overlooking Lake Michigan

Chicago, Illinois - USA

From atop the Willis Tower looking out on Lake Michigan.  Yep, it's only a lake!

Willis Tower? Sears Tower?

Chicago, Illinois - USA

The Willis Tower, formerly named the Sears Tower, was the tallest building in the world between the years 1973 to 1998.  Go up and have a look at the view from the 108th floor!

 

artistic touches everywhere

Chicago, Illinois - USA

at the foot of the John Hancock building...

skyscrapers along the river

Chicago, Illinois - USA

The Chicago River originally flowed into Lake Michigan, but due to high levels of pollution and the water supply being threatened, it was decided to reverse the flow of the river by building a series of canals.  This river eventually connected with the Illinois River which in turn connected with the Mississippi River flowing all the way to the Gulf of Mexico.  The Chicago River turned out to become an important link between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River Valley.

cloud mirrors

Chicago, Illinois - USA

Chicago offers a vast array of architectural styles...

Corncob towers on State Street

Chicago, Illinois - USA

These peculiar looking buildings, called Marina City, overlooking the Chicago River occupy an entire city block.  They were the first constructions in the United States to be buildt with tower cranes.

Chicago River Cruise

Chicago, Illinois - USA

I highly suggest taking a cruise on the Chicago River with the Chicago Architecture Foundation.  It's a great way to appreciate the amazing architecture that can be found in this great city.

 

Make Life One Long Weekend!

Chicago, Illinois - USA

Oak Street Beach in downtown Chicago.
 

Marina City

Chicago, Illinois - USA

Architect Gertrand Goldberg designed these twin towers called Marina City.  These residential/commercial use buildings are unique due to the parking on the lower level as well as a small marina on the Chicago River at the foot of the buildings.

Chicago River

Chicago, Illinois - USA

Chicago's Riverwalk is full of fun things to do!  You can watch people kayaking or get out there yourself!  The Riverwalk is a great way to see Chicago and its amazing architecture!

 

Chicago Riverwalk

Chicago, Illinois - USA

Pedestrians can enjoy a pleasant walk along the Chicago River in the heart of the city.  One thing to be said about Chicago is that it is constantly undergoing new projects to make the city more attractive.  Plans have recently been made to extend this walk to go further along the river.

Lake Point Tower

Chicago, Illinois - USA

This 70 story residential building sits along the shoreline of Lake Michigan in downtown Chicago.  The iconic building to its right is the John Hancock Center with 100 floors.

Navy Pier

Chicago, Illinois - USA

Five piers were meant to be built, but only one saw the light of day.

 

Chicago and Navy Pier

Chicago, Illinois - USA

Navy Pier was built in 1916, but was originally used as a cargo facility for lake freighters.  Over time use diminished and it became used more as a public gathering space.  In 1990 major renovation took place and today we can enjoy many food kiosks, restaurants, a Ferris wheel, an IMAX theatre, the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, the Chicago Children's Museum, to just name a few.

I highly suggest jumping on the ferry that goes back and forth between Navy Pier and the Shedd Aquarium to see the wonderful skyline views of Chicago.

Chicago's shoreline

Chicago, Illinois - USA

Here's another angle of Chicago and its shorline...

 

Chicago, Chicago!

Chicago, Illinois - USA

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, thanks to Montgomery Ward and a number of other people, ordinances were put in place restricting development of lakefront property.  Because of this, Chicago has a long stretch of parks and green spaces all along Lake Michigan, creating perfect areas for Chicagoans and visitors alike to enjoy the beauty of this great city!

architecture, design and art

Chicago, Illinois - USA

Millennium Park is the place to be if you are an admirer of architecture, landscape design, green spaces and art.  So many cultural activities are carried out here including concerts, exhibitions and more - all surrounded by the vast Lake Michigan shoreline and Chicago's amazing architecture!

Buckingham Fountain

Chicago, Illinois - USA

Buckingham Fountain, designed by Edgar H. Bennett, was inspired by a fountain at the Palace of Versailles and was meant to represent Lake Michigan with four sea horses surrounding it, each one symbolizing the four states that border Lake Michigan:  Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan and Indiana.

Lands' End

San Francisco, California - USA

The Lands' End Trail is part of the California Coastal Trail.  I suggest doing this if you are ever in San Francisco.  You have some breathtaking views all along the way!

tallest building in SF

San Francisco, California - USA

The Transamerica Pyramid can be spotted from many angles of the city.  Here it can be seen from a street of Chinatown.

cables in the Castro

San Francisco, California - USA

The Castro, one of the first gay neighborhoods in the U.S., continues to be a prominent symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender activism and events.

 

Alamo Square

San Francisco, California - USA

Alamo Square sits high on a hill overlooking downtown San Francisco and is a place where many people gather to enjoy a lazy afternoon.  Many Victorian houses line this park on all sides creating a beautiful backdrop.

 

yet another mural...

San Francisco, California - USA

Balmy Alley murals in the Mission District of San Francisco

more murals

San Francisco, California - USA

Balmy Alley murals in the Mission District of San Francisco

Mission District murals

San Francisco, California - USA

This mural honors the great painters, Friday Kahlo, and her husband, Diego Rivera, as well as other important figures from Latin America.

so many murals

San Francisco, California - USA

Murals on Balmy Alley in the Mission District of San Francisco

Balmy Alley

San Francisco, California - USA

Many murals can be seen throughout the Mission District of San Francisco.  Balmy Alley, in particular, contains the most concentrated collection of murals.  These murals initiated in the 1980s as an expression of artists' outrage over what was happening with human rights and political abuses in Central America.  Murals can be found on garage doors, walls, gates or whatever area is possible.  Today the murals are constantly changing and range from a variety of issues.  I highly recommend walking around this colorful and vibrant multi-cultural neighborhood.  It's definitely worth your time.

San Francisco Bay

San Francisco, California - USA

San Francisco Bay and its impressive skyline...  The brown dome-like structure that stands out is the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre.

iconic bridge

San Francisco, California - USA

Yep, it's the top of the Golden Gate Bridge!
 

California Coastal Trail

San Francisco, California - USA

The California Coastal Trail is a great way to spend your sunny day walking along the California coastline.  Here in the picture is Baker Beach.

Ocean Beach in SF

San Francisco, California - USA

Ocean Beach, forming part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, is popular among serious surfers.