Crazy, just like me...
I finally got 44 of the 215 photos I took of the Chicago Architectural Boat Tour posted on Flickr. Yes, it was Chicago and I had a camera in hand, would you expect any less of me? I'm just happy I bought a 1 GB card out in California or I would've risked running out of space. I hate when that happens.
Suffice it to say, we had a blast and I highly recommend this cruise to anyone who lives in or just visits this great city. You learn a lot about the city's history and the sights are second to none. And at about $25 per person for a little over an hour (there are options for more expensive cruises), it's very reasonable. That, alone, shocked the hell out of me.
Flags on the bridge crossing the Chicago River on Michigan Avenue
I wanted to bring attention to the fact that some asshole developer decided to build a parking structure that would eventually completely cover this beautiful humpback whale mural by the famed painter Wyland. Just not right.
This water jet caused our tour boat to be delayed by about five minutes. I was fine with it because our guide really knew her stuff and gave us a rundown on different architectural styles the whole time. She never ran out of useful information for us.
Yes, this is the building that Bill Rancic, the first winner of The Apprentice, is working on as his job with Trump Enterprises.
Just a shot of one of the most beautiful skylines in the world capped off with the Sears Tower (the one with the two white antennae).
I don't remember the name of the building, but it's at the corner where Wacker Drive turns east and it had a great reflection of buildings across the river.
Jenny (silver) and Katie (pink) in their new Crocs. Sorry Neil.
A sculpture of some sea captain outside Navy Pier.
Looking over at Navy Pier from beside the captain.
Katie's Build-A-Bear being stuffed.
The finished product.
A bird in a tree outside McDonald's at Navy Pier. Note the ferris wheel in the background. Entirely unintentional, but it worked out quite nicely. So let's pretend I didn't admit it was an accident and that I was gunning for exactly this shot, okay?
The U.S., Illinois, and Chicago flags across the street from the AON Building (formerly the Standard Oil Building).
The Bean (or "Cloudgate," whatever) at Millennium Park. What trip to Chicago would be complete without a picture of El Beano?
The orangutan sculpture in Daley Plaza. I really like this thing but cannot explain why.
If you would like to view the whole album on Flickr, here you go...
A city whose main attraction isn't the strip malls? Wow. I love Chicago, we've always had the best time there. We missed The Bean when we were there last, we didn't think it was a must see. Apparently we were wrong.
So Bill Rancic is busy building a part of Chicago's skyline while the woman who won season two is making brownies for the Miss Universe competition. I'm sure it has nothing to do with gender.
Posted by: Brandon | Monday, 04 September 2006 at 05:25 PM
I love that tour; took it a few times. The last time was at sunset.
That bear is adorable! Mind if I ask how much something like that costs?
Posted by: nicole | Monday, 04 September 2006 at 05:49 PM
That Bean thing is really interesting. And I assume that's a Halloween bear.
Posted by: Dagny | Monday, 04 September 2006 at 06:01 PM
I've taken an architectural cruise once, but would love to do it again. We made the mistake of getting there late, and got stuck on the lower deck, where it's a bit more difficult to see.
Great photos - looks like you had a blast!
Posted by: jenny | Monday, 04 September 2006 at 07:01 PM
You take great pics.
I'm with Neil on the Crocs; I think that Karl is with me on this one too ;).
But people rolled their eyes at me when I wore Jelly Shoes in the 80's so what can we do but roll with it, baby?
Posted by: Hilly | Monday, 04 September 2006 at 09:23 PM
Gorgeous photos, Kevin. And yeah, nay on the Crocs.
Posted by: Karl | Monday, 04 September 2006 at 10:40 PM
Hey, great pix! I am actually planning to go on such a boat tour this weekend with the folks - is there a particular tour provider you'd recommend?
Posted by: *lynne* | Tuesday, 05 September 2006 at 06:45 AM
Well thanks for sharing whilst it's still visible. Bloody developers!
Posted by: John | Tuesday, 05 September 2006 at 06:47 AM
Brandon, brownies for Miss Universe? Are you serious? Yikes.
Nicole, they have some nighttime tours that end with fireworks as well. That's something we want to do. The bear was only $15. For a limited edition and considering the prices of their other bears, that's not bad at all.
Dagny, yep, a Halloween bear indeed. A limited edition actually.
Jenny, if you use the tour company I linked up in the beginning of the post, they have single-level boats only.
Hilly and Karl, Jen was firmly against them, too. Until she tried them on. They said they are the most comfortable pieces of footwear they've ever worn. Seems weird to think about. But they claims it's true.
lynne, the one I link in the beginning of this post is very good. Single level boats so you don't have to worry about not seeing and you get a $5 discount if you order online.
John, you're welcome. I wasn't sure if anyone really knew this was happening and I had to point it out. I have always loved that mural and am sad to see this happening to it.
Posted by: kapgar | Tuesday, 05 September 2006 at 07:01 AM
We have a Wyland painting as you head into downtown Cleveland. I think it's called Song of the Whales. Love your pictures.
Posted by: jacquie | Tuesday, 05 September 2006 at 07:30 AM
great shots. i love the bird one. looks like a fun time. :)
Posted by: ms. sizzle | Tuesday, 05 September 2006 at 09:32 AM
Jacquie, I'm sure you do. While out in SF, the Wyland gallery had a poster listing all the murals done he's done worldwide. There are a ton of them. Thanks.
Sizzle, thanks. It truly was a blast.
Posted by: kapgar | Tuesday, 05 September 2006 at 10:27 AM
I went on the tour when it was foggy and freezing in a February and I still had fun... Steven and I actually just gave tickets to his parents to go on Wednesday. I hope it is a success for them too!
Posted by: kilax | Tuesday, 05 September 2006 at 11:12 AM
cool shots.
I confess build-a-bear stores have always seemed a little creepy to me with their empty bear skins.
Posted by: claire | Tuesday, 05 September 2006 at 03:12 PM
Kilax, let me know what they think about the tour.
Claire, they do kinda freak me out, too. But the finished product and the actual process (minus the seeming violation of animal body cavities) make up for it.
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