There is nothing like an unexpected trip to add a little spice!  My job suddenly needed me to travel to Chicago for a presentation for one of the studios.  So here I am, trying to stay warm in my hotel room in Chicago.  It's my first time here and there is so much that I want to see. 

Those of you that I talked to yesterday know that I had a very early flight this morning.  As a result, I decided not to go to bed at all.  I managed to sleep about three hours on the flight, but it's 9PM here and I'm fading fast.  Just wanted to get some pictures posted for you, dear readers.  So to begin with, here's my hotel room.

I decided to first walk down to the Navy Pier.  There's some very interesting art in the park on the way there.

It's pretty cool, though I'm sure it's much better later at night and when it's warm.  The temperature here has been mid to low forties, but it's dropping rapidly.  And the Pier catches quite a bit of the wind off the lake, so it's even colder. 

Being a glutton for punishment, I decided to take a boat tour up the cost.  Luckily the boat had a heated room where you could pop in and warm up.  While the "tour" was pretty much just views of the city for about 45 minutes, it was well worth it.  I got some amazing shots of the city. 

the color difference between the iPhone and my Canon makes for some beautiful shots

All the lights on the Pier started coming on as I decided it was time to find somewhere fun to eat an early dinner.

I have to say that Chicago is a beautiful city at night.  And while I don't consider myself a student of architecture, I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of beautiful buildings.  Some just don't look like they should be here in an American city.

I'm planning on getting an early start tomorrow.  First will be the Field Natural History Museum.  Sue the T-Rex and mummies here I come!  After that will be the Art Institute.  I fully expect to lose myself amongst the art for hours.  Good night everyone!