Choo choo!

I'm not sure what a train has to do with Christmas, but I love the way European cities go all out with the decorations at this time of year. I found this bright train on the Ku'damm in Berlin. Photo taken in December 2012.

Gruesse aus Berlin!

Santa's a smart man and was able to find my stocking even here in Berlin. Merry Christmas!! Photo taken in December 2012.

Man with fish

Unfortunately, I couldn't find any information about this sculpture on the internet. I found it along the water in Kopenick, just outside Berlin. Photo taken in April 2012.

Saint Laurentius

It's back to Berlin! This is the Saint Laurentius Church in Koepenick - a town on the outskirts of Berlin. I love the red brick against the blue sky and the spindly trees made for some interesting shadows. Saint Laurentius is a Protestant place of worship, named for Saint Lawrence of Rome. Photo taken in April 2012.

The happy couple

At the end of wedding ceremony, the newly wedded couple did their best to make a quick getaway. A difficult task with all the well-wishers and photographers present! Photo taken in August 2012.

Man on a white horse

Our reason for the trip to Chicago was for a wedding. Here's a look at the groom arriving at the wedding site on a white horse. Luckily the bride's parents were sufficiently impressed and the wedding was on. As you can see, there was lots of dancing and celebration. Photo taken in August 2012.

Pastor's bench

The pastor of the First United Methodist Church in Chicago has living quarters just below the skychapel. He was kind enough to allow us to take a look at the view from his balcony. I find the idea of having a private balcony on top of a church spire rather funny. I also liked this bench, although it appears that one of the other visitors was looking through the pastor's bins! Photo taken in August 2012.

Details

The main images in the stained glass windows tell the story of Methodism. The other smaller images are apparently important symbols in Christianity. The guide explained that the peacock is an important symbol to the Eastern Orthodox church, but I don't remember the significance. Photo taken in August 2012.

Inside the chapel

The Skychapel is pretty small, so it was hard to get an overall photo of the space. But here's a look at one of the supporting beams with the beautiful stained glass behind it. I'll show more details of the stained glass tomorrow. Photo taken in August 2012.

The view

And here's a look at the view from the Sky Chapel. A fantastic view and hard to believe you're really in a chapel so high up! Our guide told us that the main use of the chapel is for small wedding ceremonies. I'd say the place could only hold 20 - 25 people comfortably, but it is a special place and perfect for a wedding or other special occasion. Photo taken in April 2012.

Jesus over Chicago

One of the main features of the Sky Chapel is this woodwork carving of Jesus weeping over the city of Chicago. The whole work was carved from a single piece of wood. There is another work by the same artist in the ground floor chapel of Jesus weeping over Jerusalem, but I think the Chicago work is more special. Photo taken in August 2012.

Sky chapel

The most spectacular thing about the First United Methodist Church in Chicago is a tiny little chapel in the bell tower of the building. My husband and I just happened to walk by this building 15 minutes before the daily tour was scheduled, so it was just a lucky coincidence that we got to see this special place. This sign was on one of the upper floors before we actually made it to the summit of the building. I'll show you some shots of the special details up there tomorrow. Photo taken in August 2012. For more signs, visit Signs, Signs.

Art Deco details

Before I take you further inside the First United Mehodist Church, I'll take you outside. Here's a look at some of the lovely art deco details that greet you at the entrance. Photo taken in August 2012.

Angels we have heard on high

This beautiful stained glass window comes from the First United Methodist Church of Chicago. The church was actually the city's first skyscraper and was attended by one of Chicago's first families, the Walgreens. I'll be showing you more of this house of worship all week. Photo taken in Augusst 2012.

Refreshing

You'll find this refreshing fountain in the same plaza as the Chicago Picasso. It looks like a great place to dip your toes. In fact, I'm sure I saw a few dippers while I was there. Photo taken in April 2012.

