Thursday, September 20, 2007
Chicago, IL
Despite our harrowing taxi ride upon arrival, our stay in Chicago was really great.
Our hotel was on the Chicago River. Opening our drapes in our room gave us a much different view than the river - construction! This was not what we had expected, but ended up being a matter of fascination for me each day. I would sit each morning and afternoon for a bit and watch all that was happening. Our small city on the plains does not build skyscrapers and the bird's eye view I had of the process was really pretty cool.
Highlights:
*Eating at Harry Carry's across the street from our hotel. I am sure it is a touristy place, but the antipasta platter was yummy with several cured meats and an awesome blue cheese. I managed to keep myself from buying a pair of sweat pants with "Holy Cow!" across the boohind.
*Roaming the Navy Pier was interesting. I would not recommend using the free trolley service in Chicago unless you really needed to do so. Our experience led to frustration and the beginning of blisters on my feet.
*Old Town Trolley Tour was wonderful, as always. They are one of my favorite tour companies and I learned alot about the city on the tour. I also took the optional ethnic neighborhood part of the tour which was very interesting. The main tour includes a trip on LSD - aka, Lake Shore Drive!
*A couple of other really good restaurants - Maggiano's Little Italy and one of Rick Bayless' restaurants - can't think of the name right now.
*The Art Institute of Chicago was a great museum. Another lady and I walked there and then spent the day roaming and then walked back to our hotel. More blisters! The museum houses several recognizable paintings (including American Gothic) and several things I had never seen or heard of before.
*The Magnificent Mile of shopping was what I kept accidentally calling the Million Dollar Mile. Probably a Freudian thing because I think you would have to have a million dollars to shop there. Perhaps my feet hurting so badly I thought I would cry had something to do with it, but I was not in the mood for high end browsing. The Ralph Lauren Store was a fantasy tour. But sorry Filene's - I don't like digging through stuff to shop - not even for high end bargains! I ultimately limped into Niketown and left wearing one pair of $12 socks and a new pair of tennis shoes and carrying a bag holding another pair of tennies and my "these shoes are not made for walking" sandals. Yes, I said $12 dollar socks and given the circumstances, I would do it again!
*Wrigley Field was a pilgrimage for me. Seriously - I have wanted to go for a really long time and calling it a 40th birthday celebration for me was incredible. If you don't follow baseball I don't have the time to explain the significance to you. If you do follow baseball, rejoice with me. We watched the Cubs play the Brewers. Starting pitchers: Sheets and Zambrano. The wind was blowing in at Wrigley, so no onto Sheffield Drive homeruns. But we did sing during the 7th inning stretch and we left with an autographed picture of Derrek Lee. Unfortunately, my Cubbies lost. But as of this morning they are 1/2 game up on Milwalkee. Go Cubbies!!!
*We took the Untouchables Tour before leaving town. It was purposefully hokey (as expected) but also interesting. While waiting for the bus to arrive my husband leans over and points out an older gentleman waiting to take the tour. "Old ganster," indicates my husband. True, the man had a look about him. Turns out he claims to be Al Capone's great (great?) grandson! Who knows??
We would definitely go to Chicago again. Things I would add to my list to do or see:
Lots more restaurants - touristy and homey.
Several more museums.
Lake, river, and architectural tours.
Shedd Aquarium.
Loyola and DePaul Universities.
Cubs (again), Sox, and Bears.
Stadium tours.
Find the adventure in every day!
simple faith
Despite our harrowing taxi ride upon arrival, our stay in Chicago was really great.
Our hotel was on the Chicago River. Opening our drapes in our room gave us a much different view than the river - construction! This was not what we had expected, but ended up being a matter of fascination for me each day. I would sit each morning and afternoon for a bit and watch all that was happening. Our small city on the plains does not build skyscrapers and the bird's eye view I had of the process was really pretty cool.
Highlights:
*Eating at Harry Carry's across the street from our hotel. I am sure it is a touristy place, but the antipasta platter was yummy with several cured meats and an awesome blue cheese. I managed to keep myself from buying a pair of sweat pants with "Holy Cow!" across the boohind.
