Chicago... again!

We just keep extending our stay here. Saturday and Sunday we spent in Chicago. Yesterday was the obligatory maintenance day (hair cuts, oil change, pedicure, new jeans, grocery shopping, laundry, etc.).  And today...back to the City.

River walk area

We are getting really good at taking the Metra train in from Joliet.  It is 60-90 minutes, depending upon whether it is an express or not. The train cars are "double deckers" with seats upstairs that allow a great view of the terrain. We seem to have a chronic problem finding the station at the end of our day in the City, but somehow we have always made it back in time.

Today we went to the Chicago Art Institute.  First, I have to tell you about the immense bronze lions outside. If one is to climb up on the concrete pedestal, and one is to attempt to climb upon or mount the lion, the lion ROARS, and a lady's voice states, "Please stay off the lion, or the police will be summoned"

We kept hearing this recording while eating dinner across the street on Sunday. And, of course, Stacy HAD to go see if she could get the lion to roar.  She did, though no police were summoned (as far as we know).

The Art Institute has an entire wall of windows by Chagall.

It houses "American Gothic" by Wood. It has several paintings by Renoir, Degas, Manet...very nice collection. There were examples of Chicago architectural detail. And, very intriguing, a whole wing full of miniature rooms...anything from 17th Century French drawing rooms, to 1940's New Mexico dining rooms.

Miniature library... 1 inch = 1 foot...they are amazing

Miniature  French manor

After the Institute, we HAD to go up in a tall building -- a must do before leaving Chicago. We walked, and walked, and walked...and finally got to the John Hancock Building. We had lunch on the 95th floor...with an incredible view of the Lake Michigan shoreline, and the north part of Downtown Chicago.

From 95 floors up

From 95 floors up

We liked Chicago A LOT!  Tomorrow we take off for Michigan...