We are on the road again! It’s my favorite place to be and I certainly want to savor this fairly short trip because it basically marks the end of my travels in America. Not because I don’t want to travel here anymore, but because this trip includes the last attractions in America that I feel are must-sees. In addition, this trip will complete visits to the entire 50 states for both Lee and I. We can finally check this item off on our bucket lists!
We begin our journey with a return to Chicago. We have not been to the “Windy City” since 1993 and I am sure that there are some significant changes. Upon arrival we immediately headed for the Art Institute of Chicago, the city’s premier Art museum and one of the world’s great museums, an attraction we missed in’93. The lovely Chagall Windows were the first piece of Art we expeerienced. They were a gift to the museum from the artist in 1977.
Chagall Windows
We spent much of our time on the second floor in the Impressionists’ Galleries, where we saw such famous works as Monet’s Haystacks.
Monet’s Haystacks
Among the American painters, we particularly enjoyed seeing American Gothic, a famous painting by Grant Wood.
American Gothic
In a section which featured more Modern American works, I spent a considerable amount of time trying to understand Peter Blume’s The Rock. It seems to depict Man’s devastation of things and then his attempts to reconstruct.
Blume’s “The Rock”
After we left the museum, I took this picture of the main entrance.
Art Institute of Chicago
From here we walked to Grant Park and strolled the grounds of this wonderful green oasis in the center of the city. We admired the Chicago skyline, one of the world’s great ensembles.
Chicago Skyline
Of course we also admired the Buckingham Fountain, one of the world’s greatest fountains.
Buckingham Fountain
With its backdrop of huge skyscrapers, the fountain just begs to be photographed.
Buckingham Fountain
Just before our return to the parking lot to leave for the day, Gary managed to check out Millennium Park, with its lovely gardens.
Millennium Park
Also in the park is the Pritzker Pavilion, designed by noted architect Frank Gehry.
Pritzker Pavilion
