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.