*Roaming the Navy Pier was interesting. I would not recommend using the free trolley service in Chicago unless you really needed to do so. Our experience led to frustration and the beginning of blisters on my feet.
*Old Town Trolley Tour was wonderful, as always. They are one of my favorite tour companies and I learned alot about the city on the tour. I also took the optional ethnic neighborhood part of the tour which was very interesting. The main tour includes a trip on LSD - aka, Lake Shore Drive!
*A couple of other really good restaurants - Maggiano's Little Italy and one of Rick Bayless' restaurants - can't think of the name right now.
*The Art Institute of Chicago was a great museum. Another lady and I walked there and then spent the day roaming and then walked back to our hotel. More blisters! The museum houses several recognizable paintings (including American Gothic) and several things I had never seen or heard of before.
*The Magnificent Mile of shopping was what I kept accidentally calling the Million Dollar Mile. Probably a Freudian thing because I think you would have to have a million dollars to shop there. Perhaps my feet hurting so badly I thought I would cry had something to do with it, but I was not in the mood for high end browsing. The Ralph Lauren Store was a fantasy tour. But sorry Filene's - I don't like digging through stuff to shop - not even for high end bargains! I ultimately limped into Niketown and left wearing one pair of $12 socks and a new pair of tennis shoes and carrying a bag holding another pair of tennies and my "these shoes are not made for walking" sandals. Yes, I said $12 dollar socks and given the circumstances, I would do it again!
*Wrigley Field was a pilgrimage for me. Seriously - I have wanted to go for a really long time and calling it a 40th birthday celebration for me was incredible. If you don't follow baseball I don't have the time to explain the significance to you. If you do follow baseball, rejoice with me. We watched the Cubs play the Brewers. Starting pitchers: Sheets and Zambrano. The wind was blowing in at Wrigley, so no onto Sheffield Drive homeruns. But we did sing during the 7th inning stretch and we left with an autographed picture of Derrek Lee. Unfortunately, my Cubbies lost. But as of this morning they are 1/2 game up on Milwalkee. Go Cubbies!!!
*We took the Untouchables Tour before leaving town. It was purposefully hokey (as expected) but also interesting. While waiting for the bus to arrive my husband leans over and points out an older gentleman waiting to take the tour. "Old ganster," indicates my husband. True, the man had a look about him. Turns out he claims to be Al Capone's great (great?) grandson! Who knows??
We would definitely go to Chicago again. Things I would add to my list to do or see:
Lots more restaurants - touristy and homey.
Several more museums.
Lake, river, and architectural tours.
Shedd Aquarium.
Loyola and DePaul Universities.
Cubs (again), Sox, and Bears.
Stadium tours.
Find the adventure in every day!
simple faith
Labels: Travel
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Arriving and Departing
Last year, with a 20th anniversary and 40th birthday pending, my husband and I began discussing taking a trip to celebrate the occasions. We eventually decided on a cruise and began making some of the preparations - as in getting a passport.
In the spring we began searching for a cruise. We consulted my Mom and StepDad - they are becoming quite the cruisers. Armed with information and ideas we kicked around the ideas for weeks. We simply could not commit to anything. I finally stated the obvious by noting that we really did not seem too fired up about this idea. My hesitations: taking a cruise during hurricane season and hot weather (if I don't enjoy the hotter than Hades summers in my panhandle state, why would I pay good money to cruise someplace that is also hot in August?).
So, we began exploring other options. An Alaskan cruise would have rocked - our budget anyways. Chicago has always intrigued us both and we began looking online for places to stay, etc. It didn't take too long to discover that a weekend in Chicago was going to be a bit on the expensive side. We nixed the idea and settle for looking into cruises for next spring.
Unbeknownst to us, God was making a way. My husband was given the opportunity to attend a conference in Chicago in August - cool huh? We made the arrangements and were off on our adventure.
We have flown in and out of Chicago more than once, but have never actually "been" in Chicago. I was not really sure what to expect and well, we got off to a harrowing start on our adventure.
