Washington, D.C

Took a quick trip over to DC to see our nation's capital, the monuments and museums.

First night there I ventured down to the National Mall. Loved seeing the monuments all lit up at night.

The Capital

Washington Monument
Usually they have tours here, but due to the earth quake that hit the East Coast a few months ago they are currently fixing some structural damage.

World War II Memorial
I particularly liked the way this one looked when lit up at night

And of course who could forget good ol' Honest Abe

Lincoln Memorial

Of course also saw the sights in the day light. Here are the memorials for the Vietnam and Korean Wars.

I enjoyed walking around the "Mall" even though the weather could have been nicer.

Also went to Pennsylvania Ave to see the White House.

DC also has a lot of museums which are free! I managed to make it to the Holocaust museum, Natural History Museum,and Air and Space museums

There is definitely a lot more museums to see and even more in the museums that I did make it to.

My Hotel was right near China town with lots of restaurants and shops near by. I even figured out the "Metro"

A pink building and interesting architecture

Night time in DC

Was able to meet up briefly with my cousin. Next time will have to go when the weathers a little nicer.

Chicago, Illinois

Ventured over to the "Windy City", which by the way is the 11th windiest city in the country. Other reasons for the name- politicians with long winded speeches and encouraging travelers to escape the heat and enjoy the breezes off lake Michigan.


Never realized how rough the waters of lake Michigan are!

Chicago offers a variety of sculptures and art for one to explore. The one I was most familiar with was cloud gate, but there were definitely other interesting pieces. Including the one that has faces of residents on it and then spews water every few minutes.


It's like "Where's Waldo?" Do you see me?


Wonder how one got chosen for this...

Had an opporunity to check out the Museum of Art. Which has both very beautiful and interesting pieces, plus I got in for free thanks to Bank of America.


Chicago's architecture is very different from other places that I have been. It seems that they have an anything goes policy here in that there are so many styles of architecture.



Did an architectural tour. Very interesting and fun. Would recommend any one who goes to Chicago to do this tour


Guess if you are going to be a city in the midwest you need a building that looks like a corn cob

Ventured over to Navy Pier which had lots of food and excitement. They have replaced the original 1890's world fair ferris wheel





Chicago is also the start of Route 66. I happened upon the sign indicating this while wandering around

Of course I had to go check out some of the night life. Went to a local Blues club called Buddy Guys



Buddy Guy was there performing that night which I hear is a rare and unusual treat



Also went to Second City, a improv and skit comedy club that has had many famous names walk through its doors including Alan Alda, Steve Martin, John Candy, Steve Carrell etc

Of course couldn't leave Chicago without trying some Chicago style deep dish pizza. Yum!



Great vacation!!! Will have to venture back at some point as there is definitely much more to see. Would like to say thanks to Janeen for taking time to show me around and Justin for coming to "Second City"