E.R.
On Saturday, I had a chance to explore downtown Chicago. I'm staying quite a bit ways out from the city, so we had to pack alot of stuff in. Here is the day in point form.- Drove to the station at end of the line of the Metra, in Aurora.
- Tried to pay for parking, but the meter didn't accept a credit card, and no change given.
- Missed the express train, so an hour and twenty minutes later, arrived at Union Station
- Bought an weekend pass for the CTA, and grabbed a bus to Art Institute of Chicago.
- Got lost in the various galleries, for almost six hours.
- Wandered around Millenium Park in the cold.
- Went into the ubiquitous Wallgreens and spent the best eight dollars on gloves.
- Hopped onto the EL Train, for the experience.
- Warmed up with a warm beverage at Argo Tea
- Bargain hunting at my two faves (Nordstrom / H & M), located side by side if you can believe it!
- Back on the EL train, to Chicago station, where we walked to find the world famous hot dogs from Potillos.
- Hailed a taxi back to Union Station.
- A sleepy train ride on the Metra home.
Labels: Travel
Posted by double R at 8:01 PM | read on
happy new year.
One of my new year's resolutions is to take a minute to "be in the moment". 2006 went by so quickly, and I don't think I spent enough time being present to just take in the view. As I write this, I can't believe that it's already the second week of 2007.I'm in Chicago for work (well actually in a suburb). I haven't been to the "windy city" before, so I look forward to spending some time this weekend to explore the city. For me, the novelty has not worn off and I always look forward to the opportunity of growing professionally and personally on these trips.
Here's to a great 2007!
Labels: Travel
Posted by double R at 9:36 PM | read on
california dreamin'
All the leaves are brownAnd the sky is grey
Ive been for a walk
On a winters day
I'd be safe and warm
If I was in l.a.
California dreamin
On such a winters day
I've always had a love affair with California. I'm not sure when it started, whether it was the family trips in the van to Disneyland when I was young, or the numerous trips I took in my 20s to the city by the Bay, where I seemed to leave my heart each time. But who doesn't love the "Golden State", from its endless summer days, the Pacific Ocean, to the mythology of a place where one can chase and find their dreams.
We've already hit a record for rainfall in November, and so it was an amazing to be surprised with a trip to San Diego (with a pit stop in Seattle). Knowing that I had to pack a bag and be prepared for anything only added to the excitement. Seaworld and the Zoo were all I remembered of San Diego from when I was a kid, but I knew that experiencing it as an adult would be a different experience. Action packed due to our short stay, we managed to see and do a lot. From the perfect mid 70s weather, to the joggers running on the beach barefoot to driving around in a convertible with the top down -- my romantic notions of California were certainly reinforced.
I think this picture says it all...trust me, it was as beautiful as it looks. Even though it's only a collection of pixels, I can still almost feel the setting sun, the ocean breeze on my face, and the water and sand under my feet.
Labels: Travel
Posted by double R at 10:21 PM | read on
