Up, Up and away!

I have amassed a small collection of interesting photographs from my recent travels. Being a very frequent visitor to several different airports, I've come to appreciate the art and decor inside them. These go a long way to enhance your (short-lived, but sometimes looong) layovers before boarding. 


This photo doesn't do this sculpture justice. It's called "Brushstrokes in Flight" by  Roy Lichtenstein (American pop artist) at CMH. On a side note, Port Columbus, is well known for displaying community art. Always makes for a pleasant visit home!

A very large dino skeleton from the Field Museum and a replica of Butch O'Hare's famed fighter jet both call ORD (O'Hare) home. 

A dining table with Seat Belt Chairs from "the Hunger Games". The makers, Phillips Collection, are actually from High Point, NC. Fitting to be in the GSO airport (Piedmont Triad International).  

P.S. Made this photo collage with "Pic Stitch"

You can't NOT stop and take a picture of these. Fishes of the sea arranged in circles. I think I see a school of tuna fish! (from none other than MIA-Miami International Airport!)

A Nature Break

I've been staying with a friend in the wonderful state of North Carolina for the past couple of days. My first extended stay in the Mid-Atlantic states! In my mind, NC is lush, green and spacious. Boy was I right! There is still lots of green winter grass on the ground, the temperature is moderate and the silence around here is eerily comforting. A few mini-moments from our nature walk this past week in Bur-Mill Park (including a special sighting!):

Suburban houses nestled within Bur-Mil Park

No lush green leaves on the trees but isn't this path endless? 

I just loved this vantage point of Lake Brandt. 

And one of its local residents-the Great Blue Heron!

Owls Roost Trail- considered a path for advanced mountain biking!

Chicago-land

I spent the past week celebrating the holidays with my family in Chicago. Indeed, the one and only Windy City. The chill of the lake effect hits you full frontal in the downtown areas of the city. Brought back from great memories of the times I was at Northwestern summer camp. We would be rewarded with trips to the "city" and frequently visiting Water Tower Place and walked the "Magnificient Mile." Of course, a few things have changed too.... keep reading to see more pictures!.

Chinatown meats...very much the same. The ducks glistening with  bbq sauce, a nice sight for hungry eyes. 

The Art Institute of Chicago (http://www.artic.edu/). The lion reminds me of the greeters that sit in front of the New York Public Library.

We had to make a visit to Millenium park, home of the famous metallic"Bean."

The one word that I would use to describe Chicago is "strong."  The city is largely architecturally homogenous, composed of steel buildings reminiscent of NYC Midtown. It's no wonder that its other nickname is "The City of the Big Shoulders," a show of appreciation for the Midwestern grunt that was used to build such a marvelous place. 

The one thing that did change... the Sears Tower is no longer named such! Now known as the Willis Tower, after its highest bidder. Naturally, native Chicagoans are NOT pleased.