Although Michelle Obama mentions The Loop many times in her autobiography, I must have missed the explanation of what it was. I was curious to see it. The Loop, it turns out, is Chicago’s central business district in the downtown area of the city. The name probably comes from the elevated railway line that encircles … Continue reading / view photos The Loop
The Obamas can’t see you right now
It was, apparently, possible to glimpse the Obamas’ house through the surrounding trees. With hope, I headed west to Hyde Park on a double decker train. Chicago’s public transport is the best I experienced in the US. The municipal train (different from the excellent subway) had a conductor. I noticed that the train didn’t stop … Continue reading / view photos The Obamas can’t see you right now
Much More Veg
If you’ve seen me lately, I’ve almost certainly bored you to death about a book that has revolutionised my life! Much More Veg by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall is that book. It’s by far the best cookbook I’ve had. I have many cookbooks but most of them are unsatisfactory in some way. The recipes are too complicated; … Continue reading Much More Veg
City of architecture
Chicago may be my favourite city of those I visited in America. Not only does the architecture have a rich history but also I felt it’s a city designed for people. For example, the riverside is protected so that no private builders can block the path. I saw many people walking along the river and, … Continue reading / view photos City of architecture
People’s Vote march (again)
It’s one year since I went on the previous People’s Vote march. Like last year, it was a civilised day. It demonstrated the best of British across generations: open, inclusive, eccentric, good-natured, humorous, and general friendliness. After the march, we decided to walk across the river for tea and snacks at the Royal Festival Hall. … Continue reading / view photos People’s Vote march (again)
Chicago Art Institute
The Art Institute of Chicago is the second largest art museum in the US, after the humongous Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan. The Art Institute has everything from African art to Textiles. You could spend days there. I spent so long in the many galleries that, with about 90 minutes to closing time, I … Continue reading / view photos Chicago Art Institute
Pilsen
My second walking tour with the hostel was to see the street art in Pilsen. It was a trial run for our volunteer guide. She had never taken a group before but she wanted to share with others the art in the area. On the tour, a couple told me that they had gone to … Continue reading / view photos Pilsen
Truth is life
Nature is my manifestation of God. I go to nature every day for inspiration in the day’s work. I follow in building the principles which nature has used in its domain. Frank Lloyd Wright It’s strange that someone born in the 19th century, who lived some of his adult life without electricity, went on to … Continue reading / view photos Truth is life
First impressions of the Windy City
I was less ignorant of Chicago than I might have been. A friend had advised me to read Michelle Obama’s autobiography before I got to Chicago. I did. The book, especially the first third, describes Michelle Obama’s childhood in Chicago. When you arrive at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, you’re greeted by flags from all over … Continue reading / view photos First impressions of the Windy City
Bill Gates could have been Mexican
I learnt at the Bullock Texas State History Museum that Texas was once part of Mexico, then its own country, and eventually joined the United States in 1845. It’s also difficult to imagine the US without Silicon Valley. California was also part of Mexico. And whilst I knew that the US had purchased Alaska from … Continue reading / view photos Bill Gates could have been Mexican