Yesterday my exceptional husband took me on an architectural tour, something I have been wanting to do for about 2 or 3 years now. When I went to Spain after high school I was in awe of the architectur (that someone could design and build something so spectacular when I was STILL struggling greatly to understand the lincoln log set I received as a 2 year old). And then after reading The Devil in the White City I gained an appreciation for what architecture can mean to a city and country.
So that's where my interest peaked and where the purpose formed for this birthday extravaganza. Of course it was the only cool day all summer and it appeared in the morning as if it might storm. Mike insisted that we go anyway (instead of rescheduling) to see what the weather was like downtown later in the day and offered to "figure something else out" if it were rainy and we were downtown. This made me question if there were going to be other people present for our little day. (An annoying trait about myself is that I am always trying to figure out a surprise. I will take responsibility for this personal weakness.) Mike said no, but I was sure that he was up to something, particularly after my mom (who had no idea) asked if other people were joining us downtown.
I completely forgot about a potential surprise when on the tour boat. The weather was wonderful and our guide was humorous and informative. Interestingly, there was no mention of Navy Pier's ferris wheel or its architect (the central story to the book mentioned earlier). I learned today that there is a special tour just for this.
Here are some pictures from our tour:
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| Check out the amazing reflections! |
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| Mike and I have been talking about the importance of knowing stories of "failure" or "change" because we are all too stuffed with "feel good" success stories. (How many sports movies have you seen where the underdog works really hard and its still not good enough?) This building is 1/4 of its hoped for size due to not doing well. There is a parking lot and solid cement wall where they had hoped would be additional buildings identical to what you see here. |
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| This was another not-as-successful as one had hoped story. The white building is the tallest building in the world without a name. No one would/has purchased naming rights. |
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| This I call "Cool Angle to See a Building" |
After the tour, Mike and walked to a restaurant called Emeral Loop. Mike said "Look to your left." My first thought was "Ugh, really? Running into people I know from high school that I have no desire to be friendly with but of course will be?" I then followed Mike's direction and saw four very good friends. So grateful that they came into the city to have dinner with us!
And the party continued into today where I enjoyed a delicious meal with my family (thank you Mom!) and dessert. Boy do I love Baskin Robbins' mint chocolate chip ice cream cake! Oh and now I am the owner of a castle ice tray, perfume, a cute puppy outfit for baby, and a car seat.
Only down side to the day, Mike's still at work and its 10pm.
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