We decided to take a taxi to the hotel. At O'Hare you get in line and as the next taxi pulls forward you have your ride. As we are waiting a driver comes to the airport guy in charge, says something, and we are offered a ride downtown in a waiting taxi. We realize that someone else is already in the taxi and we are told we are "ride sharing" and given the indication that it will be less expensive. As the driver crams our belongings in his trunk, he also shoves yet another person's belongings in also and all 4 of us passengers are off to downtown Chicago.
It takes me less than a minute to decide that this is a really bad idea. Our driver's skills both in driving and communicating are seriously questionable. I exchange all sorts of looks with my husband. We have arrived on Sunday, but this is not quite the holy experience I was looking forward to having - in fact I am beginning to wonder if a Pearly Gate experience is in my immediate future.
The traffic is horrible and our driver is AGGRESSIVE. I try to make small talk with the lady sitting next to me. "Is the traffic always this bad?" She has not lived here very long and is obviously pondering her own Pearly Gate experience.
At an unusually slow moment of our trip I spot one of those digital construction signs. It states that some street is closed - take LSD. I am laughing, the lady next to me is not as amused and has no idea what the sign means, and I am almost certain my driver has taken the sign literally.
At just the precise moment that I have decided that I would rather walk than be in this cab any longer, our driver exits the freeway. I am thinking that surely the residential/downtown experience will be better. He is dropping off the lady next to me first. As she tries to explain where her address is I am sending up "flare prayers" for each pedistrian anywhere near us - trust me, our driver does not care for them.
After unloading her, our driver somehow, miraculously, gets us to our hotel. As I slide out of the backseat I lean forward and say, "Good luck" to the 30something gentleman sitting in the front seat. He has not moved a muscle since our ride began.
We almost took the subway to the airport on the day we flew out. But instead were blessed with a really great and personable taxi driver. He was from Seattle (one of our favorite trips), had driven a limo in NYC, and was living in Chicago because his wife's family is there.
We told him of our horrible experience upon arriving. He asked us what color the cab was. Red. He explained some things to us about that company and its drivers, noting that a lot of locals will not even use the company because of its reputation.
So a warning to anyone visiting Chicago - DO NOT USE THE RED CABS!
By the way, our trip back to the airport was cheaper than our trip to the hotel - go figure.
simple faith
Last year, with a 20th anniversary and 40th birthday pending, my husband and I began discussing taking a trip to celebrate the occasions. We eventually decided on a cruise and began making some of the preparations - as in getting a passport.
In the spring we began searching for a cruise. We consulted my Mom and StepDad - they are becoming quite the cruisers. Armed with information and ideas we kicked around the ideas for weeks. We simply could not commit to anything. I finally stated the obvious by noting that we really did not seem too fired up about this idea. My hesitations: taking a cruise during hurricane season and hot weather (if I don't enjoy the hotter than Hades summers in my panhandle state, why would I pay good money to cruise someplace that is also hot in August?).
So, we began exploring other options. An Alaskan cruise would have rocked - our budget anyways. Chicago has always intrigued us both and we began looking online for places to stay, etc. It didn't take too long to discover that a weekend in Chicago was going to be a bit on the expensive side. We nixed the idea and settle for looking into cruises for next spring.
Unbeknownst to us, God was making a way. My husband was given the opportunity to attend a conference in Chicago in August - cool huh? We made the arrangements and were off on our adventure.
We have flown in and out of Chicago more than once, but have never actually "been" in Chicago. I was not really sure what to expect and well, we got off to a harrowing start on our adventure.
We decided to take a taxi to the hotel. At O'Hare you get in line and as the next taxi pulls forward you have your ride. As we are waiting a driver comes to the airport guy in charge, says something, and we are offered a ride downtown in a waiting taxi. We realize that someone else is already in the taxi and we are told we are "ride sharing" and given the indication that it will be less expensive. As the driver crams our belongings in his trunk, he also shoves yet another person's belongings in also and all 4 of us passengers are off to downtown Chicago.
