Chicago

An early morning flight from Dulles and by 9.30am local time we were in Chicago.

Our hotel is an Art Deco gem in the heart of the Downtown area with a park between us and the shore of Lake Michigan.

In the park a huge fountain which 'performs' each hour and flowers and gardens against the backdrop of the Chicago skyline.

I walked along the lake edge with David on the way to his meeting and then embarked on a hop-on, hop-off bus tour to see the sights.

There is certainly plenty to see, from the marina  to the aquarium. planetarium, Museum of Natural History and, of course, the Art Institute of Chicago.

Building ages and styles vary from those built after the great fire in the late 19th century - which destroyed the Chicago downtown area - to up to the minute skyscraper offices and luxury condos.

In Millenium Park the installation by the British artist Anish Kapoor creates a great deal of interest..

The artist's name for this piece is 'Cloud Gate', but because of its shape it is known locally as 'The Bean'.  It is fascinating none the less - from all angles..

And at night..

We ended our day as we had begun, with the fountain in the park - suitably illuminated..