I haven't been there in a few years, I miss it.
I love the water tower building too! sigh
Sounds like a great day.
Oooh, how nice. Would you believe I have never gone? We'll have to do that with the SO one of these days. As far as Lego goes, have you been to the Legoland Discovery Center in Schaumburg? It's a little overpriced (my humble opinion, of course), but it has the city of Chicago in Lego replica, among other Lego masterpieces.
I was born in Chicago and go back as often as I can. I love Chicago. Looks like you had a great day.
Cooool! A concrete jungle! That building is so tall..I can't believe the view! I'm dying to go see some art museums or observatories..I miss that kind of stuff. I bet N had a great time and felt on top of the world up there!
This blog makes me homesick! I grew up in Chicago but have been in the south for almost 18 years now. I haven't been able to make it home for a visit in almost two years! This was like a mini visit....thank you!
Post a Comment