It takes me less than a minute to decide that this is a really bad idea. Our driver's skills both in driving and communicating are seriously questionable. I exchange all sorts of looks with my husband. We have arrived on Sunday, but this is not quite the holy experience I was looking forward to having - in fact I am beginning to wonder if a Pearly Gate experience is in my immediate future.
The traffic is horrible and our driver is AGGRESSIVE. I try to make small talk with the lady sitting next to me. "Is the traffic always this bad?" She has not lived here very long and is obviously pondering her own Pearly Gate experience.
At an unusually slow moment of our trip I spot one of those digital construction signs. It states that some street is closed - take LSD. I am laughing, the lady next to me is not as amused and has no idea what the sign means, and I am almost certain my driver has taken the sign literally.
At just the precise moment that I have decided that I would rather walk than be in this cab any longer, our driver exits the freeway. I am thinking that surely the residential/downtown experience will be better. He is dropping off the lady next to me first. As she tries to explain where her address is I am sending up "flare prayers" for each pedistrian anywhere near us - trust me, our driver does not care for them.
After unloading her, our driver somehow, miraculously, gets us to our hotel. As I slide out of the backseat I lean forward and say, "Good luck" to the 30something gentleman sitting in the front seat. He has not moved a muscle since our ride began.
We almost took the subway to the airport on the day we flew out. But instead were blessed with a really great and personable taxi driver. He was from Seattle (one of our favorite trips), had driven a limo in NYC, and was living in Chicago because his wife's family is there.
We told him of our horrible experience upon arriving. He asked us what color the cab was. Red. He explained some things to us about that company and its drivers, noting that a lot of locals will not even use the company because of its reputation.
So a warning to anyone visiting Chicago - DO NOT USE THE RED CABS!
By the way, our trip back to the airport was cheaper than our trip to the hotel - go figure.
simple faith
Labels: Travel
Friday, November 03, 2006
A Camping Sing Along
Just sit right back and I'll tell a tale,
a tale of a camping trip
that started from this small city
in a panhandle state,
a panhandle state.
Four campers packed and packed and packed,
and finally were loaded up
with a fishing boat in tow,
behind a new pick-up,
behind a new pick-up.
Four hours long their trip it was
as eastward they did go
Beaver Lake in the Natural State
We never drive slow,
We never drive slow.
Lunch in T-town was had by all,
back in to the truck.
Forty-four degrees outside,
Is that thermometer stuck?
Is that thermometer stuck?
Set up camp and gather wood,
roast hot dogs for dinner.
It's cold outside - into the tent
Skip-Bo, who's the winner?
Skip-Bo, who's the winner?
Next morning Mom and Dad are stiff
that ground is really hard!
Are we getting too old for this?
Next time let's rent a cabin,
Next time let's rent a cabin.
Clear skies, no wind, a perfect day
Boys fishing on the lake.
Mom loves the beautiful view,
But no pictures did she take,
No pictures did she take.
Next morning clouds come rolling in,
The wind begins to blow.
Mom looks at Dad and flashbacks come
Please no repeat of fall camping '04,
No repeat of fall camping '04!
Phone calls were made to family
No rain on the radar
We will see you for dinner.
We're glad you don't live too far,
Glad you don't live too far.
Into town for some supplies,
Most of it we find.
Dry county - you've got to be kidding me!!
I deserve some wine,
I deserve some wine!
Family comes for camp cookout
They were very brave
Lots of wind and very cold
Like Pooh's blustery day,
Like Pooh's blustery day.
S'mores and hot chocolate for all
before we said "Good night".
They had brought me some wine
Everything's gonna to be alright,
Everything's gonna to be alright.
Up early to head back home
It was a very cold, windy night
Thirty-three degrees as we leave
I am not a pretty sight,
I am not a pretty sight!
At home we unpack and unpack and unpack
Laundry piles galore
I begin thinking to myself
What do we do this for?
What do we do this for?
Because time is spent and memories are good
My boys are growing up
But, I really think we can achieve this all
in a cabin next fall
in a cabin next fall.
simple faith
ps - I could not fit my electric blanket in to the song, but believe me - I would not have survived 3 nights of cold camping with out it!!!! Two hard and fast rules for the camp site: 1. It must have running water (that means in the bathroom too). 2. It must have an electric outlet.
