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Day 1 We Leave DC Behind

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Cast of travelers: S (Student at Art Institute in Chicago) K (40ish, mother of S) J (70ish, mother of K and grandmother of S) Me! D (70ish neighbor of K) Via email, we nailed down the days we could all travel. We then went to K’s and ordered our tickets on her computer. J has points for Hilton so we were able to get a good price for an Embassy Suites on N. Columbus Dr. We got an inexpensive United Airlines flight. ✄ Travel alert! Be sure to check the small print on this Basic Economy ticket. You can bring aboard ONLY ONE carryon and it MUST fit under the seat in front of you. It costs $25 to check a bag weighing less than 50 pounds. If you are a scofflaw, you have to check your bag at the gate and could get charged another $25. Because she lives closest to Reagan Airport in D.C., we spent the night with J. Her DH drove us to Reagan. Traffic was heavy at 7:40 a.m. but we got to the airport in plenty of time.
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Day 1A - A Walk to Navy Pier

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Our room has 2 queen beds in one room, and an L-shaped couch with a pull out double in the front room. Also, a table for 4 thin folks. A bar with sink, mini fridge, microwave and coffee maker. Only one bath but we were compatible with use. Check in was swift by virtue of J’s status and she received a goodie bag with water and some snacks. We can use the indoor swimming pool, small gym and get 4 free drinks (from hotel’s list) at the daily Happy Hour. Breakfast buffet also included. Free wi-fi although I had to re-install it a couple of times. We received a map of the general area. We ate at Lyfe-- http://www.lyfekitchen.com/ --less than 10 minutes to walk. Afterwards, we strolled to the Navy Pier. We stroll along and I believe we pass the Sears Tower -- a design of X'es in the concrete? D liked the reflections of other buildings. K and J think S would like to draw this pergola in Jane Addams Memorial Park. Chicago
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Day 2 - Art Institute and Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me!

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We awoke to foggy glum. I (D) realized I'd forgotten to pack a pair of black trousers to go with all the black and white shirts on hand. J and K met S while I walked up to Marshall's. We agreed to meet at Art Institute ("AI") later. Nice to have cell phones! We were impressed by the flowers planted in the middle of the sidewalks. There is a way to get this lion to "call" you but I couldn't figure it out on my tracfone! With thanks to a wonderful volunteer at the front desk, and the computer, I was able to locate all of the John Singer Sargent works on display. Also a Sorolla! AI is huge and some areas can be reached by certain elevators. This was true of the American section (Pink area on the plan: http://www.artic.edu/sites/default/files/AIC_visitor_guide.pdf  ).  Here's Sorolla. I forgot to take a photo--took this from online. It is large IRL! S in her apartment! It took about an hour
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Day 3 - Cultural Center

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The Cultural Center was the original public library. It was built around Civil War times. The interior is simply beautiful. J and I cabbed there while K and S "hung". Another phone call is possible but this time from the cow.  The Tiffany Dome was above the original check out station. Walls throughout are engraved with educational names and quotes.  Pretty murals decorated the hallway as we walked toward the cupola. The  Healy and Millet  stained glass dome is another beauty. Thank goodness this building wasn't demolished (as planned) when a new library was built. J and D were entranced with this creative model for collective living Another section of models showing vertical collective living D loved the ceilings reflected in this all white model Another room of architectural ideas We all meet for lunch at Toni's- croque monsieu
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