A busy day in Chicago.

Today we awoke tired but game to spend the day in Chicago.  The plan was to start at the Art Institute, walk through Millennium Park, check out the Navy Pier, and maybe hit the Magnificent Mile.  Reservations were made at The Gage, a restaurant near the Art Institute.  After a less than wonderful meal, we walked to the CTA station, where the station clerk told us we should get a day pass.  However, he didn't sell them at the station (REALLY??), but we could go two blocks to the Jewel Osco and buy them there.  After sliding into every morning during our trip, we now had to book it to the store, buy the tickets, and book it back if we wanted to make the next train.  And-- we were totally successful!  The ride took us about an hour, and we walked to the Art Institute to start our journey.

One of the jewels of Chicago, the museum is gigantic!  Our plan was to take in the Lichtenstein exhibit and then look at a few individual pieces we wanted to see.  Both of us had waves of tiredness at different times during our tour -  too old to stay up late and then walk around in the heat, I guess.
Nancy brought her BIG MAMU camera, so she took some arty shots as we walked along, and I took some pictures of her taking some pictures...

We saw the Chagall windows that were created specifically for the city of Chicago - gorgeous!

After the Lichtenstein exhibit, we spent way too much time trying to locate the third floor to see a specific Picasso painting, and when we finally found it -- it was REMOVED.  Oh well.  There were lots of other cool paintings in that section, though, so it was okay. 

Picasso

Dali

Magritte

 

 We also had a light lunch and looked at a sorta weird exhibit of fashion and photography.

Across the street from the Institute is the delightful Millennium Park, replete with a little stream set up specifically for feet dangling! 

Note the people sitting on the right - their shoes are off, and their feet are in the water!

What a fun thing to do on a hot summer day!

Since we hadn't had a death march since State College and trudging to the Creamery, it was time to embark on another long walk...unfortunately, this one didn't end with incredible ice cream.  Our goal was the Navy Pier that featured a ferris wheel (first invented for a world's fair presented in Chicago in 1893, we think; you will remember it from Larson's Devil in the White City).  We could SEE the pier but getting there was another very confusing and frustrating story.  We finally stopped some kind woman on the street who directed us, but because the way to the pier was long and the sky looked threatening, we opted for a pleasant walk along the Chicago riverwalk.  At the end of the walk and in dire need of refreshment, we stopped for coffee and rejuvenation.  We then ambled along Michigan Avenue, a major shopping area, and finally stopped for a pleasant small meal at the Grand Lux Cafe.  By this time, we were fading fast so we hopped on the CTA train and wended our way back to Evanston.  Still gluttons for punishment, we headed off for another walk to a local froyo establishment - our enticement.  Energized by our treat, we headed off in the direction of Northwestern University for a leisurely walk in the waning light. 

Back at the hotel, we settle in for more Olympics hoping little Gabby makes all-around in Women's Gymnastics.