Just sit right back and I'll tell a tale,
a tale of a camping trip
that started from this small city
in a panhandle state,
a panhandle state.
Four campers packed and packed and packed,
and finally were loaded up
with a fishing boat in tow,
behind a new pick-up,
behind a new pick-up.
Four hours long their trip it was
as eastward they did go
Beaver Lake in the Natural State
We never drive slow,
We never drive slow.
Lunch in T-town was had by all,
back in to the truck.
Forty-four degrees outside,
Is that thermometer stuck?
Is that thermometer stuck?
Set up camp and gather wood,
roast hot dogs for dinner.
It's cold outside - into the tent
Skip-Bo, who's the winner?
Skip-Bo, who's the winner?
Next morning Mom and Dad are stiff
that ground is really hard!
Are we getting too old for this?
Next time let's rent a cabin,
Next time let's rent a cabin.
Clear skies, no wind, a perfect day
Boys fishing on the lake.
Mom loves the beautiful view,
But no pictures did she take,
No pictures did she take.
Next morning clouds come rolling in,
The wind begins to blow.
Mom looks at Dad and flashbacks come
Please no repeat of fall camping '04,
No repeat of fall camping '04!
Phone calls were made to family
No rain on the radar
We will see you for dinner.
We're glad you don't live too far,
Glad you don't live too far.
Into town for some supplies,
Most of it we find.
Dry county - you've got to be kidding me!!
I deserve some wine,
I deserve some wine!
Family comes for camp cookout
They were very brave
Lots of wind and very cold
Like Pooh's blustery day,
Like Pooh's blustery day.
S'mores and hot chocolate for all
before we said "Good night".
They had brought me some wine
Everything's gonna to be alright,
Everything's gonna to be alright.
Up early to head back home
It was a very cold, windy night
Thirty-three degrees as we leave
I am not a pretty sight,
I am not a pretty sight!
At home we unpack and unpack and unpack
Laundry piles galore
I begin thinking to myself
What do we do this for?
What do we do this for?
Because time is spent and memories are good
My boys are growing up
But, I really think we can achieve this all
in a cabin next fall
in a cabin next fall.
simple faith
ps - I could not fit my electric blanket in to the song, but believe me - I would not have survived 3 nights of cold camping with out it!!!! Two hard and fast rules for the camp site: 1. It must have running water (that means in the bathroom too). 2. It must have an electric outlet.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
It was a beautiful day....
It was a beautiful day - the weather was wonderful, everyone left the house smoothly, I made it to yoga for the first time in months. The substitute instructor did not show, but I declared it a victory anyway. I had made the effort, that counted for something. I was feeling good! I took care of a couple of jobs and checked myself in the mirror. Hair decent, make-up decent......I think I will go have my passport picture taken.
Hit the pause button.
I am not that big on having my picture taken. I don't mind too much if I am in the prescence of a really good professional photographer. You know, the ones who care about backgrounds, lighting, soft focus, and digital touch-ups. I have only been fortunate enough to have met 3 of these "artists" in my life. None of them have worked at an official document photo site.
Journey with me to September of last year.......
My family is traveling to San Diego. We have a ridiculously early flight out. We make it to the airport and I hand over my driver's license for identification. It is expired. Not by much, only a few days - but airport security seems not to care.
I am pulled to the side for the public wanding. Without thinking I turn to hand my purse to my husband. Airport security really does not like this. I have earned myself a trip down the hallway to the "all but strip search" room.
They go through everything. I am given a "My aren't you organized!" compliment by one of the many security people I visit with. I am finally allowed to join my husband and boys who are waiting somewhat patiently.
One of them inquires, "Didn't you know that your driver's license was expired?" Well yes, I did. But you have a 30 day grace period to renew it. I offer what is a completely logical explanation of, "Every time I thought about it, I was not having a good hair day." I could tell by the look on their faces that none of them understood my dilemma - you have to remember that I live in a frat house!