Newer reflections

I believe this "side" entrance to the Art Institue must have been added in the not-so-distant past as I don't recall this part of the building from when I was a child. I love the modern look of it with all the steel and glass, and it makes for some great reflections. If you'd like to see more of them visit Weekend Reflections. Photo taken in August 2012.

Eagle

An up-close look at one of the flagpoles in the sculpture garden at the Chicago Institute of Art. Photo taken in April 2012.

Guarded doorway

A look at the front entrance to the Chicago Art Institute. My grandparents lived in Chicago and I spent many summers exploring the wonderful art here. If you're in Chicago, it's definitely worth a visit. Photo taken in August 2012.

People watching

There are great spots in any big city for people watching. Here's another one in Chicago. There were plenty of people enjoying the nice weather at a sidewalk cafe when I was visiting. And I especially love those bright parasols! Photo taken in August 2012.



Happy non-Labor Day to all my North American friends! Hope you're out and enjoying it.

Bridge

Another look at the Gehry designed bridge at the Millenium Park in Chicago. I really love exploring this place with my camera. Photo taken in August 2012.

Beany reflections

Anyone who's been to Chicago knows the "Bean". It's a great place for people-watching and reflections! I especially like it from this angle because I got the skyline in the shot too! Photo taken in August 2012. For more reflections, visit Weekend Reflections.

Gift horse

Chicago really has quite a lot of wonderful public art - you'll find this sculpture in Daley Plaza. The locals affectionately know the cubist horse as the Chicago Picasso. The artist gifted the work to the city, despite their offer of more than $100,000 for it. I rather like it and the reflective building behind it makes a nice backdrop. Photo taken in August 2012.

Moore's form

This is one piece of sculpture that you would see in the Art Institute of Chicago's north wing of the sculpture garden. It's a piece by Henry Moore entitled Large Interior Form. It was a gift from the artist to the institute. I'd certainly accept a present like this - although I'm not sure what the neighbors would think! Photo taken in August 2012.

Sculpture garden

The sculpture garden at the Chicago Museum of Art is a wonderful place for a little rest and relaxation in the midst of the city. It's also free and open to the public! I'll show you a few of the works later this week. Photo taken in August 2012.

Confidential to my sister: Happy birthday!!!

Four seasons and a fountain

You'll find the Four Seasons mosaic mural gracing the Chase Tower Plaza in downtown Chicago. The work is by famed artist Marc Chagall and was gifted to the city by collector Frederick Prince back in the 1970s. It's a nice colorful piece that adds more beauty to an already beautiful city! Photo taken in August 2012. For more murals, take a look at Mural Mondays.

BP bridge

It's unfortunate that so many elements of the Millennium Park are named for big business. But I suppose it's worth it since their money did basically save this project from ruin. The BP Bridge is another work of Frank Gehry, it links up Grant Park and Lake Michigan to the Millennium Park proper. You can't really see it well in this photo, but it's made up of thousands of folded pieces of stainless steel. It's quite the architectural masterpiece! Photo taken in August 2012. For more bridges, visit Sunday Bridges. 

Palmer House lobby

It's hard to get a really good shot inside the lobby of the Palmer House hotel, so please excuse the lack of precise focus. I just wanted to show how grand of a waiting area it is. 

Everything seems to be bathed in a golden light and there's so much detail on the walls and ceiling. If you're in Chicago, it's worth a peek inside! Photo taken in August 2012.

Cloudy skyline

We drove into Chicago on the famous Lakeshore Drive. A few miles before you get into the city proper, there is a nice beach area which gives a great view on the skyline. It was windy and a bit chilly in the morning when I took this shot, but those clouds burned off later in the day. Photo taken in August 2012. For more skies, visit Skywatch.

Milennium masterpiece

There is no mistaking this pavilion as the work of Frank Gehry! I love his work and Jay Pritzker Pavilion is in his classic style. 

Here's a look at the symphony and chorus who were rehearsing while I was there. The acoustics are also wonderful. So it's beautiful and functional! Photo taken in August 2012.

