Going north, south, east, west - Chicago UPDATED 1/7 About This Page:

[Lemap760]

More great pictures.

[mcc0313]

Looks like it was getting pretty foggy...even moreso than the early morning pictures. Glad you got to take a reprieve inside the museum. Looks like you guys were having a great time there...very interactive looks like it was loads of fun and a place where there were many great photo opportunities...

Mark looks very excited to be choosen as the next astronaut to go to the moon...

[Kenny]

Great update and pictures!

[chezp]

Saturday 25 October – part three: sleeping through the show....

Soon it was time to go in for our show. It was 35 minutes long and it was interesting to find out how the people of Africa have used the stars in their everyday lives over the years. It’s not something that I would ever want to do though. Even when they pointed out the various stars, I would lose the things again as soon as the indication stopped showing it. I’d be no good at navigating using the stars! :

During this, I really had to fight hard not to fall asleep and a couple of times, my eyes did close, although I never really fell asleep, unlike some others. Let’s just say, at one point, I looked to my left and Lesley was out for the count and then I looked to my right and so was Mark!

When we came out of there, we figured food was in order, as perhaps that would help to keep us awake! We went to the food court there, Galileo’s Café, which does sandwiches, paninis and salads. I had the roasted vegetable panini and Mark had the spaghetti Bolognese, although his ended up coming with cheese, which wasn’t part of the plan. Still, he was OK with it, which is just as well. My panini was OK, but it was a little more spicy than I had anticipated, so I couldn’t finish it. Apologies for the half eaten food shots – we were so hungry, we forgot to take photos before we dug in!



When we finished eating, we explored the rest of the planetarium and went out on to one of the terraces to take some photos of the Chicago skyline. As you can see from these shots, the weather had improved a lot while were in there.



Our final stop on the way out was the Atwood Sphere that has been used since 1913 for people to look at the stars. It’s North America’s only walk in planetarium and light enters through the 692 holes in the surface of the huge metal ball, which represents the stars of the Chicago skyline. It’s a seven minute show and we were lucky enough to be the first in line for the next show, so we waited for it. I’m glad we did, as it was a unique experience and perhaps a bit more of what we expected from the planetarium show. I can imagine that this would’ve been seen with wonder and amazement by those who saw it all those years ago.



From there, we headed out and got some photos in front of the skyline, which was looking much brighter now. It had turned out to be quite a nice day, after a poor start.



Our next stop was due to be the Shedd Aquarium, but when we got there, the line to get in was just stupid, especially as their main attraction was down for rehab. There was no way we were going to stand in that, so we decided to go to the Field Museum, which is just next door.



As we got to the door, we could see why everyone was waiting to get into the Shedd Aquarium, as the Field Museum was due to close at 3.00 and the last admission would be at 2.00. A quick look at our watches showed we had just made it, as it was 1.55, so in we went.



We got a few photos in the main lobby, which was pretty impressive. In pride of place was Sue the T-Rex. She looked great and I loved the name. I couldn’t help but think of a fellow PassPorter by the same name.



Next: no, we’re not waiting in that line! :

[Kenny]

Another wonderful update! I'm glad the day cleared up for you.

[Wendyismyname]

Glad the weather improved and I'm glad you made it into the Field Museum!

[Minnie Lor]

I love the pictures of the skyline with the sun trying to burn thru.

[clio]

I just love all your pictures of Chicago. I've never been there so it's good to see pictures of all the beautiful buildings.
Liz

[HollyH]

I'm just catching up on your trip report. The closest I got to visiting Chicago was changing planes in O'Hare. I would love to really visit there some day. I am enjoying all of your pictures. WOW -Lake Michigan in amazing! Can't wait for more.

[emtpej]

I think Chicago is on my list now. Looking great so far!

[HeatherD]

It's a shame you had to miss Shedd - it was great when DH and I took my brother there. Of course, that was back in '95, so a lot may have changed since then! But you've managed to see so much, that I'm astounded. We didn't do a lot of that stuff when we lived there....we missed out, I'm thinking!

[ilovedisney247]

Amazing Day! I love the Sue photo! You really got a lot accomplished!

[Colexis Mom]

More great pictures Cheryl! What a great time you're having!!

[christiejay]

Wonderful updates! So glad you're having such a great time and that you stick to your plans as much as possible, never mind the weather. Love your photos. I think I would enjoy seeing all these sites in person.

[pamcarey]

I'm really enjoying seeing all the pictures of Chicago. I'm always amazed at how much you get done in a short amount of time!