Hit the play button.
I travel to the store where I have my photos developed. I hope the person at the counter is not the unfriendly one. One last check in the mirror - sunglass marks! I knew I should not have put them on......oh well.
Entering the store I am relieved to see that it is not the unfriendly girl. This girl is not overly friendly, but I at least think she does not dislike me. The process begins. She pulls down a white screen. (I was hoping the background would be blue, but okay.) She pulls out a little digital camera and says, "Are you ready?" I smile. She clicks, checks the picture and wants to take another one. Repeat the process.
After a few minutes, I return to the counter. She hands me the photos tucked in to a little blue card holder. I open the card.......
Inside my head: "Holy canolli! I thought I was having a decent hair day. The lighting is awful - look at all those shadows on my face. I think she used the second picture and I knew my smile was a bit weird. Surely I do not look that old!"
To the picture girl: "That's great. Thank you."
She rings me out, being nicer to me than normal. I think she takes some sadistic pleasure in taking horrible passport photos!!!
Oh well, at least the weather was lovely.
Simple Faith
It was a beautiful day - the weather was wonderful, everyone left the house smoothly, I made it to yoga for the first time in months. The substitute instructor did not show, but I declared it a victory anyway. I had made the effort, that counted for something. I was feeling good! I took care of a couple of jobs and checked myself in the mirror. Hair decent, make-up decent......I think I will go have my passport picture taken.
Hit the pause button.
I am not that big on having my picture taken. I don't mind too much if I am in the prescence of a really good professional photographer. You know, the ones who care about backgrounds, lighting, soft focus, and digital touch-ups. I have only been fortunate enough to have met 3 of these "artists" in my life. None of them have worked at an official document photo site.
Journey with me to September of last year.......
My family is traveling to San Diego. We have a ridiculously early flight out. We make it to the airport and I hand over my driver's license for identification. It is expired. Not by much, only a few days - but airport security seems not to care.
I am pulled to the side for the public wanding. Without thinking I turn to hand my purse to my husband. Airport security really does not like this. I have earned myself a trip down the hallway to the "all but strip search" room.
They go through everything. I am given a "My aren't you organized!" compliment by one of the many security people I visit with. I am finally allowed to join my husband and boys who are waiting somewhat patiently.
One of them inquires, "Didn't you know that your driver's license was expired?" Well yes, I did. But you have a 30 day grace period to renew it. I offer what is a completely logical explanation of, "Every time I thought about it, I was not having a good hair day." I could tell by the look on their faces that none of them understood my dilemma - you have to remember that I live in a frat house!
Hit the play button.
I travel to the store where I have my photos developed. I hope the person at the counter is not the unfriendly one. One last check in the mirror - sunglass marks! I knew I should not have put them on......oh well.
Entering the store I am relieved to see that it is not the unfriendly girl. This girl is not overly friendly, but I at least think she does not dislike me. The process begins. She pulls down a white screen. (I was hoping the background would be blue, but okay.) She pulls out a little digital camera and says, "Are you ready?" I smile. She clicks, checks the picture and wants to take another one. Repeat the process.
After a few minutes, I return to the counter. She hands me the photos tucked in to a little blue card holder. I open the card.......
Inside my head: "Holy canolli! I thought I was having a decent hair day. The lighting is awful - look at all those shadows on my face. I think she used the second picture and I knew my smile was a bit weird. Surely I do not look that old!"
To the picture girl: "That's great. Thank you."
She rings me out, being nicer to me than normal. I think she takes some sadistic pleasure in taking horrible passport photos!!!
Oh well, at least the weather was lovely.
Simple Faith
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Salt Lake City, Utah
I spent a few days away from my small city traveling with my husband on a business trip. I accompanied him to Salt Lake City to a meeting at the Grand America.
We have flown in and out of SLC a few times and I have always thought the landing and take-off over the Great Salt Lake were beautiful. This time was a bit disappointing - I am not sure, but they must be having awfully dry weather. The Lake was not the brilliant magenta I have seen it and it was much murkier, not reflecting the sky like before. But that was one of the few disappointing things on the trip.
The Grand America is truly that - GRAND! It was built as part of the Olympic improvements when SLC hosted the 2000 games. Part of the fun of traveling is on occasion getting to stay in an extravagant hotel. I won't gush on too much about it - you might get the impression that I am a hotel snob. (I sleep in my share of tents when camping and cheap motels when traveling with ball teams, for those of you who don't know me.)
Downtown SLC was fun and eclectic. Beautiful architecture, pretty landscaping, and an interesting mix of Mormonism, Christianity, New Age, and Native Americanism. Lots of art galleries, shopping and restaurants to venture amongst.
Interesting highlights:
* A sign in a men's suit store that advertised "Complete Missionary Uniforms Available Here."
You don't see that everywhere!
* A Brazilian street musician - the music was beautiful and very few people were appreciating it.
* Lunch at a Brazilian restaurant that would bring all sorts of skewered meat to your table for you to try. A little scary, a little yummy......no, the restaurant was no where near the street musician.
* Dinner at a lovely little Italian Restaurant whose owner was constantly roaming about greeting and visiting with his guest. It was obvious that he knew each of his regular customers and greeted them warmly and hoped to make his new guest feel welcomed also. The fact that he looked like Doc from the "Back to the Future" movies was just a fun bonus!
Things I will do next time:
* Roam through Temple Square - ran out of time.
* Go watch the Tabernacle Choir practice - Thursday evenings and it is open to the public. My husband has been and says it is amazing!
* I will remember to not wear a black skirt and a white sweater set while in town. Someone on the trolley struck up a conversation with us (our accents gave us away - go figure) and asked us if we were Mormon.....he wasn't either. Obviously he did not see my cute black and white driving mocs that did not fit the dress code.
Life is always an adventure - embrace it!!!
Simple Faith
I spent a few days away from my small city traveling with my husband on a business trip. I accompanied him to Salt Lake City to a meeting at the Grand America.
We have flown in and out of SLC a few times and I have always thought the landing and take-off over the Great Salt Lake were beautiful. This time was a bit disappointing - I am not sure, but they must be having awfully dry weather. The Lake was not the brilliant magenta I have seen it and it was much murkier, not reflecting the sky like before. But that was one of the few disappointing things on the trip.
The Grand America is truly that - GRAND! It was built as part of the Olympic improvements when SLC hosted the 2000 games. Part of the fun of traveling is on occasion getting to stay in an extravagant hotel. I won't gush on too much about it - you might get the impression that I am a hotel snob. (I sleep in my share of tents when camping and cheap motels when traveling with ball teams, for those of you who don't know me.)
Downtown SLC was fun and eclectic. Beautiful architecture, pretty landscaping, and an interesting mix of Mormonism, Christianity, New Age, and Native Americanism. Lots of art galleries, shopping and restaurants to venture amongst.
Interesting highlights:
* A sign in a men's suit store that advertised "Complete Missionary Uniforms Available Here."
You don't see that everywhere!
* A Brazilian street musician - the music was beautiful and very few people were appreciating it.
* Lunch at a Brazilian restaurant that would bring all sorts of skewered meat to your table for you to try. A little scary, a little yummy......no, the restaurant was no where near the street musician.
* Dinner at a lovely little Italian Restaurant whose owner was constantly roaming about greeting and visiting with his guest. It was obvious that he knew each of his regular customers and greeted them warmly and hoped to make his new guest feel welcomed also. The fact that he looked like Doc from the "Back to the Future" movies was just a fun bonus!
Things I will do next time:
* Roam through Temple Square - ran out of time.
* Go watch the Tabernacle Choir practice - Thursday evenings and it is open to the public. My husband has been and says it is amazing!
* I will remember to not wear a black skirt and a white sweater set while in town. Someone on the trolley struck up a conversation with us (our accents gave us away - go figure) and asked us if we were Mormon.....he wasn't either. Obviously he did not see my cute black and white driving mocs that did not fit the dress code.
Life is always an adventure - embrace it!!!
Simple Faith
Labels: Travel