Peacock doorway

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This opulent doorway is not used anymore, but if you go to either side of it, you'll find yourself in the main lobby of the historic Palmer House Hotel in downtown Chicago. The hotel is now part of the Hilton chain, but that's okay with me since they have kept this gem in perfect condition. It's a treat even just to sit in the lobby and soak up all the atmosphere! Photo taken in August 2012.

Milennium red

I don't think it gets much redder than this! These are the stadium chairs inside the Millennium amphitheater. The outdoor venue was designed by Frank Gehry - one of my favorite architects. I'll show you an overview of the performance space later this week. We were lucky enough to catch one of the symphony choirs rehearsing for an upcoming concert. A wonderful way to spend a few moments in the afternoon. Photo taken in August 2012. 

For more red, hop over to Ruby Tuesday.

Street art

The city of Chicago knows how to do things right. Like these wonderful pieces of public art. You'll find a multitude of these colorful designs in Millennium Park. It's the heart of the city - not to be missed! Photo taken in August 2012.

Sarnia crossing

On my latest trip to the US from Canada, my husband and I tried a new crossing. This is the bridge from Sarnia, Ontario to Port Huron, Michigan. There was not a lot of traffic and the border guards were friendlier than most. Photo taken in August 2012. For more bridges, take a look at Sunday Bridges.

Contemplating

It looks like this man is deciding what to do next! There's so much to see in Rio, I certainly don't blame him. This will be my last look at the Botanical Garden in Rio de Janiero. Photo taken in December 2006.

Bright beauty

There's no stopping the blooming at the Botanical Gardens of Rio! Here's a bright orchid to get your weekend off to a good start. Photo taken in December 2006. To see more blooms, take a look at Floral Fridays.

Bright blossoms

Another look at some of the floral delights from the Botanical Gardens in Rio de Janeiro. Photo taken in December 2006.

Lily pads

A look at the beautiful lily pads of the botanical gardens in Rio de Janeiro. It's a wonderful place to visit! Photo taken in December 2006.

Hot, hot, hot!

A chili pepper mosaic found in the streets of Rio. Not necessarily what you'd expect to see, but a welcome sight. Photo taken in December 2006. For more red, take a trip to Ruby Tuesday.

Cristo do Redentor

A look at the famous art deco style Jesus that watches over the city of Rio. You can't miss it! Photo taken in December 2006.

Multi-colored

This colorful display of nations greets you at the entrance to the train that takes you up the Corcovado to see the Cristo Redentor at the top. I thought today would be a good day to post this shot as the Olympics also brings so many diverse nations together. I think the games were definitely a success! Photo taken in December 2006.

On the program

A close-up look at the posters posted on and around Rio's Theatro Municipal. I'd still love to see inside this beautiful structure. Photo taken in December 2006.

Grand doorway

 

The beautiful main entrance to the Theatro Municipal in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. What a gorgeous city with so much fantastic architecture. I would have loved to see the inside, but that gives me a reason to go back! Photo taken in December 2006.

Bringing in the catch

A look at the day's catch on the beach of Maracajau, Brazil. I'd love to go back to this wonderful country. Until then, I have wonderful memories. Photo taken in January 2007.

Futbol

A colorful mural depicting one of Brazil's most popular pastimes - futbol! I love the action and the bright colors. Photo taken in December 2006. Check out Monday Murals for more wall art from around the world.

Colored light

The cathedral of Rio de Janeiro is a must-see sight. It's such an unusual looking building from the outside, but once you're inside it's an amazing world of colored light. Photo taken in December 2006.

Colors flying

Flags flying on the pool patio of the Le Meridien hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Photo taken in December 2006.

Bikes and a window

Bikes just waiting for their riders in the Hackesche Hofe of Berlin. Photo taken in April 2012.

Sun and shadows

The big beautiful windows inside the Kopenick palace made this porcelain gallery light up! What a lovely place this was to visit. Photo taken in April 2012. If you like shadows, take a look at Shadow Sundays.