Streeterville

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All summer I have been telling folks that I have spent my days in Chicago. On some level that is certainly true but the reality is that I have spent my summer in an small downtown area. Streeterville is a neighborhood of luxurious high-rise apartment buildings, internationally-renowned restaurants, popular attractions like Navy Pier and the John Hancock Observatory, and the world-famous Magnificent Mile shopping district along Michigan Avenue. It is also home to the campus of Northwestern Memorial Hospital and the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago - of which I have intimate knowledge of. That said I thought that I'd share few thoughts from my stay.

• Lake Effect: I was pleasantly surprised by the coolish weather. Seemed to rarely get above 80 and I enjoyed many meals and lattes sitting at a sidewalk table.
• Driving Rudeness: I grew up in New York City and was a bit familiar with rude taxi cab drivers. All of the honking reminded me that I was not in Kansas any more.
• Walking: I got a great deal on parking ($11.25/day) and have not driven (except once weekly in the garage) the van since I parked it. Consequentially I have walked a lot .
• Food: It is amazing how old eating out can get when you are forced to do it every day. Fortunately my hotel had a kitchen and I could fix breakfast and dinner there.
• Home: There is really no place like home. I am so looking forward to being back in my own place and sleeping in our bed. And it will be great to see Ann at night.

I could add more but thought you might enjoy a few thoughts. You also might want to check out my fledgling photo blog for some images of Streeterville. I plan to add photos in the days ahead so please check it out.

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