Fall in the Windy City

My new job has a conference in Chicago every Fall. This year it fell during the last week in September. I was really excited for many reasons. First, I've never been to Chicago; I always love visiting new places. Second, my company would pay for me to stay two extra nights if I wanted to. I had the Alzheimer's walk in Sunday so I stayed just one extra night and took a late flight home Saturday. Lastly, the weather was AMAZING! Did I mention it was amazing??!!

 My conference was done mid-day on Friday. My coworker who was also staying through the weekend joined me on a walk over to Navy Pier. We could see it from the hotel so it was nice to head over there and see what it was all about. We grabbed a quick lunch, walked the pier a little and then decided to go on an architectural boat tour around the city. I'm pretty sure I didn't retain much of the information, but it was a beautiful ride with a funny guide!

While we were walking around Navy Pier, I noticed there was a free concert that night from a band I liked. Talk about a coincidence. It was sooo nice out that night and the band, Augustana, was amazing. Gosh I love live music and there is nothing better than a beautiful night outside (by the river!) to enjoy it.

On Saturday, I walk more toward the city. I found Millennium Park, famous for Cloud Gate aka "The Bean" sculpture, which is mirrored (so cool the take photos with it!). The bon appetit Chicago Gourmet was going on the weekend I was there so it was extra busy in the park that day. I wondered all around the park to see fountains, gardens and sculptures everywhere! Lastly, I came to the Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain, where some super nice women offered to take my photo.

Across from the fountain was the water again (I think Lake Michigan here? Chicago River? I'm horrible at geography). Anyways, it was so nice out that I just sat by the water to take it all in. Another new comer to Chicago started chatting me up. He was actually here for the first day of a three-month business trip nearby. I don't know what I projected, but three families stopped me for directions and then this guy wanted advice for things to do in Chicago. I guess my huge souvenir bag wasn't a clue. haha.

I ended my Chicago adventure as it should be--with deep dish pizza. My coworker, who lives in Chicago, recommended Gino's East. Now my former coworker recommended their rival Lou Malnati's. I was torn, but I knew how to get to Gino's so Gino's it was. So I LOVE pizza. Any kind, I'm really not picky, but damn was this good pizza. My mouth is watering now just thinking about it. Yum!

The view from my hotel room was Navy Pier!

The hotel displayed our info. on this cool sculpture in the lobby.

Sculpture outside of Navy Pier.

Navy Pier.

Chicago River.

Our boat for the tour.

NBC Studios were right outside our hotel.

Augustana.

I was so close!

"The Bean!"

Under "The Bean."

Myself with the Jun Kaneko Exhibition.

So I was that creeper taking a photo of someone else,
but loved this guy holding his baby next to the huge Crown Fountain.

I seriously felt like a small town girl
because I just kept thinking the buildings were so tall!

Gino's is known for patrons leaving their name on all surfaces of the restaurant.

So good. Yum!