LUNCH WITH FOREST GUMP

September 4, 2011  Dateline: Chicago, IL USA

As I had a day of rest I will let Rich write the blog today and tell you what he and Carol did----without me I might add.



Tiffany Glass



Rich here.  Carol and I started the day by going to the Navy Pier in Chicago.  The Pier was originally designed for shipping and recreation in 1916.  It was used by the military in World Wars I and II.  It is now loaded with shops, museums and other tourist attractions, including a 15 story Ferris wheel.   We were there early in the morning and it was already crowded with people.  It is a great attraction in the downtown of Chicago.  One of the museums on the Pier, the Smith Museum, featured stained glass.  The workmanship as you can see was just outstanding.  There were several windows that were done by Tiffany.



On the Pier there was a display of cars including some Fiats.  The one pictured below has a window sticker of $15,500.  I wonder if through Chrysler,  Fiat is going to try and bring their cars to the US again. At that price however they will be head to head with KIA and Hyundai and will be probably will not survive.

We stopped at the Bubba Gump’s Seafood Company for lunch.  Carol likes the restaurant and we always go there when we are in Ft Lauderdale, FL.  You will never guess who was the also having lunch ---- it was Forest Gump!!  He was having a hamburger so I guess the burgers are also good there.  The restaurant was busy and when we left it was time to head off for the architectural tour of the Chicago River front.

On our way to the tour boat we came across Marilyn Monroe, she was bigger than life.  There were people all around her having their pictures taken with her. 

The River front architectural tour was terrific. Because there are several companies that give these tours, the river is crowded with the tour boats.  The tour was 90 minutes long and the docent described many of the important buildings that you saw.  This picture shows a total life building called Marina city.  At river level you could park your boat, above that is shops and places to work, above that is a parking garage and finally above that is living space.  Since the building is round your apartment is pie shaped. When you enter your apartment it is 9 feet wide and at the balcony wall it is 23 feet wide. Imagine parking your car in this building.  The Bob Newhart Show was filmed in one of these apartments.

Football fans are just that, FANS.  I am not sure if this car is a fan’s car or if it is trying to advertise what’s going to happen to the Chicago Bears, you figure it out.

Tomorrow it’s on to Clinton, Iowa to visit more of the ancestors of the Scott family that ventured west from Boonton Township many years ago. We’ll also being doing some sightseeing in Chicago along the way.  Maybe find President Obama’s home ???