Sunday, December 30, 2007
The New Year, The Old Year, Closure
This makes it an even two dozen, this post. The year comes to an end and so does this blog. I will continue to blog on my other sites. I will continue to travel and write about Chicago but it will be at another site and it will not be my only focus. Pablo's place is his, not mine. It never was although I wanted to share.
I'm not bitter. I am better for it. And I look forward to discovering new places and rediscovering old ones. If you want to follow me on my journey, you can check me out at Jensense.
Until then.
Bye.
I'm not bitter. I am better for it. And I look forward to discovering new places and rediscovering old ones. If you want to follow me on my journey, you can check me out at Jensense.
Until then.
Bye.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Christmastime in the City
Today is my last working day of the year. Campus will be closed until after New Year's. I wish I could travel far and wide. I will have to settle for traveling near and narrow. The weather promises to be decent, for Chicago that is, so I think I'll head into town early Friday.
One stop I will make will be the 12th Annual Christkindlmarket located in the loop at 50 W. Washington St. The open-air, German-style market should be an appropriately festive place to snag some last minute goodies while enjoying live entertainment. I'm not so big on German food but the hot spiced wine, potato pancakes, bratwurst, and strudel sounds like the perfect fare on a cold winter day.
My next stop will be to State Street to check out Macy's holiday window. That should put me in the Christmas spirit. Then I'll head over to Millennium Park to watch the brave souls ice skating.
If I'm not frozen yet, I might head over to the Clarke House on 18th and Indiana. It's the oldest house in Chicago, built in 1836. I actually visited the house decades ago when it was a church. Now It has been restored to its original glory. I missed the Holiday tour but I'm counting on the decorations still being in place. If not, I might revisit my childhood by enjoying the Museum of Science and Industry's annual Christmas Around the World.
That's enough to satisfy the tourist in me so that I feel like I went on a faraway vacation. I hope.
One stop I will make will be the 12th Annual Christkindlmarket located in the loop at 50 W. Washington St. The open-air, German-style market should be an appropriately festive place to snag some last minute goodies while enjoying live entertainment. I'm not so big on German food but the hot spiced wine, potato pancakes, bratwurst, and strudel sounds like the perfect fare on a cold winter day.
My next stop will be to State Street to check out Macy's holiday window. That should put me in the Christmas spirit. Then I'll head over to Millennium Park to watch the brave souls ice skating.
If I'm not frozen yet, I might head over to the Clarke House on 18th and Indiana. It's the oldest house in Chicago, built in 1836. I actually visited the house decades ago when it was a church. Now It has been restored to its original glory. I missed the Holiday tour but I'm counting on the decorations still being in place. If not, I might revisit my childhood by enjoying the Museum of Science and Industry's annual Christmas Around the World.
That's enough to satisfy the tourist in me so that I feel like I went on a faraway vacation. I hope.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Every Year, Every Christmas
Pablo's Place lost some of its sheen when Pablo drifted away from my life. However, I loved the city even before I loved Pablo. A visit is therefore in order. I pledge to once again report on the going ons of the Place minus Pablo.
Apropriately, as I write, I am listening to Luther's "Every Year, Every Christmas." The last line says "I'll return every year, every Christmas. I'll come here every Christmas."
This is the best of times and the worst of times to trek to Chicago. The city always puts its best foot forward and the holiday is no exception. Knowing that the weather can discourage some makes the city try even harder to entice visitors. And that is also why it is the worst of times. It just snowed and snowed and snowed last night, over six inches worth. It is a perfect Chirstmas card photo opp outside--the optimum word being outside. The frightful weather is gorgeous to look at sitting near my big stone fireplace. Hopefully, the weather will improve so I can get into the city this week.
Apropriately, as I write, I am listening to Luther's "Every Year, Every Christmas." The last line says "I'll return every year, every Christmas. I'll come here every Christmas."
This is the best of times and the worst of times to trek to Chicago. The city always puts its best foot forward and the holiday is no exception. Knowing that the weather can discourage some makes the city try even harder to entice visitors. And that is also why it is the worst of times. It just snowed and snowed and snowed last night, over six inches worth. It is a perfect Chirstmas card photo opp outside--the optimum word being outside. The frightful weather is gorgeous to look at sitting near my big stone fireplace. Hopefully, the weather will improve so I can get into the city this week.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Chicago Outdoor Film Fest Begins
Tonight's the night. Even if it rains, the show will go on, as long as lightning and wind don't upstage the fest. Every Tuesday evening until August 28, the city will showcase classic movies at Butler Field in Grant Park (Monroe and Lake Shore Drive).
Young Frankensteinis the first offering and will be introduced by film critic Richard Roeper. This is one of my favorite Mel Brooks movie. It stars Gene Wilder, the late Peter Boyle, and the hilarious bug-eyed Marty Feldman. It is a great choice for a movie under the stars. I hope the weather cooperates.
For a change, I like every movie on the list. The Awful Truth, a typical 30's screwball comedy about marriage is my must see flick. It stars my favorite actor Cary Grant whose skill and timing as a comic actor is outstanding. It is scheduled August 7th, close to my birthday. I think I will definitely treat myself to this one. The other movies are Written on the Wind, The Sweet Smell of Success, Double Indemnity, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Sound of Music. See what I mean. All of them are great classics.
Even better, they are all free. The action begins at sunset. Umbrellas, grilling, alcohol and pets are not allowed. Just bring a blanket and a buddy and some popcorn.
For more information, go to http://egov.cityofchicago.org. Click on Things to Do, then Festivals.
Young Frankensteinis the first offering and will be introduced by film critic Richard Roeper. This is one of my favorite Mel Brooks movie. It stars Gene Wilder, the late Peter Boyle, and the hilarious bug-eyed Marty Feldman. It is a great choice for a movie under the stars. I hope the weather cooperates.
For a change, I like every movie on the list. The Awful Truth, a typical 30's screwball comedy about marriage is my must see flick. It stars my favorite actor Cary Grant whose skill and timing as a comic actor is outstanding. It is scheduled August 7th, close to my birthday. I think I will definitely treat myself to this one. The other movies are Written on the Wind, The Sweet Smell of Success, Double Indemnity, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Sound of Music. See what I mean. All of them are great classics.
Even better, they are all free. The action begins at sunset. Umbrellas, grilling, alcohol and pets are not allowed. Just bring a blanket and a buddy and some popcorn.
For more information, go to http://egov.cityofchicago.org. Click on Things to Do, then Festivals.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Bad News Travelled a Little Slow
It has been reported that at least 126 were made ill by food eaten at a certain booth at the Chicago Taste. Add one more to that number. I made my second food purchase during the Taste--a cucumber salad--from the booth operated by Pars Cove, the restaurant under suspicion.
Although I didn't feel immediately ill, the following week I had all the symptoms of salmonella. I couldn't even enjoy the usual fare of the Fourth of July because I was still suffering. I didn't really feel better until a week later. I never went to the doctor. Instead, I doctored on myself and suffered in silence.
It's too bad that this has happened and left a bad taste behind for a few of us. It probably still won't deter me from going next year though.
Although I didn't feel immediately ill, the following week I had all the symptoms of salmonella. I couldn't even enjoy the usual fare of the Fourth of July because I was still suffering. I didn't really feel better until a week later. I never went to the doctor. Instead, I doctored on myself and suffered in silence.
It's too bad that this has happened and left a bad taste behind for a few of us. It probably still won't deter me from going next year though.
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Henna anyone?
I left the Taste and headed for Chicago Arabesque at Daley Center. The crowd was smaller but still it was well attended. I wish I had saved room and time for the food there. The falafel looked so much better than the one I got from Zam Zam's booth.
Yes, I did get a henna tattoo. Unfortunately, it wore off before I got home. I also got a card with my name written in Arabic calligraphy. I wasn't able to get my belly dancing lessons. I guess I will have to wait for my daughter to give in to my pleas for lessons.
The atmosphere was one of a market place slightly removed from America. There was a definite feel of Muslim community. People dressed in beautiful caftans and women garbed in traditional scarves greeted each other. Arabic music from the booth selling CD's added to the exotic aura. They did brisk business.
It was a very enjoyable experience. I wish I had allotted more time for it. Probably should have gone there first instead of to the Taste. Every year I complain about the crowds and the long lines at the Taste and I still go back. I will definitely revisit the Chicago Arabesque next year.
Yes, I did get a henna tattoo. Unfortunately, it wore off before I got home. I also got a card with my name written in Arabic calligraphy. I wasn't able to get my belly dancing lessons. I guess I will have to wait for my daughter to give in to my pleas for lessons.
The atmosphere was one of a market place slightly removed from America. There was a definite feel of Muslim community. People dressed in beautiful caftans and women garbed in traditional scarves greeted each other. Arabic music from the booth selling CD's added to the exotic aura. They did brisk business.
It was a very enjoyable experience. I wish I had allotted more time for it. Probably should have gone there first instead of to the Taste. Every year I complain about the crowds and the long lines at the Taste and I still go back. I will definitely revisit the Chicago Arabesque